There are six grade levels at Brisbane School of Iberian Swordsmanship. For a look at the individual lessons within these grades, see our syllabus structure. Our grades cover:
Beginner
In which you will learn about our school, the HEMA community, how to handle a sword, and some La Verdadera Destreza basics including footwork, all in one evening!
Novice
In which you will learn nine of the fourteen actions required for La Verdadera Destreza and apply them in safe combat, as well as some of the theoretical basis to the art.
Apprentice
In which you will complete learning the fourteen actions, and practice your combat to the point where you can make good La Verdadera Destreza decisions.
Scholar
In which you will learn the off-hand weapons of La Verdadera Destreza according to Diogo Gomes de Figueyredo, and you will also focus on refining and enjoying combat.
Free Scholar
In which you pursue and share your own area of Iberian fencing or learn the other styles people are teaching.
Provost
In which we recognise fencers who meet the wider community standard of Provost with regard to fencing skill, research work, teaching ability, and community involvement.
We believe that assessment should have a purpose. The more experienced grades require knowledge of basic techniques, and so there is an assessment of skills before moving to the next grade. We aim to make this as relaxed as possible and provide extensive feedback.