Knights
Tom Nader
Tom Nader
Tom Nader Founder and owner of Combatants Keep. Tom has been a professional entertainer for the better part of 30 years. Combatants Keep allows him to bring a lifetime of professional theater tech experience, a passion for Historical Re-enacting and education, Martial arts, horsemanship, historical research, costuming, and a love of all things renaissance and medieval together in one package. Tom Is never happier than when he and his horse are in front of a crowd.
Patrick Neil
Like all of his endeavors, Patrick turned challenging circumstances into successes. Patrick specializes in bomb-proofing horses, he is also a certified Magnawave practitioner, trainer and all-around horseman. Patrick has spent a lifetime on horses doing everything from driving to riding including extreme cowboy challenges but found his heart and soul in jousting. Patrick is currently a grain farmer and part time farrier.
Patrick Neil
Sam Ryals
Sam Ryals
A recent Ohio University graduate, Sam started performing in Civil War Cavalry Reenactments at age 14! As a stuntman and award-winning competitor in Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA), Sir Samuel shines on horseback and ground combat. When not in armor, he can be found in the classroom, sharing his love of history with high school students.
James Fortner
With a trademark style that makes him instantly recognizable wherever he performs, James has been jousting for more than 25 years, and is an accomplished horse trainer and stuntman. Currently president of the American jousting league, he also works with the Hanlon-Lees Action Theater, showcasing his experience in jousting, wild west reenactments, fight choreography, film stunts and more.
James Fortner
Jessica Harrison
Dame Jessica Hanson
Jessica first jousted in 2009 after she saw a demo at the Ohio Equine Affair—and was instantly hooked. Performing in several states with her home troupe, The Knights of the Rose, she’s an international award-winning heavy armor competitor. Outside of jousting, she continues her winning ways as a full-time firefighter/paramedic.
Dr. Ken Mondschein
A college professor, scholar, fencing master, jouster, and author with expertise in subjects ranging from medieval history to contemporary politics, Ken is a certified master of historical fencing by the US Fencing Coaches Association. He has been riding for over 25 years, specializing in Dressage. His passion for history and love of horses is evident each time Sir Ken enters the lyst!
