Benjamin Smith
Benjamin Smith began training in historical European martial arts in 2000. He founded the Hilt and Cross in 2012. He received his masters degree in public history from WSU in 2008. He specializes in the Longsword style of Sigmund Ringeck and teaches the Sword and Bucklers of Lignitzer and the I.33, Talhoffer’s Dagger, and Spanish Destreza. He published the Art of Longsword Fighting: Teaching the Foundations of Sigmund Ringeck’s Style in 2021.
Phillip Roemer
Phillip Roemer was gifted a plastic armor set for Christmas at age 6 and never stopped swordfighting. He started in Olympic Fencing and Boffer Combat before settling into HEMA. Phillip teaches Lutegerus’s Sword and Buckler, Meyer’s Rapier and Polearms, and Roworth’s Saber while also participating in Longsword, Rapier, and Smallsword. His goals include looking out at the Mediterranean from Fort Saint Angelo, Malta, former home of the Knights Hospitaller.
Randall Boudwin
Randall Boudwin is one of the first members of the Hilt & Cross. He trained previously in Kyokushin Muso-Ryu Joto. He specializes in Ringeck’s Longsword and has trained in sword and buckler and rapier.
John Previtera
John Previtera was one of the first members of the Hilt and Cross, and teaches our saber and smallsword classes. He is also accomplished in longsword and rapier.
Gabriel Arrington
Gabriel Arrington joined the Hilt & Cross in 2016 and specializes in Ringeck’s longsword. He has also trained in rapier and sword and buckler, and is currently working to add a messer curriculum to the Hilt & Cross’ offerings.