INSTRUCTORS
Everyone at DHFA is here to make you feel like you're welcome and you belong. Our instructing methodology is meant to keep you challenged while always feeling like you're making progress.
JASON BARRONS
FOUNDING INSTRUCTOR
Jason has medaled at some of the largest events in the nation and has been ranked as high as 25th in the US and 87th in the world in longsword. He has competed all over the US and in Europe. Previously he was the president of the HEMA Alliance for 4 years and is the Editor in Chief of Measure & Weigh, a product review website for hema equipment.
In his spare time Jason loves rescuing breeding dogs from puppy mills, working out, cinematography, product design, & helping people discover their love and strength in fencing.
MELISSA NEWMAN EVANS
HEAD INSTRUCTOR
Melissa is one of the smiliest faces you will see at DHFA, and you’ll see her face a lot. She’s in charge of our one-handed weapon systems, and a blisteringly talented saber fencer.
In her spare time, she loves to dress up fancy, host people at her house, write & recite poetry at slams, and generally being one of your most favorite people five minutes after you meet her.
ASSISTANT INSTRUCTORS & COACHES
TREVOR
ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR
isaac
ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR
brad
ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR
OTHER FOUNDERS
While they may have moved away from Denver, Sam & Aaron helped found the club and are missed dearly.
Aaron Karnuta
LOVES: German & Italian Longsword, Sword and Buckler, Rapier & Dagger, single handed weapons, sugar.
Aaron spearheads DHFA's advanced classes, and brings to them a deep knowledge of the old sources and manuscripts.
Aaron recently won gold in longsword at the cornhusker games 2018, silver in messer at Longpoint 2017, gold in longsword and 4th in saber at MCHO 202, gold at MCHO Beta 3, and gold in the open steel longsword at RMK 2017. He is ranked in the top 20 fencers in the US, as well as 47th in the world in longsword. Previously he had placed 4th at Socal Swordfight 2015, and top 16 at Longpoint 2016.
Sam Beardsley
LOVES: German Longsword, Rapier & Dagger, Single Rapier, Messer, being fucking weird.
The resident left handed instructor, Sam is an expert at helping you discover what openings are exposed and you don't realize it.
Recently Sam came in 3rd in single rapier at RMK2017, Silver in the basic cutting tournament at Longpoint, and is ranked 69th in the world for rapier and dagger.