Module Directory

Term One - Two-handed Weapons Systems

This unit will build on the basics of Rapier and Dagger taught in Year 1 and introduce you to other forms of stage combat that require the manipulation of weapons with both hands. Part of this will be sword and shield, in which you will use a shield as well as a bladed weapon for the first time. Additionally, you may explore other forms of fighting with multiple weapons such as Rapier & Buckler and Rapier & Cloak. Using two weapons will require a greater degree of balance, as the students manipulate the weighty weapons in individual hands. The aim of the unit is to broaden students’ repertoire of weapon skills at advanced level appropriate to the standards demanded by the industry. It will call on the footwork and blade work covered in previous modules, but also introduce new manoeuvres specific to this weapon discipline. In this second year of study, more will be expected in relation to connecting the skills and techniques of a weapons system and in-depth character work and performance. The final assessment will place a great emphasis of the performance skills of the students.

Terms Two & Three - Knife

This weapon skill introduces you to a new fighting distance - due to the length of the blade. The techniques for knife combine the skills acquired in both unarmed and armed combat. In this second year of study, more will be expected in relation to connecting the skills and techniques of a weapons system and in-depth character work and performance. The unit acquaints students with the advanced weapon skills necessary to perform in the professional arena. It will call on the footwork and targeting covered in previous modules, but also introduce numerous new manoeuvre specific to this weapon discipline. The rhythm, tempo and speed of a knife fight will be completely different to any other weapon system you will have previously explored.

Terms Two & Three - Smallsword

This unit will introduce you to a new form of stage combat; this weapon and style will require a greater delicacy of swordplay, pointwork, and footwork than you will have previously encountered. The style of fighting, stance and footwork are more demanding than previous weapons work. In this second year of study, more will be expected in relation to connecting the skills and techniques of a weapons system and in-depth character work and performance. The unit acquaints students with the advanced weapon skills necessary to perform in the professional arena. It will call on the footwork and pointwork covered in previous modules, but also introduce new manoeuvres specific to this 18^th-century weapon.

The aims of this module are to provide knowledge and understanding of:

• Stage combat disciplines and weapons skills


• Practical application of the required moves from the course syllabus


• Partnering skills, team work and movement skills


• Skills needed to perform a choreographed fight, safely and dramatically, within the context of a scene


• Safety requirements inherent in a weapons discipline


• Team work and disciplines required to perform group combat safely and effectively


• Applying combat skills under differing performance criteria

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:

1. Competently handle the taught weapons


2. Understand the safety factors involved when performing with the taught weapons


3. Competently participate in group fight performances


4. Capture period style when performing staged fights


5. Demonstrate an ability to identify problems and produce practical solutions within a given frame of reference