Training Policies

  1. No one may fight unsupervised in any weapon (including unarmed combat) until they have graduated/tested out in that weapon category. This applies to all participants in a fight. 
  2. An actor/fighter may use a technique from any level if they are trained and/or demonstrated they can perform the technique properly and have permission from a trainer in that weapon 
    1. Fighters must pass a level one in a weapon style to be allowed a chance to prove competency of using techniques at any higher level.  A fighter cannot use any technique from a weapon they have not passed level 1.
    2. Successful completion of all techniques in a level does not constitute passing that level; a student must still perform and pass a graduation fight. 
    3. Actors may learn one or two technique(s) that will be used at specified individual times in a show, regardless if they have passed level 1 in a weapon.  The techniques cannot be linked together in any type of fight sequence (ie: Emperor Fabulous slap)
  3. Graduation fights must be performed for a minimum of two trainers per test fight.  Actor-combatants must be approved by an agreement of all trainers grading/assisting in order to graduate. 
    1. Graduation test information will be made available.  This includes either the test fight and/or list of required techniques.  Additional demonstration of techniques may be requested at testing.  
    2. Student are allowed two test attempts.  Additional attempts may be made after continued training.
  4. Every actor-combatant must re-qualify every three years from their last test date in the weapon style they wish to use. Trainers may require some class time as a refresher or a demonstration of the individual’s skill. 
    1. Trainer may accept a board fight as a test refresh fight if accepted by the trainer in that weapon.
    2. A refresh class may be accepted without the student performing a test fight.
    3. A refresh test fight performed for two trainers may be accepted without the fighter taking a refresh class if approved by the trainer in that weapon.
  5. All weapon/level prerequisites must be met before a student may begin training in that weapon/level.
  6. A member interested in testing out of level 1 of any basic weapon, who has not attended the associated training provided by Thieves Guilde, may attempt to do so upon approval of the Training Coordinator and the lead trainer in that weapon.  That/those individuals must show proficiency in the techniques of that level before being given the test fight and allowed to attempt the fight. 
  7. Anyone who has passed a credible association proficiency test may attempt to test-out of that particular weapon at levels 1 and 2.  Their standing with the association must be verified either through direct contact or a copy of their proficiency certificate.  If an appropriate partner is not available and they have passed the proficiency test within the past 2 years, a recording of their fight can be accepted as a test fight for level 1. 
  8. Trainers must have successfully passed level 1 in the weapon tree of the weapon to be able to grade a student test fight. 
    1. In the case of branch styles, the testing trainer must have the prerequisite(s) for the class.
  9. Injury and/or safety issue due to gross negligence on the part of either fighter will result in an automatic failure of the fighter responsible.  If the non-responsible partner is able to continue, arrangements for testing will be made. 
  10. When alternative systems/techniques are presented that are not listed in the training curriculum, the safety team will inspect and review to either approve or reject.  A trainer versed in a similar style would be needed to work with the individual(s).  If there is no trainer skilled in the area in question, then the team would determine the best person to work with the fighter.