About Us

Our Mission

Our mission is clear: to impart the complete martial art of Italian swordsmanship. Immerse yourself in a comprehensive curriculum encompassing Longsword, Dagger, Sidesword, Rapier, and Saber techniques. These aren't just techniques; they're a self-defense system honed over 400 years across Europe's battlefields and alleys.


Delve into the wisdom of legendary Italian fencing masters through their timeless manuals:


🗡️ **Fiore de'i Liberi's "The Flower of Battle" (1400s)**: Uncover the essence of Longsword, dagger, and wrestling techniques, drawing from centuries of combat knowledge.


🗡️ **Antonio Manciolino's "Opera Nova" (1500s)**: Explore the finesse of the Side Sword, understanding the intricacies penned by a master of his time.


🗡️ **Ridolfo Capo Ferro's "Great Representation of the Art and Use of Fencing" (1600s)**: Embrace the grace and precision of Rapier techniques from a legendary fencing maestro.


🗡️ **Giuseppe Radaelli's Dueling Saber (1800s)**: Experience the art of dueling with the Saber, following in the footsteps of a revered duelist.


Join us on this journey through time and technique. Together, we'll not only master these martial arts but also uncover the values of discipline, focus, and respect. Our academy is a gateway to an ancient world where the art of the sword becomes a part of your being. Enroll now and step into a legacy that spans centuries.

Our Motto

Vincit Qui Se Vincit

It is an adaptation of a phrase from Publilius Syrus, Bis vincit qui se vincit in victoria


“He conquers twice who conquers himself when he is victorious.”


This phrase emphasizes that true victory comes not only from defeating external opponents but also from mastering oneself in the process. It highlights the idea that self-control, discipline, and personal triumphs are as significant as external achievements.


​


The student's greatest challenge is to learn to conquer themselves. Learning control in action rather than reaction, overcoming doubts, insecurities, anger, arrogance, and pride will result in success in all life's endeavors.

Our Team

Meet the coaches of IRSA.  We have certified instructors or equivalent experience in the arts of combat.

  • Tony Barajas is a Fencing Master certified through the Sonoma State University Fencing Master’s Certification Program (FMCP) and is the founder of the Italian Renaissance Swordsmanship Academy (IRSA). He has an extensive background in martial arts, which includes Tae Kwon Do, Shotokan Karate, Aikido, Jujitsu, Kendo, Escrima, and Iaido. This diverse experience enriches his study and teaching of Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA).


    At IRSA, Tony provides a comprehensive curriculum in HEMA that integrates technical precision, historical context, and practical application. Drawing from both classical Italian fencing traditions and the discipline and efficiency of Asian martial arts, he emphasizes a realistic, combat-oriented approach rooted in centuries of martial wisdom.

    Tony Barajas

    Head Coach 

  • TBA

    Jeremy Tavan

    Assistant Instructor

  • Tina is an assistant instructor at the Italian Renaissance Swordsmanship Academy under Provost Tony Barajas. She has been fencing HEMA for eight years and classical Italian for two years. She is an instructor’s candidate at the Fencing Master’s Certificate Program at Sonoma State University scheduled to take my exam in the summer of 2024. She specializes in smallsword, saber, foil, and epee.

    Tina Ponzetti

    Assistant Instructor