Phil began studying historical fencing in 1997and in the time since has studied backsword with the Macdonald Academy of Arms, rapier with the Sussex Rapier School and qualified as an instructor and Full Member of the Dawn Duellists Society, as well being a Comtech Bowie Knife Instructor and qualified instructor and assessor with the British Federation for Historical Swordplay. He discovered a passion for the French school of fencing theory and practices and develops his specialties in smallsword, knife, cane and personal defence which he now teaches as a full instructor at the Black Boar School of Swordsmanship and promotes through the Smallsword Symposium, an international gathering of smallsword enthusiasts, and workshops and lectures throughout the UK.