Path to Mastery
Six ranks.
Two Weapons
One tradition
Our rank system is drawn from the historical academic-guild structure used by Renaissance schools of arms — a progression through Beginner, Apprentice, Scholar, Free Scholar, Provost, and Master. Every student begins with either the longsword or the sidesword, and climbs the same ladder.
Choose Your Path
Two weapons, one ladder
Every new student picks a primary weapon to begin their study. Both paths lead through the same six ranks — and by Free Scholar, you'll be expected to know your way around the other one too.
The Six Ranks
Path to Mastery
This structure isn't a modern belt system — it's adapted from the academic-guild ranks used by historical European fencing schools, where progress was measured in years, not months, and tested through demonstration and controlled sparring in front of the school.
1
2
3
5
beginner
Introduction
Apprentice
Familiarity
Scholar
Competency
Every student starts here. You're working through the basic movements — guards, footwork, basic cuts and thrusts — in both weapons during your beginners course. This isn't a tested rank; it's the on-ramp.
All students enter the school as a Beginner.
Your first tested rank. Having completed and graduated from the beginners course. You've shown foundational, mechanically sound control of both weapons, can safely use freeplay, and had your first experience with sparring. You are ready to join the school as a full participant and unlock your next classes!
4
Free Scholar
Proficiency
A senior student. You're proficient in your primary weapon and its companion disciplines, and you've cross-trained enough in the other path — longsword students in sidesword, and vice versa — to understand the broader system.
Provost
Expertise
Formal acceptance as a full student of the art. You've developed mechanical competence, tactical awareness, and a working grasp of applying your art to an uncooperative opponent.
A teaching rank. You understand the system as a whole — mechanically, tactically, and theoretically — and can pass it on to others clearly. Provosts assist with instruction under a Master's supervision.
6
Master
Mastery
Achieved by completing the beginners course and passing the graduation trials at the end of the course.
Achieved by completing the Scholar curriculum in longsword or sidesword and passing the Scholar trials
Achieved by completing the Free Scholar curriculum in longsword or sidesword, and Scholar in the other weapon. Ultimately passing the Free Scholar trials.
Achieved by completing the Provost curriculum in longsword or sidesword, and Free Scholar in the other weapon. Provost trials are an in-depth evaluation process designed for the student to demonstrate their expertise, this includes bringing in leading practitioners of the art to evaluate the skill of the student in multiple weapons.
Recognized excellence as both practitioner and teacher. Not an endpoint — a Master is expected to keep developing the art, contribute original scholarship, and bring students of their own along the same path.
Why it’s slow on purpose
Historically, these grades existed to produce competent instructors, not to hand out titles. We keep that spirit — rank here is a mark of demonstrated skill and understanding, examined in front of the school, not a schedule of monthly promotions.
You don't need to chase rank to train with us. Plenty of students train for years at Scholar and never test further, and that's a completely legitimate way to practice this art.
How Class Supports Your Progress
A path from learning to mastery — not a ladder of levels.
Each rank at SDS marks a different depth of understanding and ability within the Art, not a badge to collect. Fundamentals sits at the hinge of that path: it's where Apprentices build their first real competency, and where Scholars continue sharpening theirs.
Beginners Course
An entry into the system. Designed to give you a basic understanding of the beginner principals and build weapon handling and movement. Built specifically for new students (Beginners) and Apprentices benefit from taking it multiple times.
Recommended Rank
Fundamentals Class
A class designed for people who have graduated from the beginners course and earned Apprentice. This class teaches the foundation on which to build your art. We emphasize proper body mechanics and techniques respective to each weapon. Students should expect to spend 6 months - 1 year prioritizing this class for their benefit.
Recommended Rank
Beginner
Apprentice
Scholar
Free Scholar
Provost
Focus Class
Focus classes are where you build on your foundation into the intricacies of system and weapon. These classes are suitable for all ranks past Beginner but spend less time of the core fundamental movements. Ranks Apprentice, Scholar, and Free Scholar will see the most benefit from this curriculum
Recommended Rank
Master
Mastery Class
Mastery Classes are opened to Free Scholars and Provosts. This class refines a students fundamentals and core knowledge into expertise and mastery of the system.
Recommended Rank
Your First Class is on us
No gear, no experience, no pressure. Just come swing a sword with people who'll teach you how to do it right.