About Us
What We're About?
We are a group of medieval/historical combat enthusiasts (cough...nerds) with years of background studying Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA). We primarily study the uses of the sword in two hands, the Longsword, and will expand to more weapon systems in the future as interest grows!
We have spent years studying the works of Meyer, Fiore, Liechtenauer, and others. While primarily coming from the Kunst des Fechten tradition, our club does not focus on any one specific master but rather takes a more holistic approach to the understanding of swordsmanship and the historical context of these arts, breaking down core concepts found across traditions to understandable, more digestible parts over the course of our classes.
Email us at: Lakeforestswordclub@gmail.com
Meet the Instructors!
Adam Ogle
-Lead Instructor
As lead instructor of the Lake Forest Sword Academy, Adam is proud to bring what was provided to him and share his experiences with the North shore community. Coming from over 16 years of fencing experience, during which he had the privilege of being both instructor and advisor to Carthage College and Northern Illinois fencing clubs. In 2016, Adam began learning the noble art of historical fencing from James Reilly, coach of Goliath Fencing in Kenosha, Wisconsin, where he bestowed on Adam the honor of Assistant Instructor. Now, ready to spread the world of historical fencing to new communities, Adam is excited to welcome all prospective members to an exhilarating and educational experience.
For those who would wish to NERD out further, Adam is a historian specializing in Early Modern European history; this specifically being focused on studies of violence, noble culture, and sectarianism.
Flynn Castellanos
-Assistant Instructor
Flynn has studied HEMA with his father, Chuck, for the past 5 years through the WHFA Kenosha/Racine club. Competing in tournaments all across the Midwest including the Wisconsin Historical Fencing Association's Badger State Games (Krumpow), Ohio's Arnold Fencing Classic Festival, Minnesota's Icebreaker Tournament, and the Chicago Swordplay Guild's Midwinter Armizare. A student of history and an avid consumer of fantasy and sci-fi, Flynn is excited to share his love of all things medieval with fellow enthusiasts.
Chuck Castellanos
-Assistant Instructor
Chuck's love of swords and history began at an early age, while watching Errol Flynn's swashbuckler films as a child he discovered that the swordplay was based on real techniques. Chuck has had a diverse, lifelong education in regards to swordplay and martial arts, from his school days with friends making wooden training swords in woodworking class (back when that was still available), to his time with the Society of Creative Anachronism (SCA), 35 years of professional historical reenacting, 5 years of modern Olympic fencing, and 5 years with the WHFA Kenosha/Racine studying HEMA.
Also, he taught his son to catch an incoming spear (Ask him about that at your first class)
