GALLOWGLASS ACADEMY TEACHES DEFENSIVE TACTICS THROUGH HISTORY

Newly established in northwestern Illinois, Gallowglass Academy is developing a specialization in historical swordplay techniques to Western martial artists, actors, historians and writers interested in creating realistic scenes of combat.

Leaf River, September 17, 2003 -- Gallowglass Academy, Inc., promises to bring training, tradition, and defence" to Ogle County. Theres a reason for that old-fashioned spelling -- Gallowglass Academy is developing a specialization in historical swordplay techniques to Western martial artists, actors, historians and writers interested in creating realistic scenes of combat. The Orient has unbroken traditions in its martial training systems," says C. Allen Reed, head instructor at Gallowglass, but there is growing evidence for European styles. A lot of its fragmentary, but some complete medieval systems are coming back to light."

Gallowglass Academy was incorporated in 2002 by Andrea Dubnick and her husband Allen Reed to focus and integrate their mutual interests in personal defense, swordplay, firearms, and history. Reed has over 17 years experience teaching Oriental martial arts and self-defense, as well as over 20 years as a law enforcement firearms instructor. Dubnick is a history buff and fiction writer who insists on authentic details. In 2003 they relocated from Chicago to Leaf River, Ogle County, in northwestern Illinois.

Gallowglasss plans for expansion include offering instruction in more modern armed and unarmed personal defense systems to civilians and law enforcement officers. Efficient training and enjoyable practice -- theyre both equally necessary, whether youre talking fencing, firearms, or unarmed combatives," said Reed. Thats why the rapier swordplay from the time of Good Queen Bess is as valid as, for instance, a modern ju-jutsu system. Theyre both good exercise, great physical training. And theyre fun -- or they should be!"

Reed and the beginnings of GA were featured in the Chicago-area Lerner newspapers early in 2002. GA plans to launch a modern personal defense course for non-martial artists this autumn, as well as several historical combatives workshops through Spring 2004. For additional information, log on to http://www.GallowglassAcademy.org
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