Instructors for the 2026 edition
Natuurlijk kan dit evenement niet zonder instructeurs! Hiervoor zoeken we naar de juiste balans in verschillende wapens. Daardoor worden er verschillende workshops en lezingen gegeven voor zowel beginners als gevorderden, zodat iedereen op een leuke manier nieuwe technieken kan leren of geleerde technieken verder kan verbeteren.
English:
Of course, this event wouldn’t be possible without excellent instructors. We’ll be exploring the various weapons on offer and offering workshops that are fun to attend. That’s why we’ll be offering a variety of workshops and lectures for both beginners and advanced students, so everyone can learn new techniques or improve their existing ones in a fun way.
Instructeurs uit verschillende landen
Instructors out of severall countries
Workshops
Different workshops
Lezingen
Lectures
Verschillende wapens
Different weapons
Overzicht Instructeurs
Overview of instructors
| Instructeurs/ Instructors | Club naam / Club namen | Workshop or Lectures | Welke wapen / What wapen | Land / Country |
| Jaap Hogendoorn | TREK – FOEKS – Springlevend Verleden | Workshop | swords, spears, axes, shields and knives (zwaarden, speeren, bijlen, schilden en messen) | The Netherlands |
| Jerze de Reus | de Zwaardkring | Workshop | Longsword (langzwaard) | The Netherlands |
| Jasper Boelsma | Historische Krijgskunst Alphen | Workshop | Sword and shield (zwaard en schild) | The Netherlands |
| Dimitri ten Have | De Zwaardkring & Historisch Schermgilde Limburg | workshop | Longsword (langzwaard) | The Netherlands |
| Bryan Trepels | de Zwaardkring | Workshop | Longsword (langzwaard) | The Netherlands |
| Jerca Primc | Canne klub Kamnik | Workshop | Cane (wandelstok) | Slovenia |
| Jeroen van Wordragen | De Zwaardkring | Workshop | Sabber (sabel) | The Netherlands |
| Sean Wauters | Kine Bij Vechtsporten (physio) & Ex Cineribus Grimbergen (Sword and Buckler) | Lecture (lezing) | N,A. | Belgium |
| John Jozen | De Zwaardkring | Workshop | Dagger (dolk) | The Netherlands |
| Denise Veldhuis | De Zwaardkring | Lecture (lezing) | N,A. | The Netherlands |
| Ronald van der Starre | De Friese Vrijvechters | Workshop | Pole Weapons | The Netherlands |
| Max Albertz | Historisch Schermgilde Limburg HSGL | Workshop | Rapier and Dager | Nederland |
| Nikolas Lloyd (Lindybeige) | There are a few local clubs I visit sometimes, but I do not represent a club. | Lecture (lezing) | N,A. | Great Britain |
| Jay Maxwell | Tempus Fugitives | Workshop | Sideswords | UK |
| Ville Välimäki | EHMS | Workshop | Longsword | Finland |
| Adam Prochaska | HEMA Praha | Lecture (lezing) | Longsword | Czech Republic |
| Anna Stankevich | HEMA Praha | Workshop | Longsword | Czechia |
| Jem Burke | Invirtus | Lecture (lezing) | N.A. | Belgium |
| Carl Ryrberg | Örebro HEMA | Workshop | Longsword | Sweden |
| Alan Spaenjaers | Sint-Michielsgilde Gouda | Workshop | Rapier | The Netherlands |
Jaap Hogendoorn: Stage Combat Workshop
Description of the Workshop
Step into the world of historical combat with Jaap, for a hands-on workshop that fuses realism, safety, and theatrical flair.
- Learn core techniques in movement, timing, safety, and storytelling
- Train with partners to choreograph your own short fight scene
- Perform mini-scenes and receive personalized feedback
- Explore how to create improvised showfights on the spot
- Blend historical accuracy with dynamic stage presence
You’ll Need: - Weapons: swords, spears, axes, shields, knives
- Protective gloves are required
- No helmets needed
Perfect for people who are looking to bring believable, safe, and thrilling combat to the stage or screen.
Short bio of Jaap
Jaap has been active in competitive and show fighting since 1998 (OMG, he’s old). Before that, he trained in gymnastics and judo. In historical combat, he focuses on gladiator fighting, early medieval styles, and 17th-century reenactment. He helped create the gladiator show at Archeon and performed in it over 1,000 times. As a member of Foeks, Jaap develops historically accurate shows based on real sources and archaeology—ranging from court dramas to battles with 400+ fighters. Through his company Springlevend Verleden (“Alive and Kicking Past”), he teaches combat to kids and adults, and choreographs realistic fight scenes for films, documentaries, and music videos.
