Meet Steaphen Fick

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Steaphen Fick. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Steaphen, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

I started swordfighting in 1989 and spent 11 years training and fighting around California. In 2000 I was approached by my wife’s friend to teach her son swordfighting. I was able to help this young man learn to deal with the challenges of his life using swordfighting as a way to illustrate these lessons.

He brought his best friend and from there my school started growing. I found that I could use swordfighting and the art of Knighthood to help people find their own strength in themselves and be a champion for themselves and those around them.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

At Davenriche European Martial Artes School we specialize in English and Italian martial arts. We teach longsword, like Game of Thrones, Rapier, like Princess Bride, sword and shield, like Outlander, lightsaber, quarterstaff, and armor, like the knights of old, grappling, dagger, and archery.

This year, 2025, is the 25th anniversary of our school. I started teaching in my backyard in July of 2000, and we are now in a 15,000 sq. ft. building in downtown San Jose. We are the oldest and largest Western martial arts school in the United States, and one of the largest in the world. We are about 35% female at the school with a large LGBTQ+ community.

I have specialized in the differences between male and female bodies in martial arts, and how these differences affect what the body can do. I also specialize in body language in martial arts and how someone’s balance and position can tell you what the they are most likely going to do before they do it.

Not only do I teach martial arts, I have written a few books about it. I wrote a book called The Beginner’s Guide to the Longsword, The Secret Language of Conflict, The Writer’s Guide to Swords and Armor, and Be S.A.F.E.; Practical Protection for the Modern World.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

I think the 3 most important skills I’ve learned over the years are to listen to what people are saying to me, not just waiting for them to finish so I can respond.

I have learned to be patient and move when it is most advantageous to me and those around me, so that what I do is most impactful and helpful to all.

One of the things that I always ask those at the school is ‘who is the most important person in the world’? The correct answer is ‘me’. This is because we take care of ourselves so that we can be there to help those around us. Much like the instructions on a plane, put your mask on first and then help those around you.

When you are starting in your business or working with others around you, learn to be patient when you are working and talking with others. Every time you have a conversation there are three different conversations going on. What you said, what you meant, and what they heard. If you learn to listen and think before you commit to saying something, or responding to something, you will find that all of your interactions go smoother.

The best way to get what you want is to help others get what they want.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?

One of the most impactful books I have read, and there have been many, is called The Talent Code. In this book the author has researched what is the difference between a skill and a talent. Also what creates a skill and how they are best developed in some of the best training facilities around the world.

We have all heard the phrase ‘practice makes perfect’. This is incorrect. Practice makes permanent, perfect practice makes perfect. When developing a skill it is important to understand what you want to accomplish and take the time to do it. Slow is smooth, smooth is fast. Give yourself the grace to go slow and be perfect in what you are doing.

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Steaphen Fick

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