Updates

– (Posted 7/13/2026)
Maestro Mank returned to this year’s session of the Sonoma State University Fencing Masters Certificate Program. In addition to running classes and working with the candidates testing this year, he was once again invited to serve on an Examination Board. This year the FMCP certified 5 new Provosts at Arms (Justin Aucoin, Marli Vlok, Zach Hicks, Steve Massaroni, Yuhan Guo), and 1 new Instructor at Arms (Maya Hotz). The rigorous examinations consist 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; at the Instructor’s level this is done in one weapon, and at the Provost’s level, it must be done in all three (Foil, Epee, Sabre). Congratulations to all the candidates; your hard work definitely showed, and you deserve your achievements!

– (Posted 6/21/2026)
Maestro Mank led an Italian Sabre Intensive workshop at the RSCF sala on Saturday June 20th. As the name implies, it was designed to cover a concentrated amount of material for participants of various levels of experience in the sabre. Each participant got something out of it, and sparked additional interest in the use of the Italian system of the Dueling Sabre.

– (Posted 3/23/2026)
Maestro Mank and RSCF Fencer Khiem Le traveled to compete in this years Palm Beach Classical Fencing Open, held this past weekend; below are the results:

FOIL:
1st Place: Don Uy (Tampa Bay Fencers)
2nd Place: Matt Richardson (Tampa Bay Fencers)
3rd Place: Ryan Mank (Red Sun Classical Fencing)

EPEE:
1st Place: Joseph Lai (Salle Saint-Georges)
2nd Place: Matt Richardson (Tampa Bay Fencers)
3rd Place: Grayson North (Palm Beach Classical Fencing)

SABRE:
1st Place: Don Uy (Tampa Bay Fencers)
2nd Place: Ryan Mank (Red Sun Classical Fencing)
3rd Place: Khiem Le (Red Sun Classical Fencing)

Thanks to all competitors for the challenging fencing, to the judges and Directors (Maitre Cecil Longino of Salle Saint-Georges, Instructor Russell Hogg of Cote du Golfe School of Fencing, and the Maestri Ramon Martinez and Jeannette Acosta-Martinez of Martinez Academy of Arms) for officiating the event, and last but not least, Instructor Kim Moser of Palm Beach Classical Fencing and his wife Ellen for organizing the event itself as well as all the associated social activities, all of which makes the event worth coming to year after year. Until the next one!

– (Posted 3/2/2026)
Maestro Mank was invited to teach at the Rose & Thorns Historical Fencing Symposium, where he taught a 2-hour class on the smarra to 20 participants. He was also permitted to compete in the various tournaments being held at the event, where he placed 4th in Single Rapier, 3rd in First Blood Rapier, and 2nd in Classical Foil. Thanks to the event organizer, Diamond Rose Academie d’Armes, for their hospitality and for having me out to teach.

– (Posted 2/16/2026)
Maestro Mank was once again invited to teach at the Rapier and Sabre Pedagogy retreat this past weekend, and was one of 13 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; Maestro Mank taught a class on the Transitional Rapier, as well as leading sessions in Sabre and on the topic of teaching group classes. More information on this event is found here: https://fencingatl.com/rasp

– (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.