To be successful while studying Breaking Shots, you will want to focus on the following:

• What is the difference between Gauging and Breaking a Shot, as well as the defining principles of Gauging/Breaking a Shot?
• Define each of the 3 primary methods to break a shot, and demonstrate each against a stationary target.
• Demonstrate each of the 3 primary methods to break a shot against a moving target.
• BONUS: Consider ways that you can improve your ability to gauge your shot so that you can reduce how often you would be required to break your shot.

To be successful while studying Basic Offhand, you will want to focus on the following:

• What are the main safety concerns/rules of using your Offhand in a fight?
• Demonstrate the basic hand position and method of using your offhand.
• The ability to implement your offhand consistently in a standard duel.
• BONUS: Consider the value/drawbacks of using your Offhand in a fight and how you can incorporate it more into your fencing.

To be successful while studying Multiple Attacks, you will want to focus on the following:

• Define the primary safety concerns of Multiple Attacks, the “Sewing Machine” and how you can avoid them.
• Demonstrate the ability to throw multiple attacks at a variety of targets in a controlled, but quick manner.
• Demonstrate the ability to strike at varied targets when called out by a partner.
• BONUS: Consider what your strategy is for throwing multiple attacks and how your choice of targets may help or hinder your offensive effectiveness.

To be successful while studying Block/Attack Combos, you will want to focus on the following:

• Explain why Block/Attack Combos are so effective within a fight.
• Demonstrate each of the Block/Attack Combos associated with the 8 Basic Blocks with minimal prompting.
• Demonstrate the use of Block/Attack Combos within a duel.
• BONUS: Consider which Block/Attack combos would be more effective against specific attacks or specific opponents.

To be successful while studying Range & Placement, you will want to focus on the following:

• Define the differences between Range and Placement, along with how you can find your own range and starting placement.
• Demonstrate the ability to judge your own range and starting placement as you attack a stationary opponent
• Demonstrate the ability to judge your opponent’s range and placement as they attempt to attack you.
• BONUS: Consider what affect various placements have on a fight and what may influence you or your opponent’s range throughout a fight.

To be successful while studying Draw & Tip Cuts, you will want to focus on the following:

• Define the differences between a Draw and Tip Cut, along with the criteria that make up a proper cut.
• Demonstrate the ability to perform both Draw and Tip cuts against a stationary target and within a duel.
• Demonstrate the ability to call invalid cuts performed by yourself and from an opponent.
• BONUS: Consider how the design of a rapier plays into the use of Draw/Tip cuts along with how you can better implement cuts while you focus on what rapiers were designed for.

To be successful while studying Line Fighting, you will want to focus on the following:

• Define how a basic line is setup and what your focus should be while in the line.
• Define and demonstrate what are the easiest ways to kill your opponent while fighting in a line.
• Define the differences between a Reckless and Cowardly Cowboy are and how you can avoid them yourself.
• BONUS: Consider the role you play as an individual line fighter and in ways you contribute to the overall success of your team in a melee.

To be successful while studying Two on One Tactics, you will want to focus on the following:

• Explain the specific safety concerns that should be considered when using Two on One Tactics.
• Define and demonstrate an understanding of the principles to remember when in a Two on One situation
• Demonstrate a 45 Maneuver against an opponent.
• BONUS: Consider Two on One Tactics from the perspective of the “One”. How might that perspective help you implement Two on One Tactics more effectively?

To be successful while studying Death from Behind (DFB), you will want to focus on the following:

• Define and describe the most important safety rules when considering or performing a Death from Behind.
• Demonstrate clearly how to perform a proper DFB with minimal prompting, against a stationary target.
• Demonstrate how to perform a proper DFB against a moving target participating in a duel.
• BONUS: Consider the influence that Death from Behinds has on a fight. In what ways can DFBs encourage higher awareness of the fight and displays of Honor?

To be successful while preparing for your Initiate Review & Test Match, you will want to focus on the following:

• A basic understanding/familiarity with all of the Initiate Lessons and the ability to demonstrate key skills.
• A solid grasp of the Four Levels of Importance and how you can apply them in your own fencing journey.
• Ownership of your own Fencing Journey and an understanding that there is still much to learn when it comes to these Initiate Lessons.
• BONUS: Consider what impact being an Initiate has had on your fencing journey and how you might be able to give back to the group with what you’ve learned.

To be successful while studying Dagger, you will want to focus on the following:

• Describe what a Dagger is and what role it plays within fencing.
• Demonstrate the use of a dagger as an offensive side in basic stance and in refused, as well as in close range against an opponent.
• Demonstrate a basic understanding of how to face an opponent who is wielding a dagger.
• BONUS: Consider the dynamics of both wielding and facing a dagger. In what ways does it influence the mental and physical experience of a fight?

To be successful while studying Deathstick, you will want to focus on the following:

• Describe what a Deathstick is and what unique characteristics it has.
• Demonstrate the use of a deathstick as a defensive side within a fight
• Demonstrate an understanding of how to fight against a deathstick, wielded by an opponent.
• BONUS: Consider what the strengths and weaknesses of a deathstick are. What types of fencers would benefit from its use or have difficulty facing it?

To be successful while studying Buckler, you will want to focus on the following:

• Describe what a Buckler is and what impact it can have on a fight.
• Demonstrate the use of a buckler as a defensive side within a fight.
• Demonstrate an understanding of how to fight against a buckler, wielded by an opponent.
• BONUS: Consider the defensive capacity of a buckler, despite its size. How can positioning influence the defensive capabilities of the buckler?

