At the Vanguard Centre in Glasgow, we have several members of staff, including some incredibly talented instructors. We like to bring modern teaching science into our lessons, to provide the best and most effective learning environment for students.
Meet our team below!
Chief Instructor: Jonathan Spouge
Jonathan, most often going by his surname, is our dedicated HEMA instructor at the Vanguard Centre.
He has been interested in military history and armed combat for most of his life, and began his HEMA career in 2010 while at university in Dundee by helping found one of the country’s major groups with several other notable Scottish fencers. His current area of interest is in developing the Scottish Fighting Arts, and is now concentrating on becoming “a full-time, professional sword-dude”.
Between these activities, he pursues various artistic endeavours, listens to rock music and tells appalling jokes. It has been 9 years since he last painted himself green.
Instructor: Duncan McLaren
Duncan came on board officially as one of our instructors in 2021, after being a member of the Vanguard Centre for a few years. He helps with running the HEMA classes.
Instructor: Joshua Stocks
Joshua joined the team as one of our instructors in 2021. He runs some of the archery sessions every week.
Instructor: Paul Durkin
Paul has been helping to run archery sessions at the Vanguard Centre since 2018.
Director: Keith Farrell
Behind the scenes, Keith does most of the paperwork and admin to keep the organisation running. It’s not a fun job, but someone has to do it!
He is the chief instructor at Liverpool HEMA, and, from time to time, makes trips up to Glasgow to visit the venue and teach some lessons.
He also runs his own website at KeithFarrell.net where he posts articles and videos.