ABOUT US
WHO PRACTICES SWORDFIGHTING?
People from all walks of life are taking up Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA). We have carpenters, machinists, doctors, educators, students, computer geeks, athletes...you name it among our ranks. Quite a few people have studied other martial arts prior to joining us but lots of folks are beginners. Our program is open to anyone over the age of 15 and you do not need to be in shape to begin though fitness is a strong aspect of our training.
Younger students will be considered on an individual basis. Kids will require permissions from their parents. it is often rewarding when parents and their kids practice together so if you are sitting with your kid, wishing that you could do something a little bit out of the ordinary that will be good for the both of you come and check us out.
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Practice is physical, thought provoking and often challenging. Swordfighters is a real martial art. As such we encourage forthrightness and personal responsibility for the consequences of your actions. A sword is a symbol of the capacity to act and a reminder that whoever wields the sword has a responsibility to use it wisely.
"Finding the center of strength within ourselves is in the long run the best contribution we can make to our fellow men." Rollo May
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Mike Panian
Instructor
Mike has been teaching martial arts for over 40 years. As a wrestling coach, karate teacher, and sword fighting instructor he has been watching people learn and grow through the martial arts for most of his adult life. He is the owner/instructor of Swordfighters as well as Martial Energy Works, an organization dedicated to supporting human growth and personal development through the martial arts.
We have sister schools...
Heading to Vancouver? Check out Academie Duello
Located in Vancouver, Academie Duello is ptobably the largest martial arts school in Canada with as many as 200 active students. Ever a source of support and information they are a centre of HEMA activity in the Lower Mainland. Go check them out!
And if you are in Seattle? Check out Lonin
Our connection with Lonin is rather remarkable and actually a bit of a long story. Suffice it to say that we became associated with Lonin because I had a bunch of interwoven and conovuted connections with the people of Lonin before I even knew they were a group! They are awesome and a cool ecclectic bunch.