Martial Proficiency Grading
Bastion has 4 ranks ranging from Student to Provost.
Student
A student is someone who has not yet completed the Basics & Safety Course. Everyone starts here and will graduate to Novice rank after 12 weeks, when they demonstrate the ability to fence safely, are able to don the safety equipment properly, and adhere to guidelines and safety rules.
Novice
All students who complete the Basics & Safety Course will be at this level. This is where a Novice begins their journey into historical fencing. At this level, Novices will begin their study of the four mainstays of Bastion: Sword & Buckler, Longsword, Messer, and Spear. There will also be training in Ringen and Dagger.
Novices who wish to become an Apprentice will have to pass a Deed of Arms in all weapons, as well as demonstrate ability in Ringen and Dagger. A Deed of Arms is an event where students face off against their peers, one at a time for a stipulated length of time, and will be graded on their proficiency in various weapons.
Apprentice
At this level, the Apprentice is expected to have a good grasp of the basics of footwork and cuts, and be able to adapt to other weapons. Apprentices will continue their study in the four mainstays of Bastion, with supplemental training in Dagger and Ringen.
Apprentices who wish to become a Journeyman will have to pass a Deed of Arms in all weapons, as well as demonstrate ability in Ringen and Dagger. A Deed of Arms is an event where the students face off against their peers, one at a time for a stipulated length of time, and will be graded on their ability in various weapons.
Journeyman
At this level, the Journeyman should be able to understand the theories behind their weapon systems, as well as explore other sources that are closely related to those skillsets. Additionally, the Provost should have completed a survey of various important masters and treatises in the German tradition, and is competent in handling in the different weapon systems.
Journeymen who wish to become a Provost will have to pass a second Deed of Arms in all weapons, as well as demonstrate ability in Ringen and Dagger. A Deed of Arms is an event where the students face off against their peers, one at a time for a stipulated length of time, and will be graded on their ability in various weapons.
Student
A student is someone who has not yet completed the Basics & Safety Course. Everyone starts here and will graduate to Novice rank after 12 weeks, when they demonstrate the ability to fence safely, are able to don the safety equipment properly, and adhere to guidelines and safety rules.
Novice
All students who complete the Basics & Safety Course will be at this level. This is where a Novice begins their journey into historical fencing. At this level, Novices will begin their study of the four mainstays of Bastion: Sword & Buckler, Longsword, Messer, and Spear. There will also be training in Ringen and Dagger.
Novices who wish to become an Apprentice will have to pass a Deed of Arms in all weapons, as well as demonstrate ability in Ringen and Dagger. A Deed of Arms is an event where students face off against their peers, one at a time for a stipulated length of time, and will be graded on their proficiency in various weapons.
Apprentice
At this level, the Apprentice is expected to have a good grasp of the basics of footwork and cuts, and be able to adapt to other weapons. Apprentices will continue their study in the four mainstays of Bastion, with supplemental training in Dagger and Ringen.
Apprentices who wish to become a Journeyman will have to pass a Deed of Arms in all weapons, as well as demonstrate ability in Ringen and Dagger. A Deed of Arms is an event where the students face off against their peers, one at a time for a stipulated length of time, and will be graded on their ability in various weapons.
Journeyman
At this level, the Journeyman should be able to understand the theories behind their weapon systems, as well as explore other sources that are closely related to those skillsets. Additionally, the Provost should have completed a survey of various important masters and treatises in the German tradition, and is competent in handling in the different weapon systems.
Journeymen who wish to become a Provost will have to pass a second Deed of Arms in all weapons, as well as demonstrate ability in Ringen and Dagger. A Deed of Arms is an event where the students face off against their peers, one at a time for a stipulated length of time, and will be graded on their ability in various weapons.