Sword & Shield Sundays 22nd Feb - 29th Mar (BASSC accredited)

The sword and shield has captured the imagination of storytellers for centuries, from epic Shakespearean battles in Macbeth and Henry V to heroic film duels like Maximus vs. Tigris in Gladiator and Achilles vs. Hector in Troy. This course focuses on mastering the combination of a one-handed sword and shield, exploring the dynamic balance between offense and defense.

Who Is This Course For?
Everyone. No experience needed.

Ideal for:

• Complete beginners eager to explore the coordination, strategy, and physicality of Sword & Shield
• Actors refreshing or expanding stage combat skills
• Performers seeking a recognised BASSC Sword & Shield qualification
• SPACT and stunt performers wanting strong, grounded defensive-offensive weapon skills
• Anyone keen to learn a dynamic, satisfying weapon system while boosting coordination and confidence

What Will I Achieve?
By the end of the course, you’ll confidently apply core principles of safe, powerful theatrical weapon work, including:

• Sword & Shield choreography: strikes, blocks, parries, footwork, and blade-shield coordination
• Reading and executing fights with rhythm, intention, and clarity
• Recognising good and poor practice affecting safety and performance
• Performing a full choreographed Sword & Shield fight for assessment
• Integrating text, character, and storytelling into your weapon scene
• Effective partnering, adapting choreography, and maintaining safety awareness
• Improving timing, strength, coordination, and physical control
• Boosting confidence and employability

You’ll leave with real, performable Sword & Shield skills — ready to bring heroic stories to life.

Outside Class Work
Only your scene lines; time will be provided in class for scene direction and performance preparation.

What to Bring

• Comfortable movement clothes and a spare top
• Reusable water bottle
• Something to take notes with
• Gloves suitable for weapon work (full-finger leather or gardening gloves; spares available if needed)

Assessment

Yes and exciting one!

On the final day, perform a staged Sword & Shield fight in a full exam-showcase assessed by an external BASSC examiner. The exam is public, so you may invite friends, family, or agents.

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, and Drama Studio London.

Sword & Shield training is a staple in stage combat due to its bold defensive-offensive style and historical significance. Skills are directly applicable to theatre, film, TV, motion capture, and large-scale productions requiring strong, safe, and clear weapon work.

Next Steps
Continue with further BASSC training toward Intermediate or Advanced Actor Combatant status, or explore other weapons and unarmed courses.

Weapon Options

• Broadsword / Longsword
• Rapier & Dagger
• Knife
• Swashbuckling
• 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!