Round Table Instructors

Jacob McDonald

Jacob McDonald has been studying martial arts all his life. From the age of 5, his father taught him boxing with elements of isshinryu karate. Jacob then went on to learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and submission wrestling during high school. Hungry for more knowledge, he continued to learn and work with his college wrestling club. However, it was in college that he got his first taste of swords. As a martial artist and a theatre student, he went into stage combat. Successful but unsatisfied with choreographed fighting, Jacob searched for new avenues of martial arts. After years of independently studying various western martial arts, such as pankration and folk wrestling, he started training under Jeremy Pace while living in Oklahoma City. After moving back to Maryland, he has brought Cymbrogi’s martial mindset with him. Jacob loves western martial arts, but he also has a passion for instructing. He prides himself in being able to communicate techniques to people with all levels of experience.

While learning and teaching are his focus, Jacob has also competed in tournaments. His accomplishments are as follows:

HEMATHLON (Athens, Greeces) 2023: Second Place Rapier

HEMATHLON (Athens, Greeces) 2023: Third Place Longsword

Geselle Fechten 2022: Fourth Place Longsword

Geselle Fechten 2022: Second Place Heavyweight Dagger

Lord Baltimore’s Challenge 2022: Fourth Place Sidesword

Geselle Fechten 2019: Third Place Longsword

Wrath-Point 2018: Third Place Longsword

Geselle Fechten 2017: First Place Wrestling

Geselle Fechten 2017: Second Place Sword and Buckler

Geselle Fechten 2017: Third Place Longsword

Geselle Fechten 2017: Triathlon Winner

Baton Rouge Open 2017: Third Place Longsword

Baton Rouge Open 2017: Second Place Sword and Buckler

Spring Tournament Cymbrogi 2017: First Place Ringen

Spring Tournament Cymbrogi 2017: Second Place Side Sword

Spring Tournament Cymbrogi 2017: Fourth Place Longsword

Weird Open (Austin,TX) 2017: Third Place Sword and Buckler

Weird Open (Austin, TX) 2017: Sixth Place Longsword

Clifford Harding

Clifford grew up with Tae Kwon Do and Karate. Later, he joined the United States Marine Corps. Clifford's love for swords was the reason he co founded a HEMA club in 2016 for Marines in Okinawa. "Teaching is the best way to learn! The more student's you teach the more you learn of yourself!" If asked "What is your favorite sword?" Clifford will always say, "I love all swords!"

Kevin Rezac

With over 15 years of experience, Kevin Rezac brings his knowledge and passion for fencing to the table. He began sport fencing as a teenager in 2006 with a focus primarily in Saber. In college he assisted in founding the college fencing club, acting as instructor and vice president and eventually president. In 2016 he immersed himself in Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) and, at the end of 2018, joined what would eventually become Round Table Historical Fencing. Outside of fencing Kevin has a heart for details in learning as much as he can about history and historical martial arts, covering topics such as military & general history, strategy, horsemanship, and weaponry. He looks forward to sharing his knowledge and experience as well as learning side by side with his fellow Round Table members.

Our Mentor: Ober Hauptman Jeremy Pace

 "Over Captain" Jeremy Pace began studying martial theory and self-defense at the age of twelve. After finding previously studied arts to be philosophically closer to sport than combat, he began his search for something more. In 2001, Jeremy discovered Western Martial Arts.  He began privately studying and taking classes in German and Italian historic martial arts.  After over 18 years of experience, he found himself the owner and instructor of Cymbrogi: School of Western Martial Arts in Oklahoma City.  Martial arts training is his passion, and he prides himself on using alternative teaching methods and inspiring others to exceed their perceived limitations.

To learn more about Jeremy Pace and Cymbrogi in Oklahoma City click here!