The keepers
of the way.
Decades of combined mastery across European, Japanese, and modern traditions — and a shared belief that the best teacher is patient, curious, and on the floor.
Nova Ahonen
Meet Nova, the head instructor of Synergy Sword Arts. Throughout his career, he has amassed over 60 tournament victories across a wide variety of historical and modern weapon disciplines. This broad competitive success has given him a unique understanding of how different weapon systems work and the principles that connect them. In addition to his competitive achievements, Nova has had the opportunity to study with some of the most renowned masters in the field, developing a deep understanding of the techniques and strategies used in both weapon and hand-to-hand combat. Nova is a highly skilled instructor, known for his ability to break down complex techniques and teach them in a way that is accessible to students of all skill levels. He is passionate about sharing his love of sword fighting with others and has dedicated his life to the sword. When he is not teaching or competing, Nova can often be found training or researching new techniques and strategies. His wealth of knowledge, competitive experience, and passion for teaching make him a valuable asset to our school.
Bryan Garner
Meet Bryan Garner, our Kenjutsu instructor at Synergy Sword Arts. Bryan received his Godan rank (5th degree black belt) in Japan under Hatsumi Sensei in 2008. He has been involved in martial arts since he was five years old, receiving a shodan rank (black belt) in Kenpo Karate. Shidoshi Garner has trained in traditional Karate and Kenpo systems as well as Aikido, Eishin Ryu Iaido, Kendo, HEMA and MMA. Garner Sensei became the sole pupil of Shidoshi Jeffrey Russell and has been honored to continue his legacy in the Bujinkan System. He took over instruction of the Air Force Academy's Ninjutsu Club in 2004, and taught martial arts at a high school for over two years before opening his own dojo. Shidoshi Garner has been teaching Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu / Ninjutsu for over 21 years. He is also a certified ASP and REDMAN instructor, assists as a firearms instructor in his profession as armed security, and has been involved in corporate security for over eighteen years. He has attended martial arts seminars throughout the United States and competed in HEMA and fencing competitions to further his training. With over twenty-one years of intensive study, experience, teaching and dedication, he hopes to further his abilities and maintain a school that honors the legacy of the Ninja.
Alyson Le
Meet Aly, one of our talented and dedicated coaches at Synergy Sword Arts. Aly brings a wealth of knowledge and creativity to the floor. Aly is a highly dedicated instructor, known for her ability to create a positive and supportive learning environment for her students. She is patient, encouraging, and always ready to help her students reach their full potential. Aly is deeply committed to the art and sport of sword fighting and is always seeking new ways to improve her own skills and pass on her knowledge to others. She is an invaluable member of our teaching team and a beloved instructor among our students.
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