CO-FOUNDER, MANAGER

Joined: 2005 Founding Member

TEACHES: Knife, axe, shuriken and spike/nail throwing

DAY JOB: EMS Chaplain
Certified Crisis Negotiator
Board Certified Optician

HOBBIES/FAVORITES: HUGE Star Wars fan, loves Admirals hockey, martial arts, writing and absolutely loves teaching.

Jonathan is married to his high school sweetheart, Kirsten. They love hockey and playing catch. But you will also find them stick-fighting in their yard as both are avid martial artists. His favorite demo is sticking a business card with a throwing knife. His Dad started him out when he was just 6 years old.

Jonathan proudly serves as a reserve police officer and department chaplain for a local EMS services and works full time in crisis ministry.

"If you hit the bull's-eye, it shows you can. If you hit it again, it proves you meant to." ~ Jonathan Winski

CO-FOUNDER

Joined: 2005, Founding Member

TEACHES: Axe, knife and shuriken throwing

DAY JOB: Electrician, Firefighter, 1st Vice President for WI Scottish

HOBBIES/FAVORITES: Wisconsin Scottish, hockey fan, bowling

David and his wife Dena have two beautiful children, Elise and Jonathan. David is very involved at the administration level with the Wisconsin Scottish. And for goodness sake call it a kilt! The man throws axes - hard! Seriously, David puts on quite a demo with very powerful throws; it's not uncommon for Dave to send chunks of 7 - 8 inch thick tree rounds flying off with a single throw!

When not working as an electrician, he serves as a Firefighter specializing in chemical fires with great pride! David also evaluates and buys all our axes. He and Jonathan have been best friends since high school and both are highly competitive. They seem to have the most fun when seeing if the other can match a move or trick.

Hint: Just ask and Dave is happy to move back to about 55 feet for a triple or quadruple rotation throw into a 22 inch target!!!

INSTRUCTOR

JOINED: 2005, Founding Member

TEACHES: Axe and knife throwing

DAY JOB: General Manager, Optometry, ABO certified optician

HOBBIES/FAVORITES: Hockey, loves studying architecture, playing catch, stick fighting, though recently her new piano has been calling to her more than her axes.

Kirsten graduated with a double degree in pyschology and communications so let's just say it's a good thing Jonathan is honest cuz he ain't got a shot at lyin'. Kirsten loves recruiting and training professionals as well as networking and bringing the right people together. She has also been a guest lecturer at an area college.


During events, Kirsten enjoys "working the crowd" and jumping in to instruct those who are especially apprehensive. She has a very special gift for instruction; everyone Kirsten teaches is hitting the target in minutes. Kirsten is also known for playing on Jonathan and Dave's egos for impromptu competitions. It doesn't take a lot to get those two to compete but Kirsten really comes up with some challenging shots that she knows they haven't tried before or practiced.

INSTRUCTOR / WEBMASTER

JOINED: 2005, Founding Member

TEACHES: Knife and axe throwing

DAY JOB: Graphic Artist

HOBBIES/FAVORITES: Creates phenomenal movie prop replicas, movie production

Jason is homing in on his favorite knife to throw - a serious endevour as a thrower develops great skill when paired with the right knife. He has progressed rapidly over a very short time but his focus has developed his skill quickly! Jason easily earned the respect of the entire team of instructors a long time ago.

Even though he is soft spoken, it takes a great deal of skill and confidence to call on your talent spontaneously. Jason is our "sleeper" instructor; he is quiet and almost shy but always attentive, encouraging and successful.

Jason is also a film maker. We just hope his first block-buster involves a small group of knife and axe throwers... hint, hint. He also always has the best men's costume at our events!

We LOVE our site and if you do too, contact Jason through our "contact" tab and find out what KD Interactive can do for you.

INSTRUCTOR / AMBASSADOR

JOINED: 2005, Founding Member

TEACHES: knife and shuriken throwing

DAY JOB: Board Certified Optician

HOBBIES/FAVORITES: Loves fairies and art, especially drawing

Robyn is very outgoing and is a fantastic instructor. Robyn is usually the first instructor you meet at our events as she loves to interact with the crowd. Very attuned to fine detail, Robyn is honing the finer points of evaluating technique.

