We practice Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) and have been working out of both German and Italian Longsword sources (Ringeck, Danzig, Lew, MS 3227a, Mair, and Meyer for German, Vadi and Fiore for Italian). We also have classes featuring One-handed swords like the Rapier (Italian and Spanish), and also Two Weapons at the same time (such as Sword and Buckler). At a typical practice, we include warm ups, footwork and sword drills and games, a lesson rooted in one of our sources, and free play of one form or another, provided that the participants can convey a sufficient level of form, experience, and (especially) control. Above all, our goal is to train safely, and in earnest.
Meet the Team
-
John Knoch
Instructor/Founder
John was introduced to HEMA in 2009 via the Medieval Swordsmanship Club at Cal State Fullerton. That group quickly came to grow into the largest HEMA group in North America (Kron Martial Arts). He's been involved with and competing in tournaments since 2012 at the very first Socal Swordfight. While looking for a new group to train with in Florida, John partnered with Will to start Crossroads Swords. Since then, the group has expanded and John has continued to grow the community and bring sword people together in Central Florida.
-
Will Oaksmith
Instructor/Founder
Will has been studying martial arts since his teenage years, and added HEMA to his experience in 2012, under the instruction of Mike Cartier in South Florida. After a break of several years, he came back to HEMA in 2021 with the founding of Crossroads Swords in Central Florida. Since that time, HEMA has been his sole martial focus, with the vast majority of his training concentrated on the longsword. Will also enjoys harnessing his expertise as a designer and fabricator to create and improve HEMA protective gear.
-
Eric Lowe
Instructor
Eric has been doing HEMA for over ten years. He is the author of The Use of Medieval Weaponry and the founder of Swordwind Historical Swordsmanship in Charlotte, NC. Competing across the east coast, Eric has medaled in cutting, paired forms, and sparring tournaments. He teaches multiple weapons across German and Italian traditions, including the longsword, sword and buckler, sword and dagger, sword and cape, two swords, sword and shield, dagger, spear, spear and shield, bill, glaive, halberd, and poleaxe.
-
Alec Martinez
Instructor
Alec has instructed martial arts since 2009, having served as a coach in Muay Thai, MMA, Krav Maga, and a variety of systems in HEMA throughout his combat sports career. He has attained a Top 5 International Ranking in The Saber Legion's Standard and Exotic Sabers categories, with medals in Standard, Exotics, and Tag Team categories, and is the author of La Academia del Sable de Luz, a manual on the topic of the combat sport based around LED Saber.
-
Nathan Pumphery
Instructor
Current Charter Rep of The Saber Legion Florida, Former Olympic Sabre/Hema Coach at Swordmasters Fencing Club and Academy, Event Planner for the 2022 Sunshine State Games LED Saber Tournament Been involved in Modern Fencing sense 2016 with a heavy emphasis on Sabre that evolved to include Historical Saber in 2018. Medaled on two Modern Fencing Tournaments and hosted two hema tournaments under Swordmasters. Has been actively teaching the way of combat with LED Sabers sense 2017 under The Saber Legion. Has moderate experience teaching Longsword and Smallsword and has extensive experience teaching Saber, Singlestick, LED Saber, and most recently Spadroon.
-
Caleb DeWolf
Instructor
Caleb is relatively new to HEMA, but has been very passionate about learning and competing. It only took 2 major tournaments for him to take Gold in his division, and many have noticed his knack for understanding the most crucial components of fencing: Measure and Tempo. Caleb frequently advises on advanced techniques and concepts, while diving headfirst into new material, such as Italian Longsword. He even helped plan our current warm-ups! You’ll most often find him training hard for the next big tournament.
-
Robert Carson
New Student Instructor
Robert has been a practitioner of martial arts since 2012 primarily in Kyokushin and Kendo. After joining crossroads swords at the behest of John Knoch he has taken a keen interest in learning Longsword of both German and Italian Traditions. Primarily he teaches beginner classes hoping help other gain strong foundations for their own martial journey.
-
Jeff Cunningham
Outreach and Research
Jeff discovered his passion for HEMA while on a mission in Germany, where he studied early high German that has been used in historical fight manuals. While going to UCF, he joined others in forming the Knights Melee (now known as Knights Blade) club on campus, where he developed curriculums and did some of his own translations. Since joining Crossroads, Jeff has been an enthusiastic presence dedicated to training and sharing what he’s learned.