Modern Agonistics is a reconstruction method created by James LaFond and Chuck Goetz in the 1990s. Modern Agonistics seeks to create modern iterations of Greco-Roman gladiatorial contests, carrying on the spirit of those matches with an emphasis on experimentation and catering to all styles of competition. Modern Agonistics started in Baltimore, MD and had close ties to the Filipino Martial Arts community there.

For our part, Adam, the Umbral Blades’ head instructor, is a former student of James LaFond and carries many of the tenants of Modern Agonistics into the curriculum of our training. We utilize Modern Agonistics frameworks and understandings to apply to other antiquated forms of weapon combat.