Robyn and her husband Jason also love exploring and trying other throwing weapons like shuriken and spikes.

In her free time, Robyn writes poetry and loves fairies and fairy lore. An easy fit into any Renaissance Faire, this blade throwing maiden will keep any squire on his toes!

INSTRUCTOR

JOINED: 2006

TEACHES: Axes, knives

DAY JOB: Electrician

HOBBIES: Making chain mail, music

Glenn shows natural talent as a teacher and has a real gift as an instructor. We are proud to have him!!! At our events safety is the most important thing and Glenn is usually the first to notice if anything is out of place. In his spare time Glen also makes chain mail! He is usually wearing something he made and has many items on display at our events.

Many new learners have begun with Glenn and keep coming back with great confidence. Glenn's very strict sense of safety is appreciated by all and ensures a great time for throwers of all ages.

Glenn has two wonderful kids. I wonder if they like throwing as much as Dave's kids...hmm?

INSTRUCTOR-IN-TRAINING

JOINED: 2009

TEACHES: Knife, Axe

DAY JOB: Manager in Media Production

HOBBIES/FAVORITES: Costuming, dance, gardening, camping, and as much volunteer work as I can do for the local Breast Cancer Center in Evanston

Although Kiri has thrown axes before, she is taking on the challenge of learning to teach the sports of knife and axe throwing. Throwing is the easy part, learning to properly critique and correct is where the work really comes in.

Kiri got her BFA from Parsons New School of Design in NYC 3 months after graduating from High School. She has been working around renaissance faires for almost 17 years now; running her own jewelry store, working with entertainment, wardrobe, and as a cast member….still love the show! Kiri has also worked in music promotions as well. ...busy lady!!

Kiri also won "Bartender of the Year" in Chicago 1995, 1996 and 1997.

INSTRUCTOR

JOINED: 2009

TEACHES: Knives, Axes

DAY JOB: Teacher

HOBBIES/FAVORITES: Motor cycles (got his first Harley-Davidson this year), martial arts, Admirals hockey, sky-diving (did we mention he's crazy?)

David served in the U.S. Marine Corps and is an avid martial artist with a great passion for training. His self-discipline and drive to perfect his technique is a defining trait.

When David is not working or training, he and his wife Carrie are huge Admirals hockey fans. As season ticket holders, Jonathan and Kirsten join them in the front row at the Milwaukee Admirals every season! Wooohoo!!!

David got his initiation at the WI Highland Games in 2009. His enthusiasm to teach and share cool experiences is infectious. David has become a great instructor and you may want to keep a look out for David and a blindfold in the future... Way to go David!

INSTRUCTOR-IN-TRAINING

JOINED: 2009

DAY JOB: Teacher

HOBBIES/FAVORITES: Motorcycles, Admirals hockey, sky-diving (Yup, runs in the family...both Klemps don't know how to stay put in a perfectly good airplane. They're crazy but we love 'em.

Carrie is a HUGE Admirals hockey fan and leads the Ads to victory with much glass pounding from the front row!! Yeah!!

Carrie and her husband David have taken up sky-diving last year. Mind you, there was no problem with the plane, no fire, no aliens...they just jumped out! I dunno.

When Carrie and her husband aren't jumping out of perfectly good airplanes, they are frequently out on the road taking their motorcycles for a spin.

Carrie looks forward to meeting the hundreds of festival guests we meet at each event and helping get them prepared for their lesson or answering questions about our appearances. Carrie's personality is perfect to welcome new throwers and tune their excitement to attentiveness as they prepare for their first lesson.

INSTRUCTOR

JOINED: 2009

Teaches: Knives, Axes
DAY JOB: Student, Executive Assistant

HOBBIES/FAVORITES: While maintaining consistant honors in academic excellence, Holly loves to draw and likes Japanese anime. She also enjoys writing, reading, listening to music, hanging out with friends, and watching movies/anime. Quite the singer in choir and renaissance themed troupes, Holly is almost always heard humming or singing...especially on our long road trips to events making the trip friendlier and fun.

Holly was featured on the front page of her hometown's newspaper as an axe thrower!! Although quite proficient in knife and axe throwing, Holly is now working on a few "trick shots", one of which envolves two axes and two separate targets! Her next challenge is the shuriken!