To be successful while studying Cloak, you will want to focus on the following:

• Describe what a Cloak is and how it influences your fighting experience.
• Demonstrate the use of a cloak as a defensive side within a fight.
• Demonstrate an understanding of how to fight against a cloak, wielded by an opponent.
• BONUS: Consider the advantages of cloak and where its true strength lies. What benefits do you think the average fencer might be missing when it comes to cloak?

To be successful while studying Long Sword, you will want to focus on the following:

• Define what constitutes a Long Sword and the safety concerns of having a longer range.
• Demonstrate how to perform a Snipe with a long sword against a stationary target.
• Demonstrate the ability to use a long sword within a duel, safety, and effectively.
• BONUS: Consider in what situations the extra inches may be an aid or a hindrance to you, as well as the impact it may have on your overall endurance.

To be successful while studying Case, you will want to focus on the following:

• Demonstrate the basic positioning when wielding case along with an explanation of the general strategy of using two swords.
• Demonstrate the ability to wield case in tandem during a duel, using a variety of techniques.
• Showcase the use of case in a melee setting with an understanding of Case’s strengths and uses in the fight.
• BONUS: Consider the advantages and challenges of case. In what ways can you develop the ability for your hands to work in tandem or what may be holding you back?

To be successful while studying Advanced Blocks, you will want to focus on the following:

• Explain the differences between the Advanced Blocks and the 8 Basic Blocks.
• Demonstrate each of the Advanced Blocks with minimal prompting.
• Demonstrate the use of the Advanced Blocks within a duel.
• BONUS: Consider the benefits of each of the Advanced Blocks. Which ones could you incorporate into your fights more?

To be successful while studying Probing Your Opponent, you will want to focus on the following:

• Define the principle of Probing Your Opponent and the various methods to do so.
• Demonstrate what a bait is, how to do it, and what to look for in case your opponent may be baiting you.
• Demonstrate the use of the “Chess Game” within a duel.
• BONUS: Consider a simple 2-3 step chess game that you can train and prepare for practice. What situations could you implement your chosen chess game?

To be successful while studying Fighting with a Disability, you will want to focus on the following:

• Describe what it means to fight with a disability and its impact on the fight.
• Demonstrate how you lose a hand, arm, and legs.
• Demonstrate the ability to fight with each of disability and how to fight an opponent with each of the disabilities.
• BONUS: Consider ways that you could overcome losing a hand, arm, or legs. What mental shift do you need to make to stay in the fight?

To be successful while studying Rush Attacks, you will want to focus on the following:

• Define a Rush Attack and explain how it differs from a Charge or a Press.
• Demonstrate the basic steps of a Rush Attack against a stationary target, with minimal prompting.
• Demonstrate a controlled Rush Attack within a duel.
• BONUS: Consider what small adjustments make an effective rush. What can you learn from Rush Attacks you’ve seen from other fencers?

To be successful while studying Falling Wedge, you will want to focus on the following:

• Describe what a Falling Wedge is and what its overall goal is within a melee.
• Describe how to set up, perform, and fight against a Falling Wedge. Include the key details and strategies.
• If possible, participate in a Falling Wedge as the lead fighter within a melee.
• BONUS: Consider what makes an effective Falling Wedge? When would you implement a Falling Wedge and how could you avoid some of the common pitfalls?

To be successful while studying Kill Pocket, you will want to focus on the following:

• Describe what a Kill Pocket is and what its overall goal is within a melee.
• Describe how to set up, perform, and break a Kill Pocket. Include the key details and strategies.
• If possible, participate in a Kill Pocket within a melee.
• BONUS: Consider what makes an effective Kill Pocket? When would you implement a Kill Pocket and how could you avoid some of the common pitfalls?

To be successful while studying Flanking Maneuver, you will want to focus on the following:

• Describe what a Flanking Maneuver is and what its overall goal is within a melee.
• Describe how to initiate, perform, and defend against a Flanking Maneuver. Include the key details and strategies.
• If possible, participate in a Flanking Maneuver as one of the Flanks within a melee.
• BONUS: Consider the differences between the original Flanking Maneuver taught in the lesson and the updated Flanking Maneuver used within the group. Why was the Flanking Maneuver update and what are the benefits for each method?

To be successful while studying Wall of Swords, you will want to focus on the following:

• Describe what the Wall of Swords is and what its overall goal is within a melee.
• Describe how to set up, perform, and attack a Wall of Swords. Include the key details and strategies.
• If possible, participate in a Wall of Swords within a melee.
• BONUS: Consider what makes a strong Wall of Swords? How can you individually contribute to the overall success of the strategy?

To be successful while studying Basics of Command, you will want to focus on the following:

• Describe the four basic parts of an army and their distinct role within a battle
• Demonstrate the ability to plan a tactic by choosing a scenario from the Melee Board and explain how you would go about the scenario as the commander.
• If possible, lead out in a melee scenario at practice, ensuring that you are commanding and leading out on decisions.
• BONUS: Consider what makes a good Commander and the ways that you can become more comfortable leading out in scenarios. What things do you think a Commander should be aware of as they plan and lead in a melee?

To be successful while preparing for your Novice Review & Test Match, you will want to focus on the following:

• A basic understanding/familiarity with all of the Novice Lessons and the ability to demonstrate key skills.
• What the Four Levels of Importance mean to you and how you hold yourself to them, both on and off the field.
• Ownership of your own Fencing Journey and an understanding that your journey doesn’t end when you take your Swordsman’s Oath.
• BONUS: Consider how your time as a Novice has prepared you for being a Swordsman. In what ways can you build upon your momentum and continue your Swordsman’s Journey on the right foot?