Houston Instructor and ARMA Director
John Clements

John Clements is a leading authority on historical fencing and arguably one of the world’s foremost practitioners of Medieval and Renaissance combat skills. He has been studying now for over twenty-three years, has researched swords in 7 countries and given sword classes in 6 countries.  Since summer 1997 he has taught courses in Houston, Texas. Mr. Clements has written numerous magaize article on the subject and is the author of the book Medieval Swordsmanship: Illustrated Methods & Techniques (Paladin Press, Nov ’98) and Renaissance Swordsmanship: The Illustrated Use of Rapiers and Cut-and-Thrust Swords (Paladin Press, March '97). Mr. Clements has also taught historical European martial arts to underprivileged kids at a college-prepatory academy in Houston. 

 

In the exploration and study of Medieval and Renaissance martial arts, Clements offers legitimate instruction in a practical, no-nonsense approach.  He teaches historical-fencing with refreshing sincerity and an inspiring energy that comes from a genuine passion for the subject. In teaching the fighting skills of sword, spear, dagger, shield, buckler, and rapier, Clements places emphasis on earnest training, contact-sparring and practice with real weapons. Through deference to historical fighting manuals and pragmatic experience in handling real weapons, Clements ruthlessly dissects the many myths and misconceptions of historical European fighting arts so often perpetuated by stage-combat, popular fantasy, and modern sport fencing. 

In the search for competent instruction in our all but lost Western martial traditions, it's rare to encounter an individual who possesses knowledge and skills of a high degree.  When such a person is clearly highly skilled and also  willing to openlyshare his knowledge with enthusiasm, clarity, and wit, it is a rare and valuable opportunity. 

Read more about the ARMA Director here.