Not one to be intimidated or shy, Holly started heading out with senior instructors to put on demonstrations at the 2010 Port Washington Pirate Festival.

Instructor

Joined: 2010

TEACHES: Knife and Axe

DAY JOB: Retail Manager

HOBBIES/FAVORITES: Cartoons, hunting


Greg attended his first official event at the 2010 WI Highland Games. Greg's favorite activities are time spent with his family, playing with pointy objects, hunting/fishing and watching cartoons.

Greg most recently finished his Bachelors Degree in the Science of Criminal Justice Administration with future ambitions to complete his masters degree. He and his beautiful wife Bonnie have two children together named Benjamin and Liam. Greg grew up in the valley of the sun but made Wisconsin his home in 2002.

With his competitive but friendly attitude, Greg has dialed in on the bull's-eye quickly. Every bit the team player we are all happy he was promoted to full Instructor status!!! Way to go "Andy!"

Performer-in-Training

Joined: Sept 2009

Throws: Knives and axes

Hobbies/Favorites:

Mitchell enjoys playing basketball and is a fan of the NBA. He also likes to watch Packer football games, play video games, working out, and reading.

Mitchell has been throwing knives since the WI Highland games in 2005. It all started when he and his brother walked up to the knife throwing stand. By the end of the second day he stuck two axes together which is called “Robin Hoods.” Mitchell learned that he was really interested in throwing both knives and axes. His parents set up a throwing target in the back yard for practice, which has helped Mitchells skills improve. He will be performing in 2011.

INSTRUCTOR-in-TRAINING

JOINED: 2011

TEACHES: Knife and axe throwing

DAY JOB: Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

HOBBIES/FAVORITES: Cubs fan (don't tease...he throws axes!), fly fishing
Jim is an EMT and father of three great kids, he is a self taught photographer, fly fisher man and has recently discovered the joy of skydiving. Now we have another crazy pers... I mean, sky diver on our team!

Another hidden talent envolves him adding a few feet to his height?

Jim is a die hard Cubs fan that thinks any team can have a bad decade, this is the year!

He love spending time with Wanda, who makes him smile when ever they are together or traveling on new adventures.

We are looking forward to many adventures ourselves with Jim.

INSTRUCTOR-IN-TRAINING

Joined: 2011

TEACHES: Knife & Axe

DAY JOB: Student & Car Wash Dude

HOBBIES/FAVORITES: Soccer, Video Games, Reading, Movies, Theatre, Avoiding Chores

In 2010 at The Gathering of Rogues & Ruffians Colin went to find something new and found MKAT. After thowing some axes and sticking most of them, Colin and Jonathan started talking about what it takes to work with the very cool MKAT people. Colin was invited to meet the rest of the group a bit later. The team like Colin and he was invited to join MKAT.

Colin has very much enjoyed his time so far, throwing, working with MKAT and instructing. It is really a great way to spend a day and beats chasing goats.

Colin lives on a small farm and is the oldest of 6 children, so he is quite adept at crowd control and instructing others. You will typically find him with a book in hand and is working on throwing an axe while reading.

Recently, Colin found himself in a competition with a wager...that's right, Colin challenged Mom to axe throwing for more computer time.

...talk about using your powers for you own goals! I think we have an axe shark in the making!

INSTRUCTOR-IN-TRAINING

JOINED: 2011

Teaches: Axes

DAY JOB: Farming
Chair- Shakespeare on the Edge
Homeschooling Mom
Wife to one amazing man

HOBBIES/FAVORITES: running, soccer, karate, reading, playing, thinking of new ways to terrorize her children, doing nothing

Paula can usually be found eating bonbons and watching her stories. If not on the couch then in the garden or in the field chasing animals or working on some task for Shakespeare on the Edge. She also enjoys karate (which she only took up when she discovered another opportunity to terrorize her children). She also "chauffeurs" to her 6 homeschooled children and their varied activities. But your best bet is the bonbons and the stories.

