Brighton Midsummer Fencing Festival – 2026 – Instructors – Mike Smith

Mike started Historical Fencing at the end of 2004 with the Macdonald Academy of Arms, just weeks after moving to Scotland from Australia. After becoming a Free Fencer, Mike became Chef de Salle of the Academy, teaching students at various levels.

Having taught at international events, Mike decided it was time to set up his own school, and in 2016, The Cat’s Glove School of Traditional Defence was born. Becoming the sister school to the Macdonald Academy, both teach the Scottish backsword, while Mike has done his own study into Fixed Bayonet Fencing which is offered at his school, as well as a number of other weapon styles.

In 2007, Mike started the Commando D Living History Group with Paul Macdonald, which focuses on training in the close quarter methods of fighting as taught to Allied Special Forces in WW2. Mike continues to teach these methods in his school as a warmup to every lesson. Mike has taught in Canada, Italy, Malta and across the UK. Mike’s day job is managing a well-known whisky and beer bar in Edinburgh’s Old Town, and he has been known to work as an artist on the side.