Jerze de Reus: Workshop Longsword
Description of the Workshop
Thrusting reliably:
The thrust is a very powerful attack in longsword fighting. It is quick, it covers a lot of ground and it is deadly. It is also very risky if done poorly. In HEMA, performing a thrust can also be very dangerous for your opponent/sparring partner. To mitigate this, people often buy swords that are so flexible that they don’t feel like swords anymore in the hope that the sword will make the thrust safe for them. But it doesn’t have to be that way! With the right technique, you make the thrust safe yourself as long as the blade has some reasonable flex to it.
In this workshop we will go through some aspects of thrusting that will make it more reliable and safe for you, your sword and you opponent. We will also implement some durchwechseln with the thrust.
Short bio of Jerze
I am Jerze de Reus, i have been doing HEMA for 8 years now, 6 years of each i have been doing a fair amount of tournaments in which i seem to do well. For the last 4 years i have been teaching, mainly focusing on the German longsword techniques. After practicing many different martial arts, i stuck with HEMA because it allows you to test your skill with relatively few restrictions, also because of the developing nature of the sport it encourages everyone to seek out the most practical way to fight.
Jasper Boelsma: Workshop The big halfshield
Description of the Workshop
The big halfshield: Sword&buckler manuscripts have been used as a proxy to reconstruct early medieval sword&shield fighting for quite a lot of years in HEMA. One of the positions frequently encountered in both weaponsets, is halfshield/halbschilt. For this workshop, we’ll be looking at ways to deal with this position with the early medieval sword&shield, using techniques that are copies from the later manuscripts, or solutions unique to this weapon set. If you are able, please bring a centregripped round shield of at least 80 cm diameter and a (cut-oriented) single edged sword with a simple guard, and also a mask, throatguard, etc.
Short bio of Jasper
Jasper has been doing HEMA since early 2015, beginning his career at a new club in Leiden, where he quickly became an instructor and thus was able to combine HEMA and his study of (early) medieval archaeology. After graduation, he became a HEMA-nomad, training with several clubs in the Neterlands, before starting his own club in Alphen aan den Rijn in 2021/2022. This club (HKA) has since grown to 50-ish members and focusses on longsword, rapier, sabre and sword&buckler. Though the early medieval weaponset is not used often anymore, it still holds a special place in his hart.
Dimitri ten Have: Workshop Longsword hand position
Description of the Workshop
NED
In verscheidene langzwaard manuscripten is te zien dat er posities worden aangenomen met de achterste hand omgedraaid of plat op de pommel. Deze vormen van handwerk met de bijbehorende dynamieken en toepassingen zullen tijdens deze workshop aan bod komen.
ENG
In numerous longsword sources positions can be found where either one or both fencers hold the sword with the rear hand inverted or flat against the pommel. These kinds of handwork together with their dynamics and applications will be the topic of the workshop.
Short bio of Dimitri
NED
Dimitri is langzwaard instructeur bij Historisch Schermgilde Limburg en assistent-instructeur bij de Zwaardkring. Daarnaast is hij soms op (internationale) toernooien te vinden.
Zijn favoriete historische bron is Paulus Hector Mair’s Opus Amplissimum de Arte Athletica. Hiernaast houdt hij zich ook bezig met andere bronnen uit de Augsburg groep.
ENG
Dimitri is a longsword instructor at Historisch Schermgilde Limburg and an assistant-instructor at de Zwaardkring. Additionally, he can sometimes be found at (international) tournaments.
His favourite historical source is Paulus Hector Mair’s Opus Amplissimum de Arte Athletica. In conjunction, he also engages with other sources from the Augsburg group.
Jerca Primc:
Workshop Cane
Description of the Workshop
Do you like your accessories a little bit dangerous? Maybe with a bit of zing, and packing a punch? Perfect!
In this workshop, we will get acquainted with the walking cane as a means of self defense. We’ll have a look at this versatile and efficient weapon through the eyes of M. Pierre Vigny, a french fencing master, who has enriched the world of martial arts academies at the turn of the twentieth century. And maybe look just a little bit fancy, doing it!
