We had the good fortune of connecting with Eric Weiss and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Eric, what is the most important factor behind your success?

The success of any school should always be the success of the student, which we achieve with our Unifed System of Teaching to the art of historical fencing. So, rather than remaining within the lens of a single master or weapon, we bring the martial principles and tactics of the Italian tradition ( 1400s – 1600s) to the forefront with a fully developed curriculum to serve the student as a whole.

This allows a student in the art to attain a strong foundational understanding of how to move in one’s own body with any extension of themselves (i.e. Sword, spear, dagger, etc) giving them a strong early feeling of success and the tools to continue down the path of mastery.

In short, we create empowered learners who are excited about their personal growth.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
When you hear ‘fencing’ the public typically associates it with the olympic sport. Historical Fencing, however, is the practice of the Western Martial Arts that fencing comes from originally. At Valiant we primarily focus on the Italian Fencing Tradition and its principles of the Art of Arms. Our breadth of weapons range from wrestling, dagger, sword & shield, spear, to the dueling focused rapier, and even the two handed longsword. Yet, the principles of their use are interchangeable and timeless, allowing one’s prowess to carry into modern martial arenas as well, despite the use of more archaic weaponry.

As I mentioned in my shoutout, I had the privilege of learning under two great instructors of the art, who took me under their wing and empowered me in my own path, which is what I now pay forward to my students at Valiant. That itself is what I am most proud of, is to now have followed in the footsteps of a wonderful tradition, both of martial arts and in creating a place that leads others to pursue self mastery!

The sword is a highly romanticized image and most of us hold the idea of what it represents in high esteem regardless if we’ve ever held one or not. To take hold of this object and step into this art is imbue yourself with these ideas of being noble, upright, powerful, capable, forthright, just and yes, chivalrous. Martial Arts is already about discipline and self defense but for some, to embrace it with this flavor calls them to be the very best version of themselves. Standing taller, more focused, more confident but also more generous, and more honest. They conduct themselves, with honor.

Everyone should have the chance to feel and know what it is to be capable and empowered in their bodies. They should also have the opportunity to pursue something to excellence! To fall in love with the adventure of continuous learning and seeing just how far you can go.

For mastery is not a goal reached, but a path walked.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am a big fan of theatre, so to never miss an opportunity, you should check showtimes for Shakespeare in the Park, Pocket Sandwhich Theatre, and Shakespeare Everywhere! Spend a day at the Dallas Museum of Art, where they even have evening events. For example, just last month, they had a fencing demonstration with some of the local fencers, including one of our own! To top it off with some heavy bias toward swordsmanship and showmanship, you should definitely make a trip to Medieval TImes: Dinner & Tournament for food, fun and jousting.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely! The Historical Fencing community is wide spread, but still very close knit and I couldn’t have done any of this without all those that have been there before me. First mention can be none other than Colin Hatcher of Academia del Leone, who was my first fencing teacher, and the first to allow me to stretch my wings as a teacher within his school. The second is Devon Boorman of Academie Duello who helped me past my plateau and showed me what it means to walk the path of mastery. Finally, there is no way not to mention the endless support and patience of my incredible wife.

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Valiantfencing/

Image Credits
Grey Jacket: Head Instructor – Eric Weiss

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