We are a small team of talented professionals with a wide range of skills and experience. We love what we do, and we do it with passion. We look forward to meeting you!
Dan Halliday
Founder and Head Instructor
Dan (he/they) has been studying in the HEMA tradition of early Kunst des Fechtens (KdF) since 2015. His practice is primarily in Longsword, with additional studies in Wrestling, Dagger, Spear, Langesmesser, and armored fighting. He views and teaches KdF through the lens of a holistic martial philosophy that can be adapted to fit numerous contexts. He holds a silver medal in the Longpoint “Man At Arms” Triathlon and has competed at tournaments nationwide.
Currently, he leads Longsword 101 and the main Longsword/Messer class.
Jeff Cierniak
Instructor
Jeff (he/him/they) started HEMA on his own during the pandemic in 2020, joining LSC in November of that year. His teaching specialty is Wrestling and Dagger, and he runs the YouTube channel Corrugated Cavalier. In addition to HEMA, he has an interest in the equipment and martial culture of the ancient Greeks and Greek-influenced peoples. A lifelong martial artist, Jeff also has experience in Karate, Judo, Tai Chi and more. As his day job, he is a public school teacher, and focuses lessons on aligning skills from warmups to a culminating activity.
Currently, he leads the Fiore Dagger/Wrestling class.
Patrick J. Paglen
Instructor
Patrick (he/him) has been practicing HEMA since 2016 and has worked with Sword Class NYC and NYHFA (New York Historical Fencing Association) in addition to LSC. He specializes in teaching KdF and Fiore Longsword, Dagger, and Messer. He is also highly experienced in Filipino Martial Arts, including stick fighting and knife fighting.
Elaine L. Davis
Assistant Instructor and ORVL Liason
El (any pronouns) began their HEMA journey in 2021 with Queen City Sword Guild in Cincinnati, OH. They specialize in fundamentals and tournament prep, maintaining a relationship with the Ohio River Valley League (ORVL). They enjoy dagger and wrestling, and outside of HEMA, practice ballroom dancing and stage combat.
Currently, they assist with Longsword 101 and teach Tournament Judging as needed.
Sebastian Cerdeira
Assistant Instructor
Sebastian (he/him) started his HEMA career in 2021, studying Meyer with the Society of Historical Fencing in Boca Raton, FL. A self-professed zwerchhau enthusiast, he has since continued to focus primarily on KdF longsword.
Currently, he assists with the Longsword 101 course.