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About Modern Fighter
Hello, I am Martina Sprague. I initially designed the Modern Fighter website for those interested in studying both ancient and modern martial arts from a modern analytical perspective; that is, primarily for sport, self-defense, and combat, and not for esoteric reasons such as confidence building or personal growth and development. The website later grew to include military history, which is a great interest of mine.
Martial Arts Background
Fascinated with the fighting sciences since childhood, I have practiced a variety of martial arts since 1987, and continue to practice to this day. I hold multiple black belts in Kenpo karate, kickboxing, and street freestyle (now more properly termed mixed martial arts). I am particularly interested in edged weaponry, and have written extensively about the knife and sword in martial arts and in the history of armed combat and also studied the European medieval longsword and modern sport fencing.
Professional and Academic Background
I have worked on the ramp for Delta Air Lines since 1985 and live with my husband and dog in Salt Lake City, Utah. I grew up in the Stockholm area of Sweden, but have lived in the United States all of my adult life. I have a strong interest in languages and linguistics and am fluent in English and Swedish, nearly fluent in German, and have fair knowledge of Chinese (Mandarin) and Spanish. My academic education includes a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aviation (professional pilot) from Westminster College in Salt Lake City, a Master of Arts Degree in Military History from Norwich University in Vermont, and a Master of Arts Degree in International Relations, also from Norwich University in Vermont. I am currently enrolled in a doctoral program in International Relations at Salve Regina University in Rhode Island. I have a long-standing interest in aviation. I started to fly sailplanes at the age of 15 (did quite a bit of skydiving, too, in my youth) and a few years later acquired multiple airplane licenses. I worked as a flight instructor on small aircraft for many years.
I consistently research and write on martial arts, military history, and political issues, and have published dozens of books and articles both with traditional publishers and independently. Although these subjects often stir controversy, I enjoy intellectual conversations about politics, science, and world issues, and value discipline and character, courage and integrity. I hope you will enjoy the material presented on this website and in my books.
Martina Sprague is a military historian, martial artist, and aviation enthusiast. As an independent scholar, she writes primarily on subjects pertaining to military and general history, global politics, and instructional books on martial arts.
