Instructors

The Sacramento Freifechter are lucky to have a number of dedicated instructors. Each and everyone of them brings their own unique skill set to the school.

Principle Instructor

Ted Elsner, M.Ed.

Ted Elsner is the founder and Principle Instructor for the Sacramento Freifechter. He began studying HEMA and Historical Fencing, then known as WMA, in 2000. He has been focusing on the works of Joachim Meyer since the initial publication of The Art of Combat, the translation by Dr. Jeffery Forgeng in 2005.

In 2012 he founded the Sacramento Freifechter, becoming a small study group within the Meyer Freifechter Guild a 501c3 Non-Profit organization. Since then he has overseen the growth of the group from a small gathering of friends to a school with a fully structured curriculum. In 2016 Mr. Elsner took on the role of advisor and coach at UC Davis where he oversees the running of the Davis Historical Fencing Club.

Besides the study of Meyer Mr. Elsner has a background in wrestling and karate, although for the last few years his focus has been primarily on Historical Fencing. Mr. Elsner holds a Master's Degree in Education and is a ranked Fechter in the Meyer Freifechter Guild.

Mr. Elsner believes in teaching Meyer's material in a holistic fashion; drawing material from the three principle sections of Meyer's book to further his understanding of the art. He combines this with modern fencing pedagogy to deliver effetive and creative lessons to individuals and groups.  

Instructors

Alexander Snook

Alexander Snook is a ranked Fechter in the Meyer Freifechter Guild and the definition of warrior monk. Alex studies a wide variety of martial arts, both Eastern and Western while studying Philosophy. 

Serafin Kulp

A black belt in Kempo, Serafin is a lifelong martial artist. His understanding of the biomechanics of a fight helps to bring a deeper level of understanding to our studies.

Scott Aldinger

Scott is our solo instruction specialist, pushing our more advanced students to be the best they can be. Scott has a background in classical Italian fencing having earned the rank of Provost at Arms from Sonoma State's Fencing Master Program. 

Visiting Instructors

Kevin Murakoshi

Our principle Visiting Instructor, Meister Murakoshi is certified to teach classical Italian fencing as a Master at Arms through the Sonoma State University Fencing Masters program, and also teaches at the Davis Fencing Academy.