Martial Arts Workshops
Participation is included in the ticket for KNIFE 2026, and can only be granted with a valid wristband, or online ticket.
Participation on your own risk!
Place: gym hall of Theodor-Heuss-Realschule, Felder Straße 35, 42651 Solingen (400 m away from KNIFE/Eissporthalle Solingen)
Please bring: suitable clothes; indoor sports shoes; specific training gear, if available
Saturday, 09 May:
Workshops FMA (Filipino Martial Arts)
Saturday, 09 May, 10:15–11:15 a.m.:
Modern Arnis with Michael Naber
This workshop teaches drills—striking patterns using rattan sticks as partner exercises—from Modern Arnis, one of the largest and best-known Filipino martial arts. Lots of rhythm, fun, and coordination!
Michael has been practicing various martial arts since 1985. He holds a 6th dan in Modern Arnis and a 5th dan in Ju-Jutsu, and in addition to his regular teaching in Wuppertal, he is a sought-after workshop instructor.
Saturday, 09 May, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.:
Inosanto Kali with Thorsten Klangwarth
This workshop demonstrates techniques for the centuries-old fencing practice of “Espada y Daga”—that is, the simultaneous use of sword/stick and dagger—ranging from simple basic techniques to advanced applications.
Thorsten has been active in martial arts since 1977. Among his teachers is Guro Dan Inosanto, one of the world’s most renowned martial arts instructors and, among other things, a former training partner of Bruce Lee. Thorsten is a Full Instructor for Inosanto LaCoste Kali and Jeet Kune Do, and teaches at his martial arts academy in Mülheim/Ruhr.
Saturday, 09 May, 12:45 – 1:45 p.m.:
Real Contact Stickfighting with Kai Spintig
This workshop will demonstrate how to bridge the gap between technical instruction and free sparring and how to train the necessary skills. Protective gear is not required; however, gloves, a fencing mask, and a mouthguard are recommended if available.
Kai has been practicing martial arts for nearly five decades and stick fighting since the 1990s. He is a Dog Brother and black belt under European head coach Benjamin Rittiner. He teaches Real Contact Stickfighting at his martial arts schools in Marburg and Giessen.
Saturday, May 9, 2:00–2:30 p.m.:
Introductory Kali Workshop with Christian Klamm and Michael Dauzenroth
This workshop is designed for all beginners who want to get a first glimpse into the Filipino martial art of Kali: We’ll cover some basics using simple footwork and striking patterns.
Christian and Michael have both been training intensively in various martial arts since their youth, and have been practicing Filipino Kali together since 2015.
Sunday, 10 May: HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) Workshops
Sunday, 10 May, 10:15–11:15 a.m.:
Langes Messer with Ulrik Neumann
When fencing with the “langes Messer” (the single-edged short sword), you often end up closer to your opponent than originally intended. This workshop teaches techniques from historical sources for close-range fencing: use of the free hand, breaking the line, and transitions into (arm) wrestling. Prior experience in historical fencing is helpful but not required.
Ulrik is the chairman and trainer of the Freifechter in Cologne; his focus is on fencing with the langes Messer. For many years, Ulrik has led workshops and seminars at various international events.
Sunday, 10 May, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.:
Double Rapier with Jan Gosewinkel
Wielding two rapiers simultaneously is considered a “high art” in fencing. This workshop will demonstrate fundamental movement patterns, techniques, and applications drawn from early modern sources.
Jan has been practicing various Asian and European martial arts for over 30 years. He holds a 2nd dan in jiu-jitsu and is a sought-after instructor in historical sword fighting. His specialty is fencing with the so-called “Bidenhänder”.
Sunday, 10 May, 12:45 – 1:45 p.m.:
Longsword with Malte Melms
Disarming an opponent in sword combat without injuring them demonstrates the highest level of skill—and looks spectacular, too. Using historically documented techniques, this workshop teaches the basics of disarming in long sword fencing.
Malte has been an enthusiastic practitioner of historical martial arts since 2014, with a focus on long sword fencing and a particular passion for complex, sophisticated, and extraordinary techniques. He has been sharing this enthusiasm as an instructor since 2017.