"As the Education Director of the Boarshead Theater, I work with several public schools in the Lansing area. I have used the Art of Combat group several times to teach combat basics to high school students. Teachers and students alike have been very satisfied with the group's work. They understand students very well and really show them a good time while teaching them at the same time. "

Joe A. Babb
Check out www.boarshead.org

"The Art of Combat has been involved with and provided instructors for: Drama Day 99 (high school workshops), Stage Combat classes, and last year's Combat seminar, which included instructors from around the world. The Art of Combat has provided excellent training for our students and fight choreography for our productions."

Andy Callis
Director
Theatre Program
Lansing Community College

"I'm writing to thank your crew for the work you did on our production of 'Two Buffalo Fight". Without the vivid fight scenes, and even the comic violence, the show would not have had the impact it did. That was due entirely to the excellent work of Art of Combat. I was impressed with how you worked with actors of varying athletic skill to produce thoroughly spectacular and above all, very realistic fight scenes.
If you ever need a recommendation, give me a call!"

Sincerely, G. L. Blanchard
Writer/Director
Jackson Civic Theatre

"Thanks so much to your crew for sharing your expertise with the young people in All-Of-Us-Express Children's Theatre. As always, I find your teaching style matches the atmosphere of support and caring of young people that we try to create. I especially like the fact that when any of you are teaching, I do not feel the necessity of looking over your shoulder. Rather, I am able to do my work secure in the knowledge that you will keep the young people safe and working in a professional manner. It is obvious from the enthusiasm of the students that they are learning in a fun atmosphere. Having seen the end result of your work, I know that they are learning invaluable lessons that include not only the fundamentals of stage combat, but also treating others with care and respect; moving with confidence; and working as a team.
Your company will always be welcome to teach and choreograph with All-Of-Us-Express anytime."

Sincerely yours,
Evelyn Weymouth
Executive Director
All-Of-Us-Express Children's Theatre

"I've been meaning to let you know how much your assistance with the short fight scene and violence in "The Runner Stumbles" enhanced the intensity of the show. It was also assuring to know that by using your techniques the actors felt confident and safe during their scenes although the audience sometimes let out a collective gasp! What amazed me was the way you were able to teach the actors in such a short period of time. Of course, we followed your advice to practice those bits (especially the courtroom fight) before the official start of each rehearsal. Did you get to see an actual performance?

Thanks. Our reviews were fantastic and your help was invaluable."

Ann Holt, Director of "The Runner Stumbles"

"Well, two classes competed against each other and there was no question that the students who studied the (Art of Combat) tape were the better of the two fights we saw. One sword fighter was Chinese and it was a bit strange to hear his medieval fighting techniques accompanied by noises/grunts that sounded like they came from a Karate movie but, nevertheless, it was a very entertaining evening and the kids had a great time. If we have any good digital pics, I'll send them your way. And thank you again! You have been the most helpful person I have ever had to work with with regards to assisting teachers."

Nila Grutman
English Teacher
St. Stephen's School
Rome, Italy

"cool...."

-Earth, Wind and Fire (Long story. Ask us some time)

Dear John: Just a note to thank you and Chris Franklin for the fine demonstration of historical fighting techniques with rapier and broadsword that you gave on November 13 and 19 to my French history and medieval history classes.

Your presentations were superb! They impressed, entertained and educated my students greatly-so much so that several of them made positive remarks about it in their student evaluations at the end of the term. Academic discussion is no substitute for seeing this sort of thing in action-I was particularly impressed, myself, to note how brief rapier encounters are and how relatively slow broadsword fights are.

As you know, my own historical specialty is the Middle Ages-you and Chris taught me some rather important things about my own field, and for that alone I would be grateful. Since seeing your presentations, I have been intrigued to notice figures in medieval and Renaissance art employing the combat positions you described in your presentations-you've illuminated a whole dimension of art history to me! Having a resource like you and your group in the area is a rare privilege; your dedication to the survival of the subject is evident and most praiseworthy. The art you are preserving has historical and academic, as well as entertainment, value.

So again, on behalf of my thirty-six students and myself: thank you! I do hope that you can be persuaded to come again and make further presentations.

Sincerely,

Paul Crawford
Assistant Professor of History
Alma College

PS-Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help our students learn about your classes or otherwise assist you in teaching this subject-I should be happy to hand out materials in class, have my student assistant put up posters, or otherwise promote what you are doing.