Weapon Systems

The BASSC currently teaches eight weapon systems which together cover all the basic techniques involved in stage fighting. The weapons are...

1. Unarmed
2. Rapier & Dagger
3. Single Rapier (often taught in the swashbuckling style)
4. Small Sword
5. Broadsword
6. Sword and Shield
7. Quarterstaff
8. Knife

The BASSC Basic test must be taken before any other single weapon tests can be taken. The Basic test combines unarmed and rapier & dagger in one fight test. In order to take the Basic test you must have had 60 hours of training with a BASSC teacher. The BASSC teaches the basic syllabus leading up to a fight test at our summer intensive, the BNSCW, every year in August. Check the classes page for other places you can take your Basic.

If you are under 18 you can take the Junior Grade Award, which is a shortened version of the Basic syllabus involving unarmed and single rapier techniques. It is also taught at the BNSCW.

Occasionally other weapons are taught in a non-testing environment, particularly at our Lion and Empire weekend workshops.

The BASSC fight test is marked by an examiner and scored out of 100 based on the following categories...

• Safety 30 points - use/concept of distance, eye contact, communication, cueing, targeting, footwork, balance and movement.
• Technique and Style 20 points - use of the weapon in an appropriate manner to the period, but also to include correct usage of technique (i.e. angles, cutting, etc.) and stagecraft.
• Intention 20 points - dramatic effectiveness in physical action, pace of the fight, memory, and physical intention.
• Overall Performance 20 points - characterisation work with text and choreography, including acting, vocal production and physicality.
• Classwork 10 points - to be awarded by the teacher, not the examiner.

To pass you must recieve at least 58%, a distinction grade is awarded at 80% and above.