Knoxville's Joachim Meyer seminar was the most fun I have ever had.
First, Jake was a wonder to watch. For him to have given two full days of instruction from his knowledge of the subject, checking only occasionally a word or to verify his schedule proved to me how well his study of the Meyer has gone.
Jake's long sword presentation was even better than the last one I got to see. He gave a truly impressive demonstration, and to paraphrase John Clements from the Southern Knights seminar, "when you see someone starting to look like the illustrations , you know they are on the right track".
The Dagger presentation was filled with "new" information. What interests me the most about it is that it goes so well with the practical hand to hand combat I also study. A lot of it is almost identical to the "modern" teachings of some of the best knife instructors today, with a simple, brutal, overwhelming attack on your opponent. There truly is nothing new under the sun.
With the staff instruction, just learning how to drill safely with a training partner made it worth while. On top of that, this was the most information on staff and pole arms I have seen in one place, and I will be digesting what I learned for quite a while.
Second, we are so happy about the participants who came. Every one of them added something to the event. From Kat from ARMA Nashville keeping sparring going till late in the evening, to Bill Platt from Kentucky answering questions about theatrical fencing, to George Turner being willing to give after hours historical presentations on mail almost continuously for us. Shane Smith for answering the odd "Italian" questions. It would take a whole other post to give credit to everyone for making the workshop a success.
Thank you all, and especially Jake, for how well the workshop went. We would do it again without a second thought.
David and Donna Welch
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