BASSC Broadsword - Sundays 26th July - 23rd Aug

The broadsword has captured the imagination of story tellers for centuries, often linked with the hero and their quest. From screen fantasy epics like Lord of the Rings, The Witcher, Game of Thrones  to theatre classics such as Macbeth and Robin Hood it's a weapon actors can expect to come across time and time again. The course will focus on the hand and a half sword allowing the single handed or two handed use.

Who Is This Course For?

Absolutely everyone. No experience needed.

This course is ideal for:

• Complete beginners excited to dive into the power and precision of Broadsword / Longsword
• Actors refreshing or expanding their stage combat training
• Performers looking to add a recognised BASSC Broadsword qualification to their professional toolkit
• SPACT and stunt performers wanting strong, grounded weapon skills with one of the most common swords used on film.
• Anyone keen to learn a dynamic, physical, and hugely satisfying weapon system while boosting coordination and meeting great people

If that sounds like you—this course is for you.

What Will I Achieve?

By the end of the course, you’ll be confidently applying the core principles of safe, powerful theatrical weapon work, with a solid technical grounding in Broadsword. You’ll learn how to:

• Understand and perform Broadsword choreography—cuts, blocks, parries, footwork, half-swording and blade relationships
• Read and execute fights with rhythm, intention, and clarity
• Recognise good and poor practice that affect your safety or performance and the unique safety challenges of Broadsword.
• Perform a full choreographed Broadsword fight for assessment
• Integrate text, character, and storytelling into your weapon scene
• Work effectively with partners, adjust quickly in technical choreography, and maintain strong safety awareness
• Improve timing, strength, coordination, and physical control
• Boost confidence
• Enhance employability and earning potential

You’ll walk away with real, performable Broadsword skills — be your own hero!

Anything To Do Outside Class?

Only learning your scene lines.
We’ll also set aside time in class to direct scenes and get them performance ready.

Do I Need to Bring Anything?

• Comfortable movement clothes
• A spare top (it will get sweaty, but all fitness levels are welcome)
• A reusable water bottle
• Something to take notes with
• Gloves suitable for weapon work (full-finger leather or gardening gloves—nothing slippery or bulky)

If you don’t have gloves, we have spares.

Is There an Assessment?

Yes—an exciting one!
On the final day, you’ll perform a staged Broadsword fight scene in a full exam-showcase assessed by an external BASSC examiner.

The exam is open to the public, so—with the teacher’s approval—you may invite friends, family, agents, or anyone you’d like to impress. You can also watch future exams as we have a lovely supportive community.

Industry Relevance

BASSC qualifications are recognised by Equity and taught at leading UK drama schools, including:

• RADA
• Royal Central School of Speech & Drama
• Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
• Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
• Drama Studio London
  …as well as many other institutions across the UK and worldwide.

Broadsword training is a staple in stage combat due to its bold, cinematic movement style and historical relevance. These skills are directly applicable to theatre, film, TV, motion capture, and large-scale productions that require strong, clear, safe weapon work.

What Can I Do Next?

You’ve laid a solid foundation—now keep levelling up with further BASSC training, whether as standalone courses or on the pathway to Intermediate or Advanced Actor Combatant status.

Weapon Options

• Rapier & Dagger
• Knife
• Swashbuckling
• Sword & Shield
• Smallsword
• Quarterstaff
• Rapier & Cloak
• ID Fight Foundation in Stunts

Unarmed Progression

• BASSC Unarmed
• BASSC Film Fighting Foundation: Unarmed
• ID Fight Foundation in Stunts

Supportive Skills

• Combat Lab
• Falling
• Reactions
  …and more!