Hi friends -

As many of you know, I've spent the past decade+ working towards the goal of attending the Teacher Certification Workshop (TCW) with the Society of American Fight Directors (SAFD) and finally...it's happening! I will be spending three weeks at Louisiana Tech University at the National Stage Combat Workshop, from July 16-August 7, training under phenomenal instructors (Fight Masters Scot Mann and Christina Traister, and Certified Teacher Ashley White), learning and growing with the seven other members of my cohort - all of whom I'm grateful to call friends, and teaching classes for the Intro to Stage Combat Workshop students.

When I return from the TCW, I will be a Certified Teacher with the SAFD, which will allow me to offer Skills Proficiency Test classes in all eight weapon styles the SAFD teaches (Unarmed, Rapier & Dagger, Broadsword, Knife, Sword & Shield, Quarterstaff, Smallsword, and Single Sword), as well as offer Skills Proficiency Renewals for those who have tested previously in those weapons. It will open new doors for me and my career and allow me to be even more involved in helping both the SAFD and the next generation of stage combat students grow and flourish in a safe and inclusive environment.

This workshop is a tremendously long time coming and is finally a reality. However, it's also a hefty financial investment: just tuition and housing for those three weeks is $4260. That doesn't account for food costs, gas and housing on the way to/from the workshop, or any other expenses that may arise. Due to the high cost of the TCW, I applied for and am incredibly grateful to have received a grant from the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County, Maryland, to cover most of my expenses for the workshop. I had initially budgeted approximately $5525 for the full trip, and my county's arts council is (thankfully) covering the majority of that. Unfortunately, my budget was built when gas was cheaper, and the inflation rate was a bit lower, meaning that what I had initially thought would be around $5500 will probably end up actually being over $6000.

If you are able, I am asking that you help me on this journey and assist me in making up those expenses above and beyond my grant award. These funds will directly cover gas and any housing costs for my travel to and from the workshop (as it's over 1200 miles away, this is a multi-day trip on both the front and back end), as well as any food costs above what was initially budgeted for in my grant application.

If there's any additional money brought in from this fundraiser beyond what must be spent on this workshop, I guarantee that all of those excess funds will be put directly into my brand new (officially launching this fall) stage combat/theatrical intimacy education and choreography company, Fire & Ice Movement Arts.

Please assist me in me making these dreams a reality - help me get to and from the TCW, and help me launch Fire & Ice Movement Arts!

Thank you so much for your generosity and your kindness as I take these next steps on my stage combat journey. I can't wait to come back to the DC Metro Area as a Certified Teacher, launch my company, and get back in the classroom!

With a great sense of gratitude, wishing you all the best,

~Jon

(Photos by: Carlo Aceytuno at the 2021 and Kris Ikejiri at the 2019 Lonestar Smash Workshops, and by Theik Smith at the 2021, 2017, and 2016 Summer Sling Workshops)