Messenger Longsword Society
Who is Alan Knowles?
Alan began fencing in 1980, at the age of 10. In this time Alan has represented Great Britain on two occasions, won numerous county and regional competitions as well as reaching the finals in many open competitions. He started coaching as an amateur in 1988 and continued to do so until turning professional in 2003. Alan teaches Foil, Epee and Sabre in the Hungarian style, with a hint of the French system that he learnt in his younger days.
In addition to this, Alan has studied Kung Fu, Jujitsu and Ninjitsu over the years. Since 1988 Alan has been an active re-enactor, first with the English Civil War Society where he rode for the Royalist Cavalry for 10 years. In 1998 he moved to the Plantagenet Medieval Society to pursue his passion for swords and it was this that encouraged the formation of the Messengers.
Alan can teach, in addition to Foil, Epee and Sabre, Longsword (German and Italian styles) un-armoured and armoured, Sword and Buckler, Dagger and Wrestling, Rapier and Dagger (and alternatives), two single swords, Sword and Shield, Polaxe, Spear and Quarterstaff.
To find out more about Alan visit Alan's Website