The SSA grading system is a blend of the number of sessions that have been attended as well as the ability of the student. Moving into an assessed grade is done with agreement from both the student and the instructor.

Beginner

Up to the 25th lesson

Training

Use of SSA equipment during this assessment period.

1. Basic techniques. Know the salute, demonstrate ability to move out of and return to basic stance/guard position, demonstrate ability to move freely and on balance, demonstrate knowledge of weak and strong of placement, (for armed forms) demonstrate knowledge of construction of weapon, demonstrate knowledge of safety code of practice (what protection to wear, adherence to word ‘Hold’, aware of their surroundings, to note if their exercise partner is in danger etc.)

2. Single weapon. Demonstrate in exercises, that they are able to defend themselves adequately and that they are able to use a variety of different defences. Demonstrate in exercises that they are able to attack in time at measured tempo with appropriate and not undue force. Be able to demonstrate some knowledge of the historical background of their weapon/combat form.

Once they have demonstrated the above they become a Novice.

2. Novice

25 formal sessions completed

Training

Must demonstrate during classes that they are safe in defence to lightly free fence without danger to themselves or their fencing partner.

Must have purchased mask, jacket, gloves and required groin and chest protection.

3. Demonstrate ability to free fence effectively and safely in same weapon form

4. Demonstrate knowledge of the governors – placement, timing, measure & judgement

5. Demonstrate ability to free fence effectively and safely against at least one other weapon form

Once they have demonstrated the above they become a Scholar.

Scholar

50 formal sessions completed (equivalent to one year)

Training

Must own a suitable weapon to complete basic kit.

They will receive SSA badge.

6. Demonstrate ability in free fence to use at least one companion weapon safely and effectively. Be able to explain how it should be used and some knowledge of its construction and history.

7. Demonstrate an ability to judge a competitive assault: who was hit, how, when.

8. Demonstrate a knowledge of the understanding of a successful or unsuccessful assault, e.g. wrong measure, tempo etc.

Once they have demonstrated the above they become a Free Scholar after examination.

Free Scholar – Examination level 1

150 formal sessions completed (equivalent to 3 years)

Training

The student can request to be tested for the Free Scholar level. This will be at the discretion of the instructors.

The candidate much be able to demonstrate knowledge of all requirements at levels (1-8) and a thourough understanding of their chosen weapon system including an ability to describe the principles of defence in operation at set moments of play.

Senior Scholar (if the candidate does not wish to instruct) – Examination level 2

350 formal sessions completed (equivalent to 7 years)

Training

The student can request to be tested for the Senior Scholar level. This will be at the discretion of the instructors.

The candidate must be able to demonstrate control, knowledge, history and use of 3 weapon systems.

Assistant Instructor – Examination level 3

250 formal sessions completed (equivalent to 5 years)

Training

This will be at the discretion of the instructors.

The candidate must have attended and passed a first aid course.

The candidate must demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of one weapon system and an ability to impart that knowledge to students on a topic selected by the examination panel. This topic will be provided to the candidate prior to the examination. The candidate must also bring the understanding on of an individual student on a topic selected by the examination panel at the time of the examination.

Instructor – Examination level 4

350 formal sessions completed (equivalent to 7 years)

Training

An Assistant Instructor can request to be tested. This will be at the discretion of the instructors.

Must be capable of teaching and free fence to a high standard in at least two weapon forms.

Must have assisted an instructor by invitation for one year in one main weapon form and should be able to teach all the fundamentals of the SSA system in one weapon form of choice. (For example a 50 session curriculum).

The examination will be comprehensive, involve a visiting judge, and will include practical as well as theoretical testing.

Senior Instructor – Examination level 5

500 formal sessions completed (equivalent to 10 years)

Training

Must have been an Instructor for one year and have demonstrated that they have brought fencers on to a high level.

Master

At least 15 years experience