Updates

– (Posted 10/31/2025)
October 31st will mark the 13th Anniversary of the founding of Red Sun Classical Fencing. Maestro Mank was once again invited to teach at the Rapier and Sabre Pedagogy retreat, assisting in the main class, but also leading a well-received smarra/transitional rapier breakout session. This led to him receiving an invitation to teach a workshop dedicated to the smarra in Boston over Memorial Day weekend, hosted by several area HEMA groups led by FMCP Instructors at Arms. Maestro Mank also returned to the Sonoma State University Fencing Masters Certificate Program for its 20th Anniversary, led class sessions, and assisted the candidates present in preparing for their exams. RSCF Drill Master Dr Sam Schonfeld attended this year as well, and passed his examination for the certification of Instructor at Arms. The coming year will present both opportunities and challenges; Maestro Mank will be returning to Boston to work with the FMCP Provost Candidates there, and will be teaching at The Rose & Thorns Swordplay Symposium in March, in addition to RASP and FMCP. RSCF will have to end up in a new space by October of next year, but we look forward to the possibilities!

– (Posted 9/30/2025)
Beginning October 1st 2025, tuition and fees at Red Sun Classical Fencing are increasing. The Class Information page has been updated to reflect the new rates.

– (Posted 7/31/2025)
As of Sunday August 3rd, a new schedule is now in effect. Class sessions will now be held on Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays. Class time for all sessions is 6:30PM-8:30PM. Sunday private lessons occur from 5:30PM-8:30PM (the last 2 hours are concurrent with the Sunday class). The Class Information and Contact pages have been updated to reflect the new days and times.

– (Posted 7/15/2025)
Maestro Mank returned to this year’s summer intensive session of the Sonoma State University Fencing Masters Certificate Program, along with RSCF Drill Master Dr. Sam Schonfeld, in celebration of the program’s 20th Anniversary. Red Sun Classical Fencing is pleased to announce that Sam passed his examination for the certification of Instructor at Arms; this examination consists of a written exam, oral exam, the giving and taking of an individual lesson, leading a formal military-style group lesson, and the teaching of actions at random as requested by the Examination Board. Congratulations to Sam and the other new Instructors (Adrian Jones and Matthew Lawrence), and the tradition’s new Master at Arms, Tony Barajas!

– (Posted 6/6/2025)
Schedule Update: Classes on Thursdays in June and July will run from 7:30PM-9PM.

– (Posted 5/1/2025)
Red Sun Classical Fencing is pleased to announce that on Wednesday April 30th 2025, student Matt O’Neill successfully passed the Classical Fencing Society Fencer’s examination, and as such has gained the associated rights and privileges of a Fencer of the school, including the right to free fence, compete in tournaments, and begin training in other weapons taught at the school. The examination consists of a written test, an oral examination, as well as a practical element (administered as a formal individual lesson), and a combat element (administered as a fencing bout). Congratulations to Matt!

– (Posted 3/24/2025)
Maestro Mank traveled to Palm Beach FL to participate in the Palm Beach Classical Fencing Open on Saturday March 22nd; below are the results.

FOIL
1st Place – Matt Richardson (Tampa Bay Fencers)
2nd Place – Brad Cramer (UWF HEMA Fencing Club)
3rd Place – Ryan Mank (Red Sun Classical Fencing)

EPEE
1st Place – Brad Cramer (UWF HEMA Fencing Club)
2nd Place – Ryan Mank (Red Sun Classical Fencing)
3rd Place – Matt Richardson (Tampa Bay Fencers)

SABRE
1st Place – Brad Cramer (UWF HEMA Fencing Club)
2nd Place – Tony Mita (Martinez Academy of Arms)
3rd Place – Ryan Mank (Red Sun Classical Fencing)

Many thanks to all the Directors, Judges, and Competitors from around the US; you all make this event worth coming to!

A special thanks goes to Maestri Ramon Martinez and Jared Kirby, and Instructors Kim Moser and Russell Hogg not only for directing in the tournament but also for the post-tournament workshop, and of course all the off-hours socializing. Until next year!

– (Posted 3/13/2025)
Red Sun Classical Fencing is pleased to announce that on Wednesday March 12th 2025, student Khiem Le successfully passed the Classical Fencing Society Fencer’s examination, and as such has gained the associated rights and privileges of a Fencer of the school, including the right to free fence, compete in tournaments, and begin training in other weapons taught at the school. The examination consists of a written test, an oral examination, as well as a practical element (administered as a formal individual lesson), and a combat element (administered as a fencing bout). Congratulations to Khiem!

– (Posted 2/17/2025)
Maestro Mank was once again invited to teach at the Rapier and Sabre Pedagogy retreat this past weekend, and was one of 10 instructors present. It is geared toward those who wish to teach these weapons, however, just as much can be gained from student participants. There are main classes, and smaller focus sessions on specific topics and FMCP material. More information on this event is found here: https://fencingatl.com/rasp