Course Equipment Requirements

Equipment requirements in the Academy are set based on skill level. Though these requirements are minimal to start, there is an expectation at higher levels that individuals will provide their own equipment.

Novice (Starting)

Required: none.
Recommended: wood or aluminum longsword waster or blunt steel practice sword, padded gloves, padded fencing mask, gorget

Apprentice

Required: blunt steel practice sword, padded gloves, steel fencing helm or padded fencing mask, gambeson or padded torso protection, gorget, rigid knee and elbow protection , athletic cup (for men) and breast protectors (for women)
Recommended: steel gauntlets, blunt training roundel dagger, spear simulator, poleax simulator, leather turnshoes or medieval boots

Scholar

Required: All equipment required for Apprentice, leather turnshoes or boots, blunt steel training roundel dagger, complete late 14th or early 15th century harness excluding greaves and sabatons.
Recommended: steel greaves and sabatons

Free Scholar

Required: All equipment required for Scholar, steel greaves and sabatons

Students can expect to spend one year at the Novice level, two years as an Apprentice and four years as a Scholar. It should take a minimum of 7 years to reach the rank of Free Scholar. Faster progress is possible, especially at the Novice level, but will be the exception.