Historic Martial Combat



At the Order of the Blade, we embrace a wider training perspective, focusing on the students particular interests and background. The purpose of our training is to give each student a chance to explore their chosen weapons to their full potential, against a range of opponents and specialisations. The better you know your weapons, the wider range of competitors you can handle.


We use a purpose-built syllabus to provide our students with a comprehensive understanding of the mechanics of combat, as well as the practical approach that comes with those mechanics. Known as a the Primus Syllabus, the aim if for this course to provide a platform for training in the early days of their training, upon which they can build their foundations, then later to provide the scaffolding as they develop their interest into a full combative practice. As they define their specialisation, interest and expertise, the Primus Syllabus provides a point of reference as each student masters their own variations and approach.

​We pride ourselves on training the individual, rather than the weapon.



PRimus SYllabus



As the core training syllabus within the Order, the Primus Syllabus is the backbone of our training. Serving as our primary teaching resource, we are able to serve a wide range of specialist interests and styles from a core of principle mechanics. The Primus Syllabus is taught at our Chapter Sessions and special training events and is based upon the mechanics of weapon use, rather than any one source. From the principles of mechanics, each student is able to understand their methods, tactics and strategies, realised through a realistic testing and use of the core mechanics. These lessons are tools to use, how they are used defines the combatant and their method.


The lessons are taught with the view that the question of combat is best framed as a "dynamic problem", with multiple solutions within the scope of the problem in hand. Opponents, their weapons and their approaches will drastically alter the question each strike and defence offers the student, it is the job of the Primus Syllabus to arm the student to answer that question, in a manner which gives them the best advantage, but also to adapt to the situations presented by their opponent, and their weapon.



Historical Fencing



The practice within the Order, its chapters and competitions can be compared to the practices of Historical Fencing. Simply put, we fence with historical weapons. While the study of history is an important consideration within the scope of some practitioners training, it is not so central to the study others undertake. As such, the term Historical Fencing is the best analogue to describe our practice. We utilise historic weapons, or a training facsimile of said weapons, and attempt to land hits against each other to test each other and the methods we are looking to perfect.


We embrace the nature of this martial art and sport, that these skills were once used in fights, on battlefields, in a range of situations. Our practice is focused on the practice of this imperative, with our training focused on the full application of any and all weapon arts, rather than a specific tournament focus. While the term Historical Fencing is once that is best tied to our practice, in reality, we are martial artists, seeking to perfect our practice of our chosen weapons.



Developmental Training





Historical european martial arts



As part of our training, we can utilise the Primus Course to help inform students about the works found in the manuals of old masters. The works of European masters, in particular, have seen a resurgence and our Instructors are able to provide a transfer of skill from the Primus Course to specific manuals and teach the same techniques.



Living Traditions



It could be the case that your interest lies in the directions of an established practice or culture, and its applications of select weapons. Within the Order, we embrace all weapon systems and provide a comprehensive testing ground for their use. We have amalgamated traditions from other cultures and allowed them to inform and enrich our training.



Personal Styles



Maybe learning from established groups and history isn't your thing, and you would prefer to develop a solution that is uniquely your own. Our team of instructors will present you with a range of options and techniques to handle an array of situations. Each instructor contributes to the collective knowledge of the Order, for you to draw on.



Order of the Blade Ltd