What to Expect From a Class

Class Length and Duration

Classes range in length from 1 - 2 hours (See our full schedule for individual class information). Beginning with a warm-up, students are taught techniques using a combination of drills and games. We have a variety of instructors who work with students at various levels and on various nights. This will give you an opportunity to gain from different teaching styles. Students can train for the different ranks in the Academie and are awarded graded cords on achieving a rank.

What to Bring

Students should expect a thorough workout and come prepared for it, in appropriate clothing, with water and any additional snacks or supportive gear they might prefer or need for their comfort. Tight fitting gloves are recommended but not required.

Who can participate?

Adult class participants range in age from minors (aged 14 and up with parental consent) to vigorous fifty + year olds. We also offer Youth Classes for ages 8 - 15. Classes include men and women from all communities.

Equipment

Students must use gloves when handling the swords, and a mask is worn for all full speed drills. Sometimes a light baton is used as a sword substitute for students who are unused to the weight of the weapons, while they are building the muscles to control a blade. Blades used in the classes are unsharpened, and have a blunt tip. For free-fighting additional protective gear is required, and this is only available once students have been awarded their first rank cord.

Instruction Techniques and Open Time

Students can ask for clarification on anything during a class and the instructors are available for questions outside the classes as well. There is an hour of open time at the end of a class where students are welcome to spar and drill.