Dr. Guy Windsor is a world-renowned instructor and a pioneering researcher of medieval and renaissance martial arts. He has been teaching the Art of Arms full-time since founding The School of European Swordsmanship in Helsinki, Finland, in 2001. His day job is finding and analysing historical swordsmanship treatises, figuring out the systems they represent, creating a syllabus from the treatises for his students to train with, and teaching the system to his students all over the world. Guy is the author of numerous classic books about the art of swordsmanship and has consulted on swordfighting game design and stage combat. He developed the card game, Audatia, based on Fiore dei Liberi's Art of Arms, his primary field of study. In 2018 Edinburgh University awarded him a PhD by Research Publications for his work recreating historical combat systems. When not studying medieval and renaissance swordsmanship or writing books Guy can be found in his shed woodworking or spending time with his family.
Get Them Moving: how to teach is now out!
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Hi! I hope this finds you well. I'm at home between trips, and the lovely Katie who normally formats and schedules my newsletters is away on a much-deserved holiday, so please excuse any irregularities as I create this announcement all by myself! This is just to let you know that my new book, Get Them Moving: how to teach historical martial arts is now available at the swordschool shop. It will go live on other platforms (Amazon, Barnes and Noble, etc etc.) in a few months, but you can get it now, here: https://swordschool.shop/collections/get-them-moving Here's the blurb: In
, I’ve distilled over twenty years of teaching experience into a comprehensive guide that’s as practical as it is motivational. Whether you’re stepping into the salle as an instructor for the first time or you’ve been teaching students for years, this book offers clear and actionable guidelines to improve outcomes for your students. From constructing effective lesson plans to overcoming the hurdle of imposter syndrome, I’ve laid out strategies and insights to elevate your teaching craft. Learn how to engage beginners with effective drills, run advanced classes, and how to incorporate the historical sources into your teaching.
This isn’t just a manual; it’s a mentorship in book form, designed to accompany you as you forge the next generation of martial artists. Ready to transform your practice into impactful teaching? Let’s begin. Here's a thought- you could get a copy for your historical fencing instructor... if they will take it as a friendly gesture, not a critique of their current skills! cheers, Guy |
Guy Windsor's Swordschool
Dr. Guy Windsor is a world-renowned instructor and a pioneering researcher of medieval and renaissance martial arts. He has been teaching the Art of Arms full-time since founding The School of European Swordsmanship in Helsinki, Finland, in 2001. His day job is finding and analysing historical swordsmanship treatises, figuring out the systems they represent, creating a syllabus from the treatises for his students to train with, and teaching the system to his students all over the world. Guy is the author of numerous classic books about the art of swordsmanship and has consulted on swordfighting game design and stage combat. He developed the card game, Audatia, based on Fiore dei Liberi's Art of Arms, his primary field of study. In 2018 Edinburgh University awarded him a PhD by Research Publications for his work recreating historical combat systems. When not studying medieval and renaissance swordsmanship or writing books Guy can be found in his shed woodworking or spending time with his family.
Hi! On March 17th 2001 I ran the first official class of what was then called “The School of European Swordsmanship, Helsinki”, or SESH, in a small room at the Olympic Stadium, in Helsinki, Finland. So today is our 25th birthday: happy birthday to us! Our classes were held in primary school sports halls: Training in Töölön Ala-aste koulu, 2001 And even outside, when the Finnish weather allowed: Training in Sibelius Park, Helsinki, May 2001 It's fair to say we've come a long way since then! To...
BOOKS PODCAST COURSES COMMUNITY BLOG Hi! I have two mysteries for you this week. First up, what is this? Hint: they come in pairs. The joint, in case you’re interested, is a wedged through-tenon. Not my favourite joint to cut, but this one came out ok. And secondly, this is the St. George Church in Hanover Square, London. Why, as historical martial artists, should we care? Answers by replying to this email… I’ll reveal them in a couple of weeks. I spent a day last week with my friend Sergio...
BOOKS PODCAST COURSES COMMUNITY BLOG Hi! It’s been a very good couple of weeks. I’ve hit two major milestones: my Angelo transcription is complete, which means I can start work on the actual fun stuff of interpretation, explanation, and training methods. Hurrah! And a top-secret project is on course to launch on the school’s 25th birthday, March 17th. It will be a free, gorgeous thing you can print at home, or get professionally printed. Should I say more? OK, here’s a hint: Yes! the...