School of the Sword: FAQs

FAQs

Back to Training.

Is all you do just a fancy type of ‘sport’ fencing?

Can I come and see you training?

When do you train?

What should I bring?

How old do I have to be to train?

How fit do I have to be?

What will I learn?

Does it hurt?

How much does training cost?

Is all you do just a fancy type of ‘sport’ fencing?

No! Sport fencing is a derivation of the styles we study, and is constrained by rules that allow judges to see who has struck a point within a target area (often just the head and torso). Historical fencing is the Western Martial Art of civilian defence; actual duels or fights may have some conventions, but the aim is not to score a point, but to ‘survive’ the encounter. Therefore, the whole body is a target and emphasis is laid on the deadliness a blow would have caused, not on the points to be gained. For us, historical fencing is ‘real’ rather than a sport, though many techniques are similar.

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Can I come and see you?

Yes! Please email us if you would like to see us training; we hope you will have a go too! The first lesson is free and you will have a chance to touch on various elements of swordplay, learn something of the history and meet our students.

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When do you train?

Wednesdays, 8.30pm - 10.30pm, Broadwater School Sports Centre, Broadwater Road, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 3BW

Please contact us at info@schoolofthesword.com if you would like to attend.

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What should I bring?

Please wear tracksuit bottoms, trainers and a t-shirt or ‘sloppy top’. Please do not wear jeans, as these are not suitable for training. You should also try to bring some gloves; gardening gloves or ‘light’ motorcycle gloves are ideal, but ski gloves are too bulky. You may want to bring a bottle of water too.

A full list of equipment used by our students can be found here.

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How old do I have to be to train?

For insurance reasons, we cannot train anyone under the age of 18, unless they are supervised directly by their parent or guardian. There is no upper limit to anyone wanting to train in historical fencing.

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How fit do I have to be?

Beginners have joined the school at all levels of fitness. Training is staged, with techniques introduced at a pace comfortable to you; unless you are extremely unfit, you should have no trouble. However, as training progresses so does the intensity; you are attempting to learn to defend yourself and attacks come in fast! As with any martial art or sport, you will have to develop your fitness to be able to cope with advanced training in historical fencing.

It is generally advisable to consult your doctor before starting any new physical activity.

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What will I learn?

Students at the School practise a range of weapon forms including the single sword, sword and buckler, sword and dagger, sword and cloak, dagger and cloak, unarmed combat, two handed great sword and the use of two swords at once, always staying true to the core principles of the art.

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Does it hurt?

Historical Fencing is a martial art; there is inevitably a degree of contact. However, training starts at the level of ‘candidato’ (candidate) and must pass a basic safety test before being awarded full membership of the School. This means that you have the opportunity to get comfortable handling weapons and most importantly, learn control. At the next level, ‘studente’ (student), you will begin to train in limited contact with other studente and instructors; freeplay is introduced slowly and in control.

Any exercise involving contact requires jackets and masks, and body armour if necessary (equipment can be supplied by the School until you purchase your own). You are therefore protected. That said, injuries can happen as in any martial art or contact sport; however, we believe that the measures make historical fencing far less dangerous than, say, rugby.

Does it hurt? Well, you will inevitably be hit at some point, and occasionally that can smart, but you should not leave a lesson black and blue. The most likely pain will be some aches after training, for which we recommend a hot bath.

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How much does training cost?

Fees are £5.00 a lesson (though the first lesson is free); school insurance is at present £5.00 a year.

Apart from gloves and suitable clothing (see ‘What should I bring?’), you should not worry about equipment before speaking to our instructors; between them they have many years of experience and can advise you on what to get and when. The school can provide all necessary equipment when you begin to train.

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(c) The School of the Sword 2009 : The School of the Sword is a Western Martial Arts school providing lessons in sword fighting and Historical European martial arts in Berkshire/Surrey UK