Grading

We have an internal grading structure that designates the level of experience and knowledge of club members. The lower level grading’s are carried out in the club after sufficient time of practice has elapsed and a club member feels ready to try for the relevant grade. The higher level grades are tested and awarded externally. 

Please take note that grading is not compulsory and if you never wish to grade at any level, then that is fine with the club and it does not stop you from taking part in any activity. 

 (Although I may nudge you towards doing them).

Grading is by no means a fast process.

Two ways of going about them.

First Continuous development.

Second is more academic although you still have to show a certain level of skill with the weapon. We can have a chat about what I'm after from you if you want to go about things this way.

Personally I like the continuous development approach.

 

Grades

Student

Regular practice and are covered by our insurance to participate in training.

Custodian

Your a member of the school. Have your own insurance and are starting to pick up your own kit.

These are automatic.

 

Initiate.

You can demonstrate a number of plays with two of the weapons from the school core syllabus (e.g. Messer, longsword or sword and Buckler). As well as have appropriate weapons (synthetics) Three short bouts against other Students in the school.

Free Initiate. Your learning some of the language used can demonstrate plays from the core syllabus as well as conduct yourself well in a number of fights against similar grades.

 

We then split off into specialists of the core weapons. (Messer, longsword, sword and Buckler, canne, may eventually include dagger in this).

 

Apprentice.

You will pick a weapon from the clubs core sylabus and undertake personal study of it. Have an appropriate level of weapon (synthetic is ok for some weapons at this level) and kit. Demonstrate continuous improvement with said weapon before eventually fighting a number of students of the same level or above.

 

Journeyman

Steal weapon of type. Appropriate kit. Demonstrate a high level of competence and good level understanding. Four fights with only a quick break for water if needed against people from a different school of a higher level than yourself. At this level you will also be expected to undertake personal study of a system and or weapon that is not studied by the school with the intention of passing on the knowledge with a series of short supervised lessons.

 

Adept. A extremely high level of understanding and competence including a number of fights without rest with your chosen weapon against opponents using weapons of their own choice.

 

For the scholar/academic approach you will need to demonstrate plays be competent with the weapon but I will be expecting you to demonstrate in writing your understanding instead of the fights.

Provost
Will be expected to be able to run a short class based on all weapons within the core syllabus and to give individual tuition. This is externally tested which includes a number of bouts against other Free Scholars or higher with weapons of the challengers choice based upon the core syllabus. 

Free Provost
Carries out study of any Historical Martial tradition and/or weapon and delivers classes based upon their study. Able to improve and nurture individual students on a one-to-one basis over longer, more intensive study periods. Tested externally following four bouts against others of similar level or higher with weapons of the challenger’s choice - combinations e.g. long sword v. sword and buckler are also possible here.

 

Instructor

Tested externally via the British Federation of Historical Swordsmanship.

Maister
Awarded by other maisters and/or very senior/experienced Instructors after achieving years of excellence in training and contributing to learning and insight into Western Martial Arts reaching a wide audience/fraternity. Eligibility to test judged by peer group of similar standing and experience. Tested externally but not currently available. Open challenge should be issued by person to be tested to bout with any senior practitioner wishing to attend using any accepted weapon or combination. 

This follows and tries to preserve the essence the old English way of grading students in schools of fencing, with the level of 'Free Provost' added to have an additional level of senior student.