Short bio of Jerca
I’ve always felt at home in sticky situations, so my gateway drug into HEMA came as no surprise to anyone. I’ve dabbed in cane fighting in its various forms; from competitive sport, to defensive and dueling techniques. In 2010, i have gathered a band of stick fighting enthusiats under the flag of Canne klub Kamnik. Its members continue to terrorize a certain slovene mountain range, to this day.
Jeroen van Wordragen: Workshop An introduction to competitive Sabre
Description of the Workshop
“An introduction to competitive Sabre”
Are you newer in (Sabre) fencing or do you want to get into competitive historical sabre fencing? Let’s begin here! In a short time I will teach you in a fun way the fundamentals of distance, stance, striking and parrying and helping get others into sabre.
Weapon: Steel or nylon sabre (with at least a knuckle guard).
Extra: Bring foam sabre to lend out for the sparring exercise. We have limited foam swords available.
Equipment minimal: Mask, throatguard
Extra: Full gear for sparring with steel.
Short bio of Jeroen
In 2018, I started doing HEMA in my local club de Zwaardkring in Den Bosch/ ‘s-Hertogenbosch, but trained throughout all the cities of the club.
Since 2020, I have been active in the HEMA community. Helping and leading organizing events and tournaments in the Netherlands and attending them throughout Europe. Since 2023, I have begun giving instructions as an assistant instructor and within a few months became a full instructor at my club. My interest is largely in competition between the Longsword and sabre.
I would love to show the community more and more the love I have for sabre. So come and join me on this adventure!
Sean Wauters:
Lecture Improving in Martial Arts and Reducing Injuries with Specific Exercises and Training
Description of the Lecture
Lecture: Improving in Martial Arts and Reducing Injuries with Specific Exercises and Training
In martial arts, combat sports and others, two key aspects are fundamental: improvement and injury. Injuries cause pain, limit training time, and slow progress. Improvement—whether in recreational self-development or in physical, technical, and tactical skills at a competitive level—is equally vital. Controlled, specific exercises can support injury prevention & recovery and performance enhancement. During this lecture, we will examine common martial arts injuries, improvement challenges, and real-life (HEMA) cases from our research. Participants may submit their questions or their own case in advance to kinebijvechtsporten@gmail.com if they want specific answers. All will be discussed anonymously.
Short bio of Sean
Sean Wauters is a licensed physical therapist specializing in rehabilitation, coaching, and personal training for martial arts. Through Physio for Martial Arts (Kine Bij Vechtsporten) he supports athletes across disciplines: grappling, striking, kicking, and armed or armoured combat sports. Services include rehabilitation after injuries, personal training for injury prevention, screening to detect risks or performance limits, tailored fitness programs, and coaching for individuals or clubs. Sean holds a Master’s in Rehabilitation Sciences and Physical Therapy (2013) and researches martial arts injuries, performance, and prevention at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. He actively trains in grappling, kickboxing, and historical fencing.
John Jozen:
Workshop Dagger
Description of the Workshop
Dagger: from Wallerstein to Barratero
The workshop will focus on fighting with the navaja.
In Spain, ordinary people used a navaja to fight duels.
During the workshop, we will focus on this fighting style.
Manuscript: Manuel de barratero.
Besides practicing technique, we will also do a lot of sparring.
You will need eye protection for sparring. If you have an old T-shirt, preferably white, that you’re throwing away anyway, please bring that too.
And, of course, a practice dagger.
Short bio of John
I’ve been involved in martial arts/sports for almost 50 years. From judo to jiu jitsu to karate, tai jitsu to HEMA.
Denise Veldhuis:
Lecture pimp your own gear
Description of the Lecture
Lecture: pimp your own gear
Through the ages people have always decorated their clothing, armour has never been an exception. Join this lecture and become a part of this long history of self-expression as you learn hands-on how you can pimp your own gear to perfection and become instantly recognisable on tournament photo’s. You will learn how to use paint, thread and patches to your advantage. There will be a lot of practical tips, examples and an oppertunity for you to elevate your own gear.
Short bio of Denise
Denise has been active in HEMA for several years and combines her interests in history, craft, and science. She’s a master’s student in Chemical Engineering with a solid understanding of coatings and paints and she has many years of experience as a historical reenactor, focusing on late medieval embroidery reproduction. On top of that, she’s spent a long time volunteering as a depot-worker in museums. All of this has fueled her love for decorated gear and clothing, something many will have recognized from her geese-themed equipment.
Ronald van der Starre:
Workshop polearm
Description of the workshop
Workshop: Polearm
Polearms have been used extensively since the earliest days of pole use, not only for hunting but also in warfare. From the simple spear to the complex halberd, the workshop will cover the general use of polearms. We will practice various movements applicable to most polearms. A large part of the workshop will also consist of experimentation and light sparring. The workshop is open to all skill levels, with the minimum requirement being a tok, mask, and gloves. If you have, please bring your own polearm!
Short bio of Ronald
Knights have always been a passion, and in 2015, I finally connected with H.E.M.A. through MARS. In 2019, it was time to branch out in Friesland and founded the Friese Vrijvechters association. I’ve been its chairman and head coach since 2019.
Max Albertz:
Workshop rapier and dagger
Description of the workshop
Workshop: Rapier and dagger
In this workshop, we’ll explore the use of rapier and dagger according to Capoferro, with a special focus on the principle of stringere. From this perspective, we’ll examine how an opponent might react and how to effectively counter this reaction. The emphasis is on understanding the underlying principles and applying the techniques in practice.
Short bio of Max
My name is Max Albertz. I’ve been practicing at HEMA for almost ten years now. I started with the longsword, but quickly became drawn to the rapier. My studies began at Giganti, and in recent years I’ve focused primarily on Capoferro. I’ve been teaching rapier at my club for five years now. My focus is on understanding and researching the historical treatises, but also on applying that knowledge in practice: during sparring and tournaments, and in the strategic and tactical use of the techniques.
Jay Maxwell:
Workshop Sidesword
Description of the workshop
Workshop: Sidesword
Structural Mechanics of the Sword – Footwork and mobility drills to improve speed, power, balance & coordination with the sword in one hand. Partner drills to develop foundational concepts and integrate them effectively into movement.
Short bio of Jay
Jay Maxwell has been practising as a martial artist in Historic European Martial Arts (HEMA) since 2004. He regularly teaches at high profile international events and in his competitive years was one of the top ranked HEMA fencers in the world. Starting his training in British systems of swordsmanship, he quickly came into contact with the Italian schools and was taken by their elegance. Today he is one of the very few full time professional HEMA instructors in the world, and his students regularly compete at the highest competitive level. His focus is primarily on the methodology of teaching and ensuring that the next generation of martial artists surpass him in every way.
Bryan Trepels:
Workshop Fight like a fool
Description of the workshop
Workshop: longsword
This workshop will focus on fooling your opponents by doing weird stances or techniques to draw out a predictable reaction which you can use in your advantage.
Short bio of Bryan
Bryan started doing hema in early 2021.After the summer of 2023 he started out as assistant-instructor for the youth classes and the regular classes with the zwaardkring. Early 2025 he became instructor for the regular classes, where he mostly teaches longsword. Bryan is known for his technical way of fencing that is unpredictable, but is based on having fun and fooling around.
Nikolas Lloyd (also know as Lindybeige and Lloyd):
Lecture How useful would HEMA be in a battle?
Description of the Lecture
Lecture: How useful would HEMA be in a battle?
This one is a talk about the skills needed for a battle in the ancient or medieval world. How far would your skills learned in HEMA clubs get you? Have you learned the most useful weapons? Would your techniques actually work? This would be a very short speech were the answer simple. The answer isn’t simple.
Short bio of Nikolas
I started the YouTube channel ‘Lindybeige’ in 2008, and for a few years was YouTube’s solitary ‘swords guy’, before being joined by various other channels. I fought with every medieval weapon I could make in my back garden from the age of eight, and making films of dark age warriors when fourteen. I started medieval re-enactment at university and still dabble. I read archaeology at university, and have also studied classical history. I started doing HEMA in 2011.
Ville Välimäki: Workshop Longsword
Description of the Workshop
Workshop: Longsword
In this workshop we are going to look at how to parry with effective structure, how to create openings with a parry and what circumstances allow us to parry. We will apply geometry, biomechanics, distance, timing and other factors to put our sword between us and our opponent’s attack, while allowing us to keep fencing effectively. You will get some (hopefully) useful tips on parrying and some ideas on how to not get hit.
You will need a (long)sword, mask, heavy gloves and a throat protector for the drills and full gear for the games.
Short bio of Ville
Ville has done HEMA since 2019, starting with longsword and including other disciplines little by little. In addition to training longsword, he’s now teaching saber and messer, and occasionally dabbles in rapier and ringen.
