Our Communities

The Open and Women’s Division teams respectively, that represent Warlord Combat Academy at steelfighting events across the globe. Both teams have qualified to fight internationally and between the Warlord and the Mythics, have dozens of gold medals to their credit. A tight knit community of fighters who travel, train and triumph alongside one another, the two teams that operate out of WCA compete in duels, profights and melee competitions. 

Historical European Martial Arts, more commonly know at HEMA, is a community of scholars and swordsfolk who study ancient texts and methodologies, and recreate their use in competition in the modern era. The HEMA community that operates out of WCA is the Dallas Historical Fencing Society or DSHF and the largest community of longsword fighters in the DFW Metroplex. A competitive community, DSHF trains and treats out of the Academy as their long practice sessions, thick with sparring and sportsmanship, tip into philosophical discussions at swordpoint as the evening tends on. 

Led by Russ Mitchell, a 20+-year veteran of the HEMA scene and author of numerous books, WSHF preserves a living lineage of military sabre and long-axe fencing directly descended from WWI Hungarian Hussars, accompanied by Georgian Khevsureti fencing and weapons-work from French martial arts. The classes are nerdy but rigorous, with a strong emphasis on proper body mechanics and helping each other develop athletic potential regardless of age or former athletic experience. Fencing and combat sports are a lot more fun when you know what you're doing, and why.

Run by Julian Sanchez, multiple time national medalist and an international level competitor, Sambo is a Russian-born grappling sport with both a sport and combat component. The thriving Sambo community that operates out of WCA has instructors and students at venues across the DFW Metroplex. Sambo Texas frequently hosts tournament-style events out of the WCA facility. If you’re looking for a community of fighters and doers, the Sambo Texas team is out here winning gold. 

Starbird Sabre Academy, led by Kat Laurange, plays Lightspeed League "lightsaber" fencing in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. Our teaching is unique, combining the fantasy elements of the Star Wars franchise with traditional fencing pedagogy in order to give fans of the franchise a fencing experience that helps them develop exceptional skill. Academy members who wish to are encouraged to take part in Lightspeed competitions in North Texas and elsewhere, and private lessons are available for dedicated competitors.