BASSC Unarmed (Mon evenings) 12th Jan - 30th March

Unarmed
combat is one of the most in-demand skills for today’s fight performers—and the
one you simply can’t afford to skip. This course gives you a rock-solid
foundation in all the essential techniques while building the strength,
precision, and confidence you need to deliver dynamic, believable fights which
are safe.

Who Is This Course For?

Absolutely everyone. No experience needed.
This course is ideal for:
• Anyone brand new to stage combat and eager to jump in
• Actors refreshing skills learned at drama school
• Performers looking to add Unarmed Stage Combat to their professional toolkit
• SPACT and stunt performers wanting rock-solid foundations in theatrical unarmed technique
• Anyone keen to learn a thrilling new skill, boost coordination, make new friends, and have a ridiculous amount of fun

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, dynamic unarmed stage combat. You’ll develop a strong foundation and learn how to:
• Perform and understand choreography, spotting rhythm, landing beats, and reading fights like a pro
• Recognise good and poor practice in actors and crew that can affect your safety and performance
• Perform a full choreographed Unarmed fight
• Integrate text, character, and storytelling into your combat scenes
• Work effectively with partners and adapt quickly
• Improve timing, coordination, physical awareness, and control
• Boost your confidence
• Increase your employability and earning potential

You’ll walk away with real, performable skills, not just theory—delivered by working industry professionals.

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 (you will get sweaty, but it’s manageable for every fitness level)
• A reusable water bottle
• Something to take notes with

(We have a matted floor so no need for knee pads).

Is There an Assessment?

Yes—an exciting one!
On the final day, you’ll perform one staged Unarmed fight 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 can 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 in the UK and internationally.

Unarmed stage combat forms a core component of actor training worldwide, providing a versatile, industry-ready toolkit that translates directly to theatre, film, TV, and motion capture. It also provides a strong base for progressing into weapon systems later on.

What Can I Do Next?

You’ve laid the groundwork—now keep levelling up with further BASSC training, whether as individual courses or working towards Intermediate or Advanced Actor Combatant status.

Unarmed Progression

• BASSC Film Fighting Foundation
• Independent Drama’s Foundation in Stunts

Weapon Progression (for future development, optional)

• Rapier & Dagger
• Swashbuckling
• Sword & Shield
• Broadsword
• Smallsword
• Quarterstaff
• Rapier & Cloak

• Knife

Supportive Skills

• Combat Lab
• Falling
• Reactions
…and more!