Matthew Melonuk

Matt started HEMA since 2018, and has been part of Waterfront Historical Fencing since it the beginning.

As President, Matt handles administration, club activities and is the reliable voice of reason in the club.

He is the head instructor for:

  • Fundamentals class on Saturdays 2- 4p.m

  • Harnessfechten/ SCA armour class Wednesday 6:30 - 8:30 P.M.

In class Matt heavily focuses on form and structure as well as exercises for longevity and wellness. 

President; Head Instructor

Joshua Derby

Josh has got his start in HEMA in Winter 2019 and has also been part of Waterfront since its start.

Josh specializes in German longsword and Italian rapier but has read sources on messer, greatsword as well.

For his classes, Josh focuses on goal oriented training and practical interpretations.

Josh teaches:

  • Fundamentals class on Tuesday 5:30 - 6:30PM

  • Advanced Fencing on Thursdays 5:30 - 6:30PM

Vice president; Instructor

Tom is the life of the party. The treasurer and WFHF’s spokesperson.

While no stranger to assisting with instruction and competing in tournaments, Tom’s have come from coordinating the many successful seminars, tournaments and events we have hosted throughout the years.

Our main events include:

  • HEMA Arcade: a seasonally occurring event, blending instructive seminars, with fun and fresh HEMA rulesets in an all out blast of an event.

  • Lost Art: Waterfront’s yearly public showcase filled with action, grudge matches and passion as we spread awareness of HEMA to our local community.

Vice President; Event Coordinator

Thomas Barefoot

Coming from a childhood history of Taolu Wushu, Kung Fu. Tan began practicing HEMA in 2023.

His main weapons are longsword, saber and sidesword; primarily interpreting the works of Joachim Meyer, a 16th century German fencing master. He also is a practitioner of Chinese swordsmanship with a goal of testing it against/alongside other HEMA arts

Tan is an assistant instructor in most class times and acts as a mentor to newer students.

He teaches class on Satudays 4-6PM focusing on underrepresented weapons such as: sword and buckler, sidesword, and chinese jian. 

Instructor; Mentor

Tan Nguyen