stick combat

The Top Training Facility for Combat Arts in Michigan

Train in hand-to-hand combat, weapons work, and choreography. Perfect for actors, performers, and anyone who wants to move with power and precision.

sword instruction

Stage Combat & Fight Choreography Classes

Train in the curriculum of the Society of American Fight Directors, the premier professional training organization in the United States. Skills Proficiency Certificate training and testing is available.

after school teaching

Historical and Cultural Combat Arts

Train in weapons systems from the medieval era to the modern age. Not only European, but African and Asian styles are available.

afterschool practice

Fencing for Fitness

Utilize martial arts training to improve balance, coordination, and stamina, as well as expand mental acuity, emotional release, and improved focus.

How about all work and all play?


Swordsmanship - the art of precision, discipline, and mastery—where skill meets strategy in the dance of steel.

Performance - the fusion of skill, speed, and precision, where technique and mindset determine victory.

History/Scholarship - illuminate the past, preserving knowledge and shaping our understanding of the world.

Fitness - balance, agility, mobility, and endurance skills used throughout life.

About Us

There are many schools of acting which teach the student how to deliver dialogue, research and form a character and practice dramaturgy. Our goal is to train the actor to use their physical tools, not merely out of their own habit but to make specific physical choices that enhance their character.

I also believe that in the execution of physical violence, training must inform the work so that the actor remains safe, not only in that moment, but through repetitive performances. To that end, dynamic movement training is included in the program, so that every gesture can potentially tell a story.

--Instructor Steven Schwall


3500 S Cedar Street
Suite 107
Lansing, MI 48910

Tel:616-745-5780
Email:siremeric@yahoo.com

Instructor Steven Schwall

Steven M. Schwall

About the Instructor

Steven Schwall has been performing snce the age of nine. He has appeared on stage, in radio and on TV and film. He has been a practicing Historic European martial artist since 1974.

He has participated in fully armored tournaments with companies like the Company of St. George.

In 2006, he was asked to lend his expertise to a production of Camelot, and his journey into stage combat began. He has since professionally choreographed over 150 productions for Michigan theater companies, colleges and high schools. He joined the SAFD in November of 2007, and has been seen as a regular at Regional Workshops throughout the Midwest.

In June of 2016, he became a Certified Teacher of Stage Combat with that organization. He holds a BA in Interdisciplinary Fine Art from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and did his graduate work in Theatre Performance at Eastern Michigan University.

He also holds a Level two Professors Certificate in the Margolis Method of Dynamic Actor Training. In 2018, he has added Intimacy direction to his movement skills, working with Theater Intimacy Education.

light saber academy

History

Stage combat is more than just a technical discipline. It is a movement discipline which has more to offer the actor than mere weapons expertise. Actors will gain confidence in the expressive use of their bodies, learn good partnering skills, acquire sensitivity to non-verbal cues, and learn to be present and actively participating every moment. These are skills which will benefit them not only in their acting, but in life..​

We are still very young. It is my deepest hope to expand the Academy to offer all types of movement disciplines to the actor for continued study.

What Our Warriors Say

★★★★★

"Knowledgeable and friendly"

— Jon Bergen Google Review
★★★★★

"Super fun swords class and friendly, knowledgeable instructor!"

— Jay Google Review
★★★★★

"Steven Schwall does great work! If you've ever been interested in learning stage combat, I'd absolutely recommend!"

— Donna McKenna Facebook Review
★★★★★

"Professional, honest, integrity. Steve has a great respect and knowledge base for his craft. He especially takes a safety-first approach. There is no rushing. If you want a safe, detail-oriented approach, this is the way to go."

— Matthew Abel Google Review
★★★★★

"Steve was amazing to work with. I learn so much about the world of stage combat. I love how he taught us not only our specific fights, but the building blocks for any stage combat we will do in the future. His knowledge is vast and he loves to share it. I hope to work with Steve in the future."

— Actor from 'Epic Proportions' "Epic Proportions", 2025
★★★★★

"Steve Schwall is a consummate professional and a great guy to boot. Go ahead.....take his classes."

— Beth Thisse Smith Facebook Review
★★★★★

"The variety of weapons you learn here is extremely beneficial and I really learned how to use these weapons. I feel that training here allowed me to learn more about the world, and also helped me learn more about weapons in general. As a teacher, Steve is very knowledgeable and helpful."

— Alexander Yun Google Review
★★★★★

"It is always a privilege to have Steven in the classroom as a Stage Combat Instructor. His ability to work with a wide age range of students is truly impressive. I appreciate his emphasis on self-advocacy, ensuring that students not only learn the techniques but also understand the importance of advocating for themselves in any situation."

— The Academy at the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre. Google Review
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Register Now

Our classes focus on helping you build confidence, stamina, and a stronger self. Our training not only tests the body, but the mind, a sure defense against ageing. Come and join us!

What We Offer

historic sword

Study historical and cultural forms

Here you can learn how your ancestors fought, or study the combat systems of other cultures. We are constantly expanding our programming.

pirates and swords

Combat for performance

Ever been in a show where you wish you had more precision body work training? Want to do fights like in your favorite films? Want to have the knowledge to be your own best advocate in a room?

Stage combat training will grow you as a total physcal actor, provide you with safe technique for a prolonged career, and build comraderie with like minded people.

sword training

Fencing for Fitness

Tired of the same old gym routine? Want to get active in a new and different way?

Combat training will give you a total workout, body and mind.