Each member of our team brings a unique blend of expertise, experience, and passion to the art of historical swordsmanship and modern fencing. From the strategic depths of HEMA to the exhilarating challenge of competitive fencing, our instructors are not just skilled practitioners, but also dedicated teachers.
Aurora (she/her)
Aurora embarked on her martial arts journey at the age of 16 with Taekwondo, where she quickly developed a passion for sparring and the intricate strategic elements of combat. She then discovered Jeet Kune Do, an art form that harmonizes various martial arts into a unified conceptual framework. It was the historical martial arts, particularly the art of the longsword, that captured her heart next. Her background in JKD instilled in her a philosophy of distilling practice to its foundational elements, an approach that has greatly enriched her study of Fiore.
Aurora adopts a holistic perspective, focusing on principles that can be applied broadly to create a robust martial arts practice applicable in any situation. Her strategies, honed over 20 years of martial arts experience, have been tested and proven in numerous sparring sessions and competitive bouts, even against larger opponents. As a teacher, Aurora customizes her strategies to meet the unique needs of each student, empowering them to excel and shine in their martial arts journey.
David (he/him/they/them)
David (he/him/they/them) epitomizes the modern-day swashbuckler, reminiscent of characters straight out of classic literature. With over two decades of swordplay experience, David not only plays with swords but imparts his extensive knowledge through teaching historical swordsmanship and modern sport fencing, specializing in épée.
A formidable competitor, David has garnered numerous accolades in longsword, military sabre, and modern sport fencing. His skill has earned him a multitude of awards and medals, both in domestic and international arenas.
Beyond the world of fencing, David's life is as adventurous as his swordsmanship. He is a skilled fire-eater, a regular in glamorous social circles, and a frequenter of the most scandalous parties. David aspires to live a life so extraordinary that, if chronicled in a book, it would be the kind that bigots would dare to burn.
Ian (he/him)
Ian first encountered the world of historical martial arts at the Linacre School of Defence in Oxford, UK, during the summer of 2000. Since then, Ian has dedicated himself to mastering the sword arts of the long 18th and 19th centuries. His focus extends beyond just the weapons systems; he delves into their broader historical significance as well. Over the first two decades of this century, Ian has both demonstrated and lectured at various historical re-enactments, sharing his knowledge and passion with an increasingly wide audience.
In the 2010s, Ian played a supporting role in the living history project Hoplologia, leading a study group that focused on the early modern era. Since the onset of the 2020s, he has been an integral part of Toronto Historical Combatants. Here, Ian continues his journey, inspiring a new generation of martial artists with the thrilling art of 19th-century military sabre fencing.
Kimberleigh (they/them)
Kimberleigh (they/them), known for their distinctive approach as a "Fiorist with a flair," embraced the world of Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) in the spring of 2010 while residing in Vancouver, BC. Since returning to their hometown of Toronto, Ontario, Kimberleigh has been imparting the art of Armizare, as taught by Fiore dei Liberi, at various international HEMA events and symposiums since 2014. A notable moment in their career was in 2016, when Kimberleigh clinched the bronze in Women’s Longsword at Swordsquatch in Seattle, Washington.
Kimberleigh's expertise extends beyond martial arts into the realm of fitness, where they work as an instructor and coach. They have a keen focus on catering to the specific fitness needs of HEMA practitioners. A significant aspect of their work is ensuring fitness accessibility, specializing in training clients who are disabled, managing chronic conditions, or athletes in recovery post-surgery or injury.
Passionate about movement and physical activity in all its forms, Kimberleigh's interests are not confined to the martial arts. When not wielding a sword or engaging in strength training, they can be found indulging in swimming, cycling, or dancing.