Instructors
Following are the current Provost Instructors at the Guild of Knightly Arts. Each of them bring a particular skill set to the Guild and share a passion for the English martial arts and overall the art and sport of HEMA.
Guild Magister: Jason Bright
In the annals of historical fencing, one name shines as brightly as the blade itself – Jason Bright, the visionary founder and indomitable head instructor of the Guild of Knightly Arts. With a legacy etched in steel, Jason's journey through a lifelong dedication to martial arts has culminated in a saga that has captivated the fencing community for a decade.
An artisan of the English Longsword, Jason stands as a true pioneer, unearthing the forgotten techniques and traditions of this noble weapon. Forged in the crucible of experience, his wisdom flows like a river, channeling the spirit of ancient warriors through his every move. His artistry resonates in every clash of steel, a testament to his unwavering pursuit of mastery.
Beyond the realm of fencing, Jason's martial prowess is woven into the very fabric of his being. A lifelong devotee to the path of combat, he has journeyed through disciplines far and wide, each step cultivating his expertise. His presence in the fencing community is a beacon of respect, an emblem of his dedication to the craft and his peers.
As the founder of the Guild of Knightly Arts, Jason's vision has breathed life into history, transforming it into a tangible, immersive experience. With a heart that beats to the rhythm of chivalry, and hands that shape destiny with the grace of a true artisan, he stands not only as an instructor but as a guardian of tradition and a custodian of legacy.
In the grand tapestry of time, where the clash of swords echoes through ages, Jason Bright is a living testament to the enduring power of martial arts and the unyielding spirit of the knight.
Provost Rick Bates
In the hallowed halls of the Guild of Knightly Arts, a figure of unyielding prowess emerges – Rick Bates, a true maestro in the art of the English Longsword and a beacon of martial prowess. As an esteemed Provost and assistant instructor, his journey is a testament to the fusion of ancient traditions and modern combat disciplines.
For four years, Rick has carved his name into the very fabric of the Guild, his dedication unfaltering, his passion unbridled. With the Longsword as his canvas, he paints a masterpiece of technique and finesse, each swing a brushstroke, each parry a stroke of genius. His journey is a symphony of dedication, harmony, and relentless pursuit of perfection.
Yet, the tale of Rick Bates extends far beyond the boundaries of the Guild's walls. His past is a testament to his voracious appetite for martial arts mastery. From the echoing halls of Shorin Ryu and Okinawan Karate to the sweat-soaked rings of boxing, kickboxing, and MMA, he has danced through a myriad of combat forms, each one enriching his repertoire and shaping him into the warrior he is today.
With Rick by their side, students at the Guild of Knightly Arts are guided by a true martial polymath, a guardian of techniques that transcend time and discipline. His wisdom echoes in the ring of steel, his movements a testament to the culmination of a lifelong devotion to the art of combat.
In the grand tapestry of martial history, Rick Bates stands as a bridge between worlds, fusing ancient traditions with the modern spirit. As an assistant instructor, a Provost, and a martial virtuoso, his name is etched in the chronicles of the Guild, a legacy that echoes in the hearts of those who seek to master the knightly arts.
Provost Robert Illston
Enter the realm of the Guild of Knightly Arts, where history comes to life with every swing of the blade, and among its esteemed ranks stands Robert Illston, an assistant instructor whose tale is woven from threads of martial mastery and a passion for the ages.
For four years, Rob has graced the Guild with his presence, wielding the backsword of the Elizabethan era like a true virtuoso. His hands are vessels of tradition, his movements a symphony that harks back to an era long past. With each lesson, he paints a vivid picture of the past, bridging the gap between the modern world and the days of yore.
Yet, Rob's journey into the world of historical fencing is merely the continuation of a saga that began in the Aughts. In the sacred halls of Sina Wali Kali under Masguru Mike Dzicek, he honed his skills to perfection, a certified instructor in the art of combat. His path also led him to the teachings of Aikibudo under Sensei Mike Smith, a journey that enriched his repertoire with the grace and wisdom of this venerable discipline.
These diverse skill sets converge seamlessly in Rob's current role, as he imparts the art of backsword, dagger, and singlestick to eager students. His teachings are a symphony of techniques, a dance of blades that echo with centuries of history. Beyond the sparring ring, Rob dons yet another mantle, that of a middle school history teacher. His love for the annals of time has kindled a fire that burns bright in his pursuit of historical fencing.
Within the Guild, Rob is not just an instructor; he is a living embodiment of the past, a bridge that connects the present with the tapestry of yesteryears. His dedication, his mastery, and his love for history come together to create a legacy that transcends time itself, leaving an indelible mark on all who cross his path.
Provost Craig Hosey
In the grand saga of the Guild of Knightly Arts, where the clash of steel and the spirit of chivalry intertwine, emerges a figure of unwavering dedication – Craig Hosey, the esteemed assistant instructor and Provost who carries the legacy of sword & buckler with the grace of a true maestro.
For four years, Craig has woven his expertise into the very fabric of the Guild, a beacon of martial wisdom whose teachings resonate through the ages. With sword & buckler in hand, he becomes a conduit to the past, channeling the valor of ancient knights through each precise movement and calculated strike.
Yet, Craig's journey into the world of martial arts is a tale that spans continents and disciplines. His martial odyssey began in the sacred halls of the University of Missouri, where he immersed himself in the traditions of traditional Okinawan Goju-Ryu. With every kata, every technique, he carved a path of discipline and growth, culminating in the attainment of shodan and assistant instructor certifications in 2015.
The pages of his story turned anew in 2018, as Craig's dedication and prowess earned him the coveted title of instructor, a mantle he wore proudly while teaching through the city of Columbia. The echoes of his teachings became a symphony that reverberated through his community, shaping the next generation of martial artists.
As an assistant instructor and Provost of the Guild of Knightly Arts, Craig Hosey stands as a guardian of the knightly legacy, a torchbearer for the spirit of the sword. His journey, enriched by the tapestry of Okinawan Goju-Ryu, has forged him into a true maestro, whose teachings resonate with the wisdom of ages past.
In the arena of historical fencing, Craig Hosey is not just an instructor; he is a living embodiment of martial tradition, a bridge that connects eras and disciplines, a beacon that guides the way for all who seek to master the art of the sword & buckler.