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School of European Swordsmanship

Guy Windsor

Born in Cambridge, England in 1973 Mr Windsor grew up in England, Argentina, Botswana and Peru. His first fencing lesson was from his grandfather, Dr. Hector Apergis, from whom he learned that most vital skill: extension first!

He began regular martial arts lessons in 1985, practicing Korean karate at the Gaberone Golf club, and took up sport fencing at school in 1987, specialising in the foil for four years before adding the sabre. In 1992 he enrolled at Edinburgh University, where his studies in English Literature, Biology and Spanish took a back seat to his immersion in the martial arts then available: T'ai Chi Chuan, Okinawan Kobudo, Shukokai Karate and Aikido. He also studied fencing at the University club, and represented the University on a few occasions. In 1993-4 he was in charge of sabre training for the club. During his first year at Edinburgh University, Mr Windsor met fellow sword enthusiasts, and in 1994 they formed the Dawn Duellists Society. He was also instrumental in setting up the British Federation of Historical Swordplay in 1999.

Mr Windsor first came to Helsinki, Finland, on a student exchange in 1994-1995. After returning home, Mr Windsor completed his MA in English Literature, and began work as a cabinet maker and antiques restorer, while teaching fencing at the DDS. In September 2000 he decided to teach swordsmanship full-time. In March 2001, he opened The School of European Swordsmanship in Helsinki.

He married in 2006, and his daughters were born in 2007 and 2008.

Mr Windsor has a uniquely broad training in Western swordsmanship, and has conducted research into most of the recorded swordsmanship styles between 1300 and 1800, which forms the basis of the School's curriculum. A summary of the primary weapons and systems covered at the school can be found here, and the detailed syllabus here. For many years he has been particularly interested in the internal, meditative and medical aspects of martial arts training. To this end, he incorporates massage and breathing exercises at an early stage in the syllabus, and his study of Western shamanic techniques forms the basis of the more advanced internal and meditative practice.

Mr Windsor divides his time between his own training, teaching at his salle in Helsinki, and taking workshops across Finland and abroad. When he has time to spare from parenting, research, teaching, and training, he enjoys traditional bowmaking, cabinet-making, archery, riding, shooting, reading. Some examples of his woodworking projects can be found here