Adam Prochaska: lecture: Longsword
Description of the lecture
lecture Longsword
Oops, I got hit in the head and I have forgotten everything except for the laws of physics and how they apply to the human body. How can I ever be a HEMA fencer again?
In this lecture we will be reconstructing historical fencing techniques using modern understanding of biomechanics. From what makes cutting happen, to movement efficiency, and why you should take your mask off as often as possible. At the end of the lecture, you will have a toolkit with which you can assess your movements and modify them to suit your body and your needs.
Short bio of Adam
I have abandoned my previous career as a biomechanical engineer and a computer scientist to pursue HEMA full-time. I like to understand and optimize, so I have spent the past few years with accelerometers stuck to my body to understand how to better swing my sword, and how to transfer this knowledge to beginners and advanced students alike.
Anna Stankevich: Workshop How to make and not break
Description of the workshop
workshop: training
“How to make and not break: an approach to training beginners and yourself”. I will explain how to approach training, especially beginners (aka office shrimps) training, in the armatures’ sport that HEMA is. Give exercises for stability, mobility and coordination. We will explore the common weak points in a fencer’s body and how to reinforce them against injury.
Short bio of Anna
Rejoined HEMA in 2022, have been training for longevity and not victories since. Got some medals. Recently started to make HEMA videos.
Backed up by the competence and the experience of HEMA Praha.
Jem Burke: lecture
Description of the lecture
lecture: The Body behind the blade
In this workshop, we will explore the requirements for a good HEMA-body. What makes a good fencer isn’t only what’s in our hands, it’s in the body behind it. This workshop looks at the engine: the strength we need for fast, powerful strikes & stabs, the mobility to move fluidly and effortlessly, the explosiveness to seize openings, and the reflexes and coordination required for efficient techniques.
We’ll explore the balance between being strong enough, fast enough, and loose enough. Expect a practical exposition (with tests!) at how strength, flexibility, mobility, and coordination support technique rather than replace it.
Short bio of Jem
Jem has been actively training and competing in the HEMA community for over 19 years. He is the founder of Invirtus and has been teaching for over 13 years. He mainly focused on longsword, messer, wrestling and dagger, but also dabbles in rapier and sabre. He has an extensive martial arts background ( Muay thai, capoeira, kung fu, self defence, escrima, and many more. )
Jem is a personal trainer who focuses on functional strength, mobility, rehab/prehab & coordination. He has many other passions/hobbies, such as blacksmithing, woodworking, leathercraft, hiking, bushcraft & fire performances
Alan Spaenjaers: Workshop From Meyer to Destreza
Description of the workshop
workshop: Rapier
From Meyer to Destreza
In this workshop I draw on my background in the rapier system of Joachim Meyer to provide an introduction to Verdadera Destreza. From this perspective, I approach Destreza not as a wholly separate tradition, but as a related way of thinking about fencing. Using this point of departure, we explore the essential concepts of Destreza and examine how these ideas relate to one another, both theoretically and in practice.
Participants are required to bring, at minimum, a fencing mask, gorget, chest protection, and a rapier.
Short bio of Alan
Alan Spaenjaers began fencing nearly three decades ago. His first weapon was foil, but he soon expanded his practice to include épée and Olympic sabre.
More than a decade ago, he shifted his focus to historical fencing, with a particular interest in (early) rapier. He also specialises in the halberd and is an accomplished longsword and military sabre fencer.
After (re)founding the Sint-Michielsgilde in Antwerp, life took him to Gouda, where he established a fencing guild in the city of cheese. He is currently the head instructor at Sint-Michielsgilde Gouda. He has a strong interest in sports didactics as well as the philosophical and spiritual aspects of the martial tradition..
Carl Ryrberg: Workshop Controlled aggression
Description of the workshop
workshop: Longsword
This workshop focuses on controlled aggression: the mindset of wanting to hit while not getting hit. We will explore how and when to retreat, through which footwork, and more importantly, how not to retreat. Through practical exercises, we will develop presence, structure, and purposeful offense rather than passive defense mixed with attacks without self-preservation.
Short bio of Carl
Carl Ryrberg is one of the old dogs of Nordic HEMA, having been involved in organizing the first Swedish Nationals, managing Swordfish, and founding the Swedish HEMA federation as well as the Nordic Historical Fencing League. As a competitive fencer he has medaled in a number of events all over Europe and North America, including Helsinki Longsword Open, Swordfish and Longpoint. The last twenty years he has been the head longsword instructor of Örebro HEMA.
