From special operations to technical sword work

I am Gonzalo Martinez Cabrera, a HEMA instructor with an approach centred on technical precision and a perspective adapted to the needs and mindset of the modern practitioner.

My path was forged in the discipline and high standards of a special operations environment, an experience that allows me to approach training with a structured, clear and results-oriented methodology. Later, I studied Psychology at the UNED, opening a wide range of perspectives to complement my martial arts approach.

I combine the historical rigour of the sources with a practical, current perspective, so every student understands not only how a movement works, but why it exists.

Gonzalo Martinez Cabrera, HEMA instructor

A life guided by precision

Effort, discipline and passion for European martial technique.

My history with European martial arts began in 2005 in Alicante, during my time as a soldier posted to the "Valencia" III Special Operations Group.

There I met Pablo Moya Montes, who became my instructor, reference and friend. Between missions and manoeuvres, I started training HEMA. Since then I have never stopped studying, teaching and sharing this discipline with rigour, passion and a teaching vocation.

Training

A technical, federative and teaching foundation designed to teach with rigour, safety and sound judgment.

4th DAN AC3

Royal Spanish Fencing Federation

2nd DAN Self-Defence

Royal Spanish Karate Federation

Special Operations Troop Course

Ministry of Defence

Sports Instructor

Ministry of Education

UGFAS qualification

Karate Management Unit for the Armed Forces and Security Forces

The AC3 federative qualification we work with and teach for the handling of simulated weapons is issued by the Royal Spanish Fencing Federation within the powers granted to it by the Higher Sports Council. It is a fully recognised qualification with demanding training. UGFAS manages and teaches this qualification, ensuring high quality standards and supporting the RFEE in the development of new areas of competence.

Access to this qualification requires not only clear fluency and mastery in at least one of the three disciplines, but also knowledge of the other two and an extensive training process covering both theory and practice: teaching methodology, first aid, administrative management of a sports club and practical work across different disciplines.

This enriches the transfer of universal concepts, encouraging:

A highly eclectic and diverse mindset for teaching and learning.
The establishment of knowledge and quality standards.
The transfer of sporting concepts to real intervention contexts.
Physical and legal safety for martial arts practitioners.

The name AC3 comes from the simplified acronym for Close-Combat Weapons and includes several disciplines: Eastern Weapons, Tactical Weapons and Historical European Weapons.

There are currently three AC3 instructor levels: Instructor, Expert and Master. Their administrative functions are similar to the former levels I, II and III of Sports Fencing instructors, now Sports Technician and Senior Sports Technician, within the AC3 competence area.

View UGFAS information RFEE - UGFAS agreement