Training Program

The purpose of the Novice Review & Test Match is to have each Novice demonstrate to the Captain that they have met all the requirements and are ready to graduate from the Order of the Rose Training Program. If the Novice meets all the criteria and passes the Test Match, the Captain will be approve … Read More

Newcomers who advance to the rank of Initiate will continue developing fundamental skills that we believe all fencers should possess until they are ready to move on and become a Novice To become a Novice, an Initiate must meet the following criteria: Complete and Demonstrate understanding of all Initiate Lessons Describe how to apply the … Read More

All students of the Training Program begin with the rank of Newcomer. Newcomers focus on gaining the basic skills of fencing, enough that they may participate in all the various activities held at practice. To become an Initiate, a Newcomer must meet the following criteria: Complete and Demonstrate understanding of all Newcomer Lessons Know what … Read More

The Wall of Swords is an Order of the Rose creation, designed to be a barrier. It’s typically used on bridges or in corridor fighting due to the finite amount of space and maneuverability.  The idea is by having some fighters kneel (typically with short swords) and other fighters stand between them (typically with long … Read More

The goal of a Flanking Maneuver is to break the enemy’s line by “bending” it. This will be done by wrapping your line around their’s and creating a weak spot.  You can then take advantage of the weak spot to eliminate members of the opposing and create a Gap. That gap will separate the line … Read More

The Kill Pocket is a defensive tactic that is designed to maintain a defensive position behind a Choke Point. A Choke Point is any terrain that limits the amount of soldiers able to move through at one time. A bridge, doorway, or gate are all Choke Points.  The Kill Pocket is a formation where everyone … Read More

The Falling Wedge can also be termed a Suicide Charge or Forlorn Hope. The Falling Wedge is a tactic that is used after you’ve been at a standstill in a fight and want to break through your opponent’s line. The goal of the Falling Wedge is to break up the opposing team’s line by sending … Read More

Safety After each Block, a following attack could be performed safely and in a controlled manner. Be aware of the situation and understand when it may be safer to just block. If you need a review of the 8 Basic Blocks, take a look at the Basics of Dueling lesson. Rush Attacks A rush attack is a … Read More

Safety In fencing hacking and slashing are not allowed, both for safety reasons and historical accuracy. However, there are still edges to your sword which can be used in a specific way and occasional a tip may land on your opponent in such a way that does not have positive pressure but can still be … Read More

Safety After each Block, a following attack could be performed safely and in a controlled manner. Be aware of the situation and understand when it may be safer to just block. If you need a review of the 8 Basic Blocks, take a look at the Basics of Dueling lesson. Probing Your Opponents Probing your opponent is … Read More

Safety After each Block, a following attack could be performed safely and in a controlled manner. Be aware of the situation and understand when it may be safer to just block. If you need a review of the 8 Basic Blocks, take a look at the Basics of Dueling lesson. Advanced Blocks In fencing, the ultimate goal … Read More

Safety Being a defensive side, you won’t be able to “kill” anyone with it, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t safety concerns. Bucklers are usually made from dense wood or metal they can hurt someone if used improperly. Remember, that when using a Buckler, not to hit anyone with it or bash swords too hard. … Read More

Safety Being a defensive side, you won’t be able to “kill” anyone with it, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t safety concerns. Deathsticks are usually made from heavy duty PVC or plastic and they can hurt someone. Remember, that when using a Deathstick, not to hit anyone with it or forget that it’s not a … Read More

Safety Safety is our number one concern. In a Melee, or group fight, we need to ensure that everything we do keeps ourselves and others safe. Here are some additional safety rules of note as it pertains to Melee: General Melee Safety Rules The 180 Rule: This rule simply means that you may not attack … Read More