2025's Guest Instructors

Scott Jeffers is a Free Scholar of Armizare (Italian Medieval) and Bolognese Renaissance Fencing Traditions who has been fencing for over 12 years. He instructs at CSG in Chicago. Scott has medaled in Multiple categories in Historical Fencing Tournaments and has taught at SparBQ, WMAW, Ars Gladii, and Academie Duello, among others. A Fiorist at heart he is focusing on mid-16th century Bolognese masters. 

In this Spadone class we will take a comparative approach to swordsmanship, exploring theories and concepts from the long tail of bolognese fencing masters. We will discuss the 3 advantages of Viggiani, the 5 opportunities of Dall’Aggochie and attempt to understand why Marozzo has no need for any of that nonsense.

Sam Halote has been studying various styles of martial arts since 2010. Focusing on Italian Fencing since 2016, when he joined the Rocky Mountain Swordplay Guild in Denver, Colorado there he developed a foundation in the Longsword styles of Fiore and Vadi. After moving to Chicgao in 2021, he switched focus to the Bolognese System with CSG, on the Sidesword Alone. He achieved the Free Scholar rank of the Bolognese School in 2025. As a full-time Swordmaker, he crafts swords as close to the original artifacts as he can to fence with. 

Sam will be teaching the Sidesword Alone material from Antonio Manciolino, the earliest known Bolognese Manuscript. A small chapter of only a few techniques, Manciolino creates a conscise and efficient system of how to fence while both staying defended and remaining in control of the fight. 

Ted Pool began studying with the Chicago Swordplay Guild in 2011, engaging with a variety of martial arts over the years including the study of social violence both academically and on the job practical application.  He currently holds the rank of Free Scholar at the CSG in both the Renaissance (17th c) and Bolognese (16th c) programs, and is an instructor in both. 

Class will look at the three styles of play with sword and buckler (wide, narrow, and from the bind), and how they relate to each other in the framework of Bolognese fencing. The larger concept uses the Anonimo Bolognese for reference, and the plays we practice will draw from Marozzo, with a little Manciolino for good measure.

If you don't have a buckler, a dagger will do just fine!  And while we will play nice, it would be smart to have a little extra protection for forearms and hands, and maybe shins.