On the short list of Mega Sword Channels on YouTube you’ll find Michael Thomas and his brother Nick running the ever popular Academy of Historical Fencing Channel. I don’t have the chops to ask for Michael’s time, but he warmingly gave it anyway, especially right when I had started and didn’t have anything produced at the time of this recording. Michael G. Thomas is a science fiction novelist from the United Kingdom. His best-selling Star Crusades series has sold in excess of one hundred thousand copies and continues to draw in new fans every month. As well as a strong interest in science fiction, Michael also writes horror fiction including the popular Zombie Dawn trilogy, co-written with his brother, Nick S. Thomas. As well as a prolific writer, Michael is also a well-known historical martial artist. He is the co-founder of the prestigious Academy of Historical Fencing that teaches traditional armed and unarmed European martial arts. His specialty areas are teaching the use of the medieval two-handed longsword and the German long knife. His academic background is as varied as his writing with his first degree in Computing and advanced degrees in Classical Studies and more. He has studied in Newport, Bristol and Bath and is a qualified secondary school teacher. In recent years he has undertaken substantial research in the fields of artificial intelligence as well as Greek and Byzantine military history. My interview with Michael took place April 6th of 2023.

Michael Thomas

Why Historical fencing?

You're also an accomplished author. Your series include: Star Crusader, Star Crusades, Zombie Dawn, Star Legions, Star Cadets, Robot Commandos, Mech Legions, Cyber Commando, Stryker’s Commandos, Guardian War, Heroes of WWI, Night Hunter, War Masters, Void Wars. That doesn't even count one off titles. You are extremely prolific! How many books have you under your belt?

Your routine as an author, how does that go?

Who are your biggest literary influences?

You are also a giant part of Academy Historic Fencing. Which is a premiere HEMA Club known world wide. How did this whole thing happen? .

AHF is in Bristol, England and also in South Wales. If I was a brand new student and I walked through those doors today what would I find? How would I get instructed?

Looking forward, what could I expect as a student one year, 2 years down the road at AHF?

According to your website you also have a few Associated schools. Academy of Steel in Cardiff, Wales Espada Negra in Lisbon Portugal

You guys also do a lot of group fighting it seems. Tell us more about that.

Are there any Tournaments or martial events AHF is associated with?

You definitely have a lot of things going on in your life. Is there anything we forgot? Quick Advice for new people starting in a sword discipline?

Salutations.

Links:

The AHF website is: swordfight.uk

https://www.facebook.com/starcrusader

https://twitter.com/TheStarCrusader

Adventure books by Michael Thomas: Starcrusader.com