Update March 2, 2011
Guy Windsor, professional martial arts instructor and author of The Swordsman’s Companion, The Duellist’sCompanion and The Little Book of Push-ups founded the School of European Swordsmanship in Helsinki, Finland, in March 2001, on the principle that the practice of historical martial arts is good for the mind, body and soul.
The School of European Swordsmanship in Finland
The incredible success of The School of European Swordsmanship and the rapid increase in the number of students in Helsinki gave rise to the opening of several new branches in Finland and others as far afield as Singapore. The school offers training and research, hosts seminars by visiting instructors in western martial arts, and presents regular free demonstrations open to anyone willing to try a different and unique experience. People from different backgrounds are learning the art of swordsmanship today, from tax experts to journalists and history students, all united by a common interest in the fascinating world of swords.
The Man Behind the Success: From England to Finland
Guy Windsor was born in Cambridge, England, educated at Edinburgh University where he earned a degree in English Literature, grew up in England, Argentina, Botswana and Peru before relocating in Finland where he lives today. He has an unusual story: Some time ago he was working as an antique restorer in Edinburgh which, he says, was making him miserable, when on one of those days when ideas seem to hit our thoughts in a strange and inexplicable way, he decided to move to Finland and open a Swordsmanship School. Guy Windsor has been training since 1986 and possesses the charisma and aura necessary for this kind of enterprise. The surprises of this man devoted to a not-so-common profession do not limit themselves to martial arts, swords, training, teaching, researching and writing. He enjoys and finds time in this agile world for creating amazingly beautiful wood-works. Archery, riding and shooting have a space in his life, too. Windsor seems to have the capacity for building a bridge between centuries.
Swords, Practice and a Little History of European Swordsmanship
The classes are usually of mixed levels. The more advanced students always help the others through their own experience. This helps the seniors with their understanding of the material in real practice and boosts the beginners, motivating them to improve quickly. Guy Windsor wrote the syllabus with the ultimate goal of providing students with the necessary expertise in the process of European historical swordsmanship. The training includes theory and practice of a range of swordsmanship styles and the basics of dagger and unarmed combat. After the beginners’ course, students usually continue with basic training in medieval foot combat, before adding other styles such as the rapier. All students are encouraged to try all the systems and weapons available. Advanced students should be able to pick up any European sword and wield it graciously and effectively, if not necessarily historically.
Ranking and Grading System
A well organized ranking system serves as effective motivation and encouragement for those students willing to go the extra mile. The ultimate level is that of licensed instructor that qualifies the holder to teach professionally using the School's name.
European Swordsmanship From the Middle Ages to the 21st Century
One of the students, Johanna Rytkönen, saw a swordsmanship demo in a Middle Ages Festival when she was sixteen. At the time, she enjoyed reading every fantasy book she could find in the library. This love for fantasy fiction was enough to lure her into the magic of seeing herself mastering the sword. Soon after that, she joined the school and ever since she has been practicing and trying different swords including back sword, (a one-hand sword). Since she started her practice she has experienced a secure feeling when walking alone in the dark streets.
After spending a day at the School of European Swordsmanship, with the feeling of having traveled in time to the land of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, a completely different world awaits back in the rush of the 21st Century.
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