Gary Chelak

Gary began studying historical fencing in 1994 while attending college. He served as both assistant and primary historic fencing instructor. He earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts from Northern Arizona University with an extended major in Visual Communication. A nationally recognized designer, in 2001 he refocused to full time graphic arts instruction at a private college. Since then he has received multiple awards for teaching including “Who’s Who of America’s Teachers.”

Gary heads up the Southern California Chapter of TSD, bringing a unique mixture of competitive experience, academic research, and creative pedagogy. Instruction is available in Italian systems of rapier, sword & longsword, with classes also available in Germanic sword play. Additional studies include Italian & Germanic unarmed arts. Gary is currently completing his translation and interpretation of Nicoletto Giganti’s 1606 rapier text, due for publication shortly. He is actively working on the texts of Camillo Agrippa and Achille Marozzo, including translation & pedagogical study.

Known as Giacomo Cavalli da Treviso in the Society for Creative Anachronism, Gary is a member of the Defenders of the White Scarf, and member of the Laurel for Historic Combat. Heavily involved with program & curriculum development in all three venues.