Head Instructor - Provost

Alexander began studying HEMA individually in 2006, and has trained in various martial arts since youth for well over 25 years. As a classical artist/painter his love for the arts and history found the perfect blend in historical fencing. Medieval history, chivalry and swordsmanship have been life-long passions. His primary focus of study has been the German longsword in the Liechtenauer tradition, but he also specializes in Italian Rapier and British Military Sabre. In 2013-15 while living in Slovakia he trained with Martin Fabian and his school Bratislavský šermiarsky spolok, this experience had a major impact on his HEMA training, methodology and pedagogical approach and was the impetus for founding NSHF with Chris upon his return. Alexander leads the Intermediate and Advanced classes in Longsword and other weapons. A strong advocate of competition, he regularly competes in tournaments and has medaled numerous times in Longsword, Single Rapier, Rapier & Dagger, Military Sabre and Messer competitions. He is currently ranked in the top 1% internationally in Longsword, Rapier & Dagger, Saber and Messer.

Co-Instructor - Junior Provost

Chris began his study of HEMA in 2011, and shortly thereafter met Alexander before co-founding NSHF. Swordsmanship has been a lifelong love, since childhood. In university, he fenced and competed in foil, epee and saber. Much of his HEMA focus has been on the early Germanic KDF sources in the Liechtenauer tradition. As a professional teacher, he places a great emphasis on effective teaching, coaching and pedagogy. Chris leads the Beginner’s program and classes. He is also a strong advocate of testing and pushing one’s limits through competition and has medaled multiple times in Longsword, Single Rapier and Rapier & Dagger events.

Longsword Coach

Donald began his HEMA training with NSHF in 2016. He has a background in MMA, taekwondo, boxing and BJJ, finally finding his martial passion with historical fencing. Donald is passionate about coaching and teaching others. He enjoys a wide range of disciplines including longsword, sword & buckler, rapier & dagger, messer and saber. Donald also serves as a volunteer firefighter and is in the TN Air National Guard. Donald has medalled multiple times in Longsword tournaments.

Longsword Coach

Gerard began training with NSHF in 2019. Since his youth, Gerard was drawn to the tales of heroes of old - Robin Hood, Hector of Troy, Leonidas of Sparta and ever since has been drawn to and cultivated the “warrior spirit”. With a very successful background in competitive paintball and archery, he began his HEMA journey and quickly distinguished himself through his hardwork and dedication. As much as he enjoys and excels at the physical side of fencing, he equally values the journey of self-development and sharing that with others in hopes of making a difference within the sport. Gerard has medal multiple times in longsword and rapier tournaments.

Longsword Coach

Tom began training with NSHF in 2019 and HEMA quickly became one of his favorite pursuits -enjoying the historical nature of the activity as well as the athleticism required to excel at it. Tom approaches his training from a holistic perspective with a strong focus on the mind-body connection. His primary focus has been KDF longsword and Italian rapier. He supplements his training with a focus on health, yoga, singing/music and other martial arts. Tom has medaled multiple times in rapier and longsword tournaments.

Fitness Coach

Logan began training with NSHF in 2021 and quickly found a new passion in historical fencing, blending his love for history and martial arts. He has medaled multiple times in longsword and rapier tournaments. With his enthusiasm for fitness and physical development, Logan regularly leads warm up and physical conditioning exercises, an important aspect of NSHF’s training.