„HEMA bzw Kampfsport/-Kunst ist für mich der ultimative Weg zur Gegenwärtigkeit. Der Kopf wird frei, die Sinne geschärft, der Geist fokussiert und im Gleichgewicht. Für mich gibt es keine andere Tätigkeit, bei der ein Moment derartig transzendiert und pure Gegenwärtigkeit möglich wird.“

About the Workshop:

„I would like to explain the need of subtle fencing and subtlety in fencing. I often notice that fencers use too much force or fight too aggressively, especially in sparring. Fencing should/could be done with subtlety and finesse. In my school I always try to focus on when to use force (which is sometimes necessary), when to divert or redirect force, or not to use force at all and rather exploiting attack lines. Which is also seen in other martial arts. I would give several different techniques to give examples on how to perform and fence in that particular way.“

„For me fencing is about creativity, expression and play. While you are fencing you get to understand your opponent on a deeper level and they get to know you. To win, you must solve the puzzle that is your opponents strategy, that’s where the fun is.“

„Fechten ist die netteste Art einer Konversation ohne Sprechen“

„Historical fencing is an honest assessment of the time, thought and dedication invested by you and your training partners. By fencing with you, another person who understands your source material gains insights to your personality and life choices: They get to see you in a light cast by a long dead fencing master.“

„I founded the HEMA Messer Guild in 2016, largely due to my immense love for the weapon and, in no small part due the fact that I’m half-German, roping in the best people I knew who shared my passion for “peasant fencing”. I’m a firm believer and practitioner of bringing people together. When you share a love of something, coalescing is when beautiful things begin to happen.“