Steaphen Fick (Photo courtesy of Steaphen Fick)

Black Belt author Steaphen Fick is the founder of the Davenriche European Martial Arts School as well as the International Medieval Tournament Association, two organizations dedicated to bringing medieval combat styles to the 21st century.

With 20 years of experience in European martial arts, Fick is an internationally ranked provost and two-time rapier winner at the International Swordfighting and Martial Arts Convention. He has also competed in fully armored tournaments and has taught in the United States, England and Canada.

Fick collaborated with Black Belt Books to create The Beginner's Guide to the Long Sword: European Martial Arts Weaponry Techniques. The book acts as a gateway for readers of all skill levels to learn sword-fighting lessons and fun drills for safe practice with friends or fellow students.