Chris
J. Franklin. Photo courtesy of Art of Combat, inc.
Chris J. Franklin Art of Combat, inc.
Chris has worked in various capacities for the stage (actor, director, makeup artist, tech/crew, combat specialist) for about 18 years. In mid 2001, Chris portrayed the role of Tybalt in Romeo & Juliet. It was through his involvement in this production that Chris first worked with the stage combat organization Art of Combat, inc., and as a result of that relationship AoC asked him to join. Chris is one of a small handful of individuals ever to have been invited for membership in that organization. Through the tutelage of John Lennox and Ian Griffin, Chris soon became a skilled stage combatant, assistant-teaching various weapon styles for the stage and screen.
As a result of his study with John Lennox, Chris' scholarly focus changed to a dedicated study of Western Martial Arts. Chris is an avid student practitioner of the Western Martial Arts, with particular emphasis on early 17th century rapier in the Italian style. His historical training includes one-on-one study with Maestro Paul Macdonald, as well as M. Macdonald's tutelage, advice and assistance in the study of period texts. Chris also enjoys the study of historical backsword/single stick, sabre and knife combat. He is also studying the use and practical construction of historically accurate duelling shields - a weapon featured in depictions of trials-by-combat, in various period fighting manuscripts of northern Europe. Chris' other martial arts studies include Tae Kwon Do with Master Yong Sup Kil.
Currently studying the Italian language, Chris has earned the title of Authorized Combat Instructor for Art of Combat, inc., with proficiencies in a number of combat & weapon styles for the stage and screen. In this capacity, Chris has taught various stage combat workshops and private lessons, as well as assisting Fight Director John Lennox in conducting myriad workshops, lectures and demonstrations in: Medieval and Renaissance history, the Western Martial Arts, and their application in the choreography of historically accurate stage combat.
In August of 2006, after completing the extensive testing process which AoC requires for its Fight Directors, Chris was formally inducted as a Fight Director of Art of Combat, Home Chapter (Lansing). Since then, he has also gained membership in the Independent Fight Director's Guild, a worldwide affiliation of stage combat professionals.
In 2005, he was honored with the opportunity to present a scholarly paper at ISMAC: an examination and history of the Sacred Band of Thebes, a Greek army organized along the lines of Plato's Symposium circa 378 BC. Chris is also the editor of the forthcoming book on period maritime combat, By Sword and Tomahawk, by authors Steven Huff, John Lennox, and Gareth Thomas.
Chris is currently involved in the genesis of the Colloquium for Historical Combat, which is planned to be the historical study branch of Art of Combat, inc. The Colloquium is to be an organization of student practitioners devoted to the study, practice, and preservation of Historical Martial Arts.
Chris currently serves as the Webmaster for the online presences of Art of Combat, inc., the International Swordfighting and Martial Arts Convention and the Colloquium for Historical Combat. He also serves as Assistant Coordinator for the annual ISMAC event.
His friends call him “Tiggs.”