Messenger Longsword Society
Simon served twenty-two years in the armed forces where he learnt many different types of combat, including one of his favourites the art of dagger fighting.
In 2004 he joined Swindon Fencing Club under the instruction of Alan Knowles, who initiated his interest in sword play. He started with foil and over the last year has turned his hand to train and compete with Epee, which has proved complimentary to the study of medieval sword fencing.
Alan also introduced Simon, in 2004, to the Plantagenet Medieval Society and The Messengers to pursue his increasing passion for swords. It is a success of the logical structure of the training that, one year on, Simon has completed his initial studies into both the German and Italian Longword systems. He is now assisting in the instruction of new members, beginning to study sword and buckler and continuing the long term task of furthering his understanding of the Longsword tactical system, as well as instructing the use of dagger.
