Historical Program
An immersive program for students with the time to pursue a deeper study of the weapons, history and culture of the Middle Ages. This program uses a more traditional academic approach so there are a number of tests. Participants move up the ranks as they conquer new challenges that sharpen both the body and mind. Historical students learn additional techniques for each of the ten AoA weapons, breakfalling, and cutting with sharp swords. Historical students also have the opportunity to participate in competitive bouting if they so choose.
Techniques Class (Tues 8-10pm, Sat 10am-12pm)
Description: Learn the highly effective longsword techniques preserved in the manuscripts of the Medieval German Masters. After 1-2 years of training, you have the option to use these techniques in a competitive bouting environment, though this is not required. Students in the Techniques Class train primarily with the longsword, but are also invited to attend introductory workshops on the following weapons: dagger, grappling, spear, pollaxe, halfsword, sickle, messer, sword and buckler, and staff.
Prerequisite: none.
Program: both Recreational and Historical.
Tactics Class (Sat. 12pm-2pm)
Description: Learn the tactics needed to become a more effective fighter. The focus is on how and when to apply techniques, or combinations of techniques, to seize and hold the initiative in a duel. We do extensive contact work and bouting using primarily the longsword, but other weapons are also explored.
Prerequisite: none. Six-twelve months of the Techniques class is recommended. If you join the Tactics class prior to that experience, there may be some exercises in which you will need to be an observer rather than a participant.
Program: both Recreational and Historical.
Academics Class (Thur 8-10pm, Sat. 10am-12pm)
Description: A more in-depth look at the ten weapons in our system: longsword, dagger, grappling, spear, pollaxe, halfsword, sickle, messer, sword and buckler, and staff. Students will also learn medieval history and culture; the spelling, pronunciation and definitions of all of our vocabulary words; the knightly virtues; how to lead and teach; how to fall safely; and how to cut practice targets with a sharp sword. This class is more academically-oriented than the Techniques Class and students will take a variety of tests.
Prerequisite: passing the Apprentice test and earning the rank of Apprentice. For most people, this will mean taking the Techniques class for 1-2 years prior to testing for Apprentice.
Program: Historical.
R&D Class (Sat. 10am-12pm)
Description: This is an opportunity for experienced students to work on challenging research problems and create original interpretations of techniques for the weapons that most interest them.
Prerequisite: passing the Scholar test and earning the rank of Scholar. For most people, this will mean taking the Academics class for 2-3 years prior to testing for Scholar.
Program: Historical.
Each of the evening classes are in the studio. The Saturday classes are at Verdugo Park.
Regular Membership
Dues are $40 per month. You are invited to attend one evening class each week, and/or the Saturday classes. A good option for people with erratic schedules because it gives you two different opportunities to attend each week. Also a good option for students who have the free time and want the challenge of training twice per week.
Discount Membership
Dues are $20 per month. You attend only Saturday classes. A good option for those on a budget or those who can't attend evening classes.
Our classes are available only to adults.
AoA students are free to switch programs or membership types at any time.
Click here find out how to join.
Click here to watch demonstration videos.
Dr. Forgeng and AoA at the 2011 Tournament of the Phoenix. Photo by Amanda Mielke.
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