Achieving rank

As with any other school of martial arts, the Black Falcon School of Arms recognizes a system of ranking within the school's attendees. The system of ranks is inspired by the traditional grades within historical English fencing schools (such as the Company of Maisters). These ranks are intended to define the progression of students within the group.

Note that there are relatively few ranks, as opposed to the intricate list of grades found in some Eastern martial arts. Therefore, progress through the ranks is slower, being a process of years' work. Currently there are only three recognized ranks, Student, Scholler and Free Scholler. A fourth rank-Provost-may be created in the future, but at this time, nobody in the BFSA has demonstrated sufficient skill to require the creation of the rank.

Interested parties attending BFSA practices are referred to as "novices" before they take their student's entrance exam. "Novice" is not an offical rank within the BFSA, per se, but rather a way of recognizing potential students of the art.

The rank of "Student" is meant to define a person who has chosen to seriously study European martial arts but does not yet have the ability or experience to teach others or effectively interpret historical fighting manuals for themselves. The rank of "Scholler" is meant to define those who have achieved an ability and experience required to study independently and to help others along the way. The rank of "Free Scholler" is meant to define those who have demonstrated serious dedication to the art, and are competent to study or teach on their own (i.e., having the "freedom of the school.")

As the group grows, more ranks may be added as the need arises. We have deliberately left out the rank of "Master" simply because of the nature of the study of European martial arts. Because no unbroken tradition in historical European swordsmanship can be traced from the Middle Ages to the present, there can be no absolute certainty that the techniques studied are exactly the same as those taught centuries ago. New interpretations are constantly developed; one day's interpretation is often the next day's misinterpretation.

Recognized ranks in the Black Falcon School of Arms are defined more in-depth below.

Student

A student is the basic entry level rank for those who wish to study within the Black Falcon School of Arms. Students must have been studying with the BFSA for at least eight weeks. Admission into the Black Falcon School of Arms as an official student requires passing a short practical and written entrance exam to demonstrate that they understand the most basic core concepts and techniques that make up the system.
A student may wear a black garter with their traditional uniform.

Equipment:
• A student is initially only required to have a basic practice uniform. However, it is expected that a student will, before playing their Scholler's Prize, have acquired the necessary equipment therefore.

Scholler

A scholler (Middle English for "scholar") is the first rank for which a student may test. A scholler must have been studying with the BFSA for at least one year (unless said requirement is waived because of extraordinary circumstances). A scholler must also be a paid member in good standing of the BFSA.
A scholler may wear a red garter with their traditional uniform. Playing a Scholler's Prize shall consist of the following:

Equipment:
• A scholler must own-at a minimum-a traditional uniform, a fencing mask, padded gloves, gambeson or arming doublet, gorget, and a waster.
Recommended additional equipment:
• Blunt steel sparring sword

Written Test:
• A scholler must have passed a written test administered by the Board with at least 75%. The written test will generally be concerned with a broad scope of WMA trivia.

Oral Test:
• A scholler must have passed an oral exam administered by the Board. The oral examination will be concerned mainly with fencing theory as it relates to Harleian Two Hander.

Theory Test:
• A scholler must have passