Steaphen Fick

Bringing history alive is the passion of Steaphen Fick, founder of the Davenriche European Martial Artes School (DEMAS), located in Santa Clara and Morgan Hill. Based on an ancient European style of self-defence (old English spelling), students from age six to seventy-six learn how to safely swing swords, fight with long sticks, daggers and rapiers, and learn other techniques that were part of the tradition of knights centuries ago. Fascinated by the “days of yore,” Steaphen began sword fighting in full armor for a tournament company in 1989. Initially, he learned how to compete through what might be called the school of hard knocks (literally). However, while on his honeymoon in Europe he had the good fortune to spend time in Edinburgh, Scotland, and on a return trip of over six months, was able to study 11 different weapons, as well as wrestling techniques and styles. Steaphen studied and learned among others:

14th-16th Century Long Sword
16th -17th Century Rapier
16th Century Side Sword
15th Century Dagger
19th Century Sabre

When the tournament company dissolved, Steaphen founded his school, DEMAS, as a way to continue to share his enjoyment of the art. Check out the website here: www.swordfightingschool.com. In addition to his adult classes in Long Sword Fencing, Rapier & Dagger, Side Sword, Dagger, Pole Arms, Grappling, Sabre, Sword & Buckler, Sword & Shield and Half Swording, and his Long Sword and Rapier Fencing classes for children, Steaphen also offers a special class in street safety for women called, “Be SAFE” (Secure, Aware, Free and Empowered) in which women are taught how to best avoid potential harm, as well as simple maneuvers to escape from an attacker.

Steaphen is also the author of Beginner’s Guide To The Longsword, European Weaponry Techniques, published by Black Belt Books. This is their first European Martial Arts book published, and their first weaponry book in a decade. In addition to writing, he has worked on projects with the Disney Channel, Lucas Films, the History Channel Modern Marvels, Galatia Films, and is currently working with Dawnrunner Productions on their newest project.