Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need my own gear to start training?
You don’t need to bring anything to your first class. A pair of Gardening/Riggers gloves and a water bottle are recommended though. We attempt to have enough loaner gear for beginners to come and try a class for free.

Well before this though, you are welcome to come and observe a class and needn’t bring anything to do that.

What are the training weapons like?

Training weapons are designed to emulate real training weapons of the various historical periods and in their design, the community seeks a balance in how representative they are vs safety, durability, and cost.

Some weapons, such as longswords, have a lower barrier to entry physically because a sword of a given mass is handled more easily in two hands than one. A rapier or highland broadsword, which are around the same mass as the longsword but designed to be wielded one handed, are a lot more difficult and tiring to swing.

All training weapons in use at Stoccata are flexible in the thrust, designed to reduce impact, and to be as safe as possible whilst still being able to be successfully used to fence with the period techniques and strategies found in our historical sources.

No matter which style and weapon you choose, there will be one of appropriate length and mass for you to train with.

What does a typical class look like?

Whilst there are significant differences between branches, there are some similarities. Classes generally follow this structure:

1. Warm up. A set of exercises designed to prepare everyone for the upcoming lesson. This is explicitly not a conditioning session and consists of activities anyone can do.

2. Specific training based around a technique or concept. These are generally partner drills (occasionally solo) where students practice the skills of their style/weapon in order to be able to apply them in actual fencing. Depending on branch, these will vary from static drills to competitive but constrained games.

3. Free Fencing. The skills learned are put into practice against a resisting opponent with a view to mutual learning. This can be anything from trying to tag someone on the shoulder bare handed for those with no kit, to fencing with padded swords for those with mask, gloves, chest/box or to fencing with steel for those with sufficient kit and experience.

Where can I find information on what gear to purchase?
People come in all shapes and sizes and so does fencing gear. There are new products on the market all the time, and different weapons require different levels of protection.

As such, we have opted not to include a gear guide on the site or even to publish one at all. It is best to have a conversation with others in your branch as to what is best for the weapon being studied as preferences can vary across branches.

What are the costs?
(costs are approximations).
Gear can be acquired at your own pace. Just know that the quicker you get it, the quicker you will be able to participate fully.

There is a $25 AUD charge for insurance payable yearly, and then quarterly dues depending on state and location that are around $100-$150 AUD.

A fencing mask will be required soon after starting in order to experience classes fully. (Approx – $150 AUD).

In order to fence with simulators, (padded or bamboo swords) you will also require groin protection (min. $10 AUD) if you have testicles. Breast protection (min. $50 AUD) is recommended for those who have them.

For steel fencing, you will be able to acquire gear gradually until you have everything necessary to participate. Buying in “bulk packs” is often significantly cheaper overall though, especially considering the shipping cost. You will not be able to participate in steel fencing without full kit.

A full set of protective gear will cost around $650 AUD at a minimum not including gloves and mask which can take it close to $1000 AUD.

Training weapons can cost around $400 AUD at the low end with typical examples being around $600 AUD and the very best being considerably more.

Whilst we do our best to keep term fees well below those of other martial arts, the price of kit is like other gear intensive hobbies and is quite high.

Does Stoccata have ranks like other martial arts?

Yes! Our ranking system is the means by which our students can measure their progress, by which we maintain standards between our branches, and by which we put people on the patch to becoming coaches of future Stoccata branches.

It is common to wonder how long it will take to get to each level. Given the diversity of people, of systems, and of weapons, it’s not possible to predict this except to say that the measurement is likely to be in years rather than months.

When a new student shows up, they are considered a novice. There are no requirements or expectations of a novice other than to adhere to the safety and conduct standards of the school:
Our waiver is activated via the membership page.
Here are our fencing standards.
Our new Code of Conduct is currently under construction.

Scholar
A Scholar is competent, confident, and safe. This means that they fence in a system- recognisable way with good form and are easily able to apply the basic techniques of their system. They should have great control of their weapon and should only strike hard enough to land their blow, and no harder.

Free Scholar
Free Scholar can be roughly equated with a black belt in many other martial arts and is awarded to someone who is exemplary in form, technique, diversity of game, and control.

Usher
This is someone (most often a Free Scholar) who is on track to become a Provost with the club. This rank is appointed by the Provosts to students who show aptitude for coaching and potential to one day run a branch of the club.

Provost
This is the top rank within Stoccata as we reserve the title of Master for those who taught our systems originally.

A Provost is someone who has demonstrated their abilities as a fencer, coach, club leader, and organiser who is authorised to run a branch of the club.