Raid on the River Stage Combat Workshop

We at The Pen & Sword believe that the future of Stage Combat lies in the cross-training of Stage Combat and Martial Arts. Therefore, the goal of this workshop is to blend the line between both worlds so that students develop informed body mechanics, martial skill, and pedagogical knowledge of what Stage Combat aims to simulate.

This workshop offers 10 hours in two Society of American Fight Directors (SAFD) weapon tracks. Students will choose one track:

1) Rapier & Dagger with Chicago-based CT Dave Gonzalez; or

2) Two-Handed (aka Broadsword) with Eugene- based CT Kevin Inouye

Students will also receive three 2.5-hour Martial Arts Masterclasses from instructors of these specific martial forms!

1) Srisuk Muay Thai with Kru Pierce Williams

2) Pekiti Tirsia Kali with Mandala Njoli Brown

3) Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with Professor Brendin Phillips

FAQs

  • Raid on the River takes place in the Tri-Cities area of Washington State.

  • Fly into Pasco Airport! There are shuttles to many hotels in the area.

  • If you choose to fly in to Pasco Airport, designated shuttles can take you to your hotel! However, if you wish to explore more of the Tri-Cities, consider renting a car as the area is very spread out.

  • Early Bird Tuition is $325 and lasts until March 20th!

    Normal Tuition is $350 and will be open until a few days before the workshop.

  • We recommend bringing:
    - athletic clothes that you can move comfortably in without having to readjust
    - Indoor athletic shoes are preferred to protect the facilities
    - a water bottle
    - a note-taking device or note-taking materials
    - deodorant
    - a swimsuit (especially if your hotel has a pool or if you would like to swim in the Columbia River!)
    - clothing appropriate for early summer in the desert. We have a dry climate with gorgeous sun, three rivers for water activities, and frequent wind.

  • On Friday night, there will be a Meet and Greet at Howard Amon Park in Richland, WA (right across the Columbia River from Pasco) where students, teachers, and staff will be able to bring their dinner, get to know one another, and enjoy riverside park activities.

    After the Closing Meeting on Sunday, students, teachers, and staff are invited to the Williams Estate for a fireside hangout complete with cornhole, archery, axe-throwing, and more. This event is optional, but if you can make it, we’d love to have you!

  • Anyone interested in stage combat and martial arts 14 years of age and older can attend Raid on the River! Students younger than 18 years old will require parent permission to attend.

Meet the Team

  • Firen Williams

    Co-Coordinator, Advanced Actor Combatant in the SAFD, and Co-owner of The Pen Sword, LLC.

  • Kru Pierce Williams

    Co-Coordinator, Advanced Actor Combatant in the SAFD, Co-owner of The Pen & Sword, LLC, Kru in Srisuk Muay Thai

  • Certified Teacher Dave Gonzalez

    Dave is a Certified Teacher of both Stage Combat and the Alexander Technique working in and around the city of Chicago. Among his credits as a fight director, he has worked with American Theatre Company, Lookingglass Theatre, the Side Project, the Plagiarists, Clockwise Theatre, and several others. He is the co-founder of The Left Turn at Albuquerque Stage Combat Workshop.

  • Certified Teacher Kevin Inouye

    Kevin is a SAFD Certified Teacher and Theatrical Firearms Instructor, Margolis Method Instructor Level II, Certified Teacher with the National Michael Chekhov Association, Assistant Faculty with Theatrical Intimacy Education, and a SAG-AFTRA performer. He is an award-winning fight choreographer, and runs a prop weapons rental business. He wrote The Theatrical Firearms Handbook (2014) and The Screen Combat Handbook (2020), a chapter in Physical Dramaturgy (2018), and articles for The Fight Master. He taught in higher education for over a decade, as well as at many conferences and workshops, including creating and running the University of WY stage combat workshop for four years, assistant coordinating the VA Beach Bash, and working the Paddy Crean International workshop several times. More info at www.fightdesigner.com or www.kevininouye.com.

  • Mandala Njoli Brown

    Mandala in Pekiti Tirsia Kali, Owner of MSMB National

  • Professor Brendin Phillips

    Black Belt in Brazilan Jiu Jitsu, Co-owner of Legacy Jiu Jitsu Academy