Paula was so impressed with the fun of throwing sharp things and the professionalism and friendliness of the group at the Janesville Ren Faire, she hired them to participate at "The Gathering of Rogues and Ruffians - a Rennaissance Faire" of non-profit group "Shakespeare on the Edge" which she works closely with. MKAT has been an ardent supporter of SOTE since. While joining son, Colin, who is active in MKAT (see Chauffer above) soon she was "voluntold" to help out. The found herself at the very same Janesville Ren Faire she had first met MKAT. Enjoying herself very much, soon she was teaching.

Originally from St Paul MN where she competed in shotput, discus, and javelin in High School & College, she finds it ironic that 20 years later she is again a "thrower" and is very much enjoying afternoons throwing axes with her husband and children. - that says "with" not "at"!

AMBASSADOR

JOINED: 2010

HOBBIES/FAVORITES: Visiting zoos and museums in her free time with her family.

That's right, this stuff runs in the family. Bonnie is the pretty half of the Andersons, another couple in our troupe! Although, Greg rocks a great frilly shirt at the pirate fests.

Bonnie is a stay at home mom and loves it. She appreciates the gift of being able to spend time with her sons and watch them grow - something every parent wishes they could do more. Bonnie and husband Greg have two incredible sons, Liam and Benjamin.

The boys are great! Very animated and interactive, it's easy for anyone to appreciate what Bonnie and Greg are blessed with.

Who knows, maybe in time we will have a little league knife and axe team..???? Just sayin'. MKAT= Mini Knife & Axe Throwers!

"My family is my world." - Bonnie A.

INSTRUCTOR-IN-TRAINING

JOINED: 2010

DAY JOB: Sports Management

Look for Harry, our newest instructor, coming to an event soon. Harry wields an incredibly fast learning curve and will be joining us in demos soon, I'm sure.

During his first show we will get a picture of him and pop it up here. While waiting to add his picture, suffice it to say he is no stranger to martial arts either...a fairly common theme, though not required or intentional criteria for our troupe. Harry has a great deal of experience teaching martial arts and holds at least a half dozen state championship titles in weapons. With weapons experience like that the "in-trainig" part of his title is bordering on laughable.

Our MKAT family is certainly growing with great new additions! We love having them and we're sure you will enjoy meeting and taking lessons with them!!

Amabassador

Joined: 2010

DAY JOB:

HOBBIES/FAVORITES:


Jenny offers an enthusiasm that is rivaled by few. We look forward to having her represent us at our tables and interacting with all our wonderful guests as she gets them ready for their lessons.
However, Jenny has already asked when her training starts to learn to teach!

Do you know how hard it is to say nice and cool things about yourself? Well, I love the idea of being involved in a group that was founded by my High School Friends. Especially when you understand they are big part of your foundation as a person. I am an Administrative Assistant for a local Petroleum Products company with a flair for software. Having recently implemented a new maintenance program....so don't mistake me for the "dumb blonde" :) Needless to say of an axe thrower :)

I am a rabid Packer fan, a writer at heart, and a fun getter. What I mean by that is, I do my best to have fun at whatever i do. I had a friend once tell me that I could have fun at an insurance seminar! I aspire to once day instruct you in he find art of axe and knife throwing and as soon as Jonny, Kirsten, & Sparky finally feel i can be trusted with the those long sharp objects, I promise to NOT disappoint! The picture may show me in a halo, but really question what is holding it up? You can find out if you try to argue with me on who the greatest Quarterback of all time is......FARVE!!

AMBASSADOR

JOINED: October 2010

DAY JOB: Teacher/Eye Care

HOBBIES/FAVORITES: John Wayne movies, bowling, scrapbooking, rubber stamping, ceramics, cooking family meals, sewing my family’s renaissance costumes, spending time with my family, extended family and all our friends.

Kandy is married to Jeff, her husband of 18 years. She is also the proud mother of Holly K. Kandy also has 2 grown sons that she is equally proud of and enjoys spending time with the whole family. She is well on her way to becoming a great Admirals fan.

Kandy started out by ‘pitching in’ while her daughter was teaching and ended up ‘getting drafted’ by MKAT. She is very glad to be apart of such a wonderful group.

Kandy has been a Wisconsin girl all her life. She loves the change of seasons, but the humidity can go south. Kandy is always excited to meet all the people at the different venues we go to and will do her best to make the experience a memorable one for both young and old.