Donny McKay - Author

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I began my HEMA journey in 2017 with the Schlüssel Historical Fencing Group, where my instructor, Tom Morin, introduced me to sword and buckler. After many dedicated classes working with Tom Morin on interpreting I.33, I found myself in Fort Worth, joining Vier Blössen Historical Fencing and starting my own sword and buckler class.

While continuously refining my curriculum for my classes, I researched numerous topics, including the history of I.33 and sword and buckler. I believe it is impossible to fully interpret any system without first understanding the world in which it was created. As time went on, my students became increasingly interested in the historical side as well as advice for their own HEMA journey. Thus came the idea of the Funky Buckler.

Along with general I.33 and history-related content, Funky Buckler has expanded to a range of topics such as product reviews, book reviews, and interviews. Funky Buckler has also conducted numerous workshops and historical demonstrations designed to educate people on techniques and history.

One of my favorite parts of Funky Buckler is the ability to teach new people. It brings me great joy to help others study sword and buckler and to make engaging content that people find interesting and informative. I love making history and learning fun for people of all ages.

While medieval sword and buckler is my favorite system to study, I also practice Italian longsword, messer, and British military sabre. After all, the HEMA tournament scene would be rather small if I only competed in medieval sword and buckler! These other weapons have given me wonderful opportunities to meet other HEMA practitioners and discuss their philosophies, preferred systems, and ways they approach HEMA.

Ashley White - Artist

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My name is Ashley White, and I am an independent artist partnered with Funky Buckler who is inspired by medieval illuminations, historical fighting manuscripts, folklore, and the art and symbolism of ancient civilizations and cultures.

For over 20 years, I have studied and taught martial arts while exploring creative disciplines such as music, visual art, dance, and performance. These experiences have shaped my understanding of movement, rhythm, storytelling, and form.

I've always found meaning in expressing ideas and stories through art. Sometimes this honors historical narratives and traditions; other times, it blends history with modern humor and memes.

This journey began when I designed a logo for my HEMA club, the Appalachian Sword Club. From that starting point, a deeper study of history and illuminated manuscripts propelled me to create a body of work spanning apparel, stickers, tattoos, and patches—each piece rooted in history, movement, and storytelling. As my work continues to evolve, I make it clear that every collaborative project has a mutually defined completion point, ensuring a transparent and positive conclusion to each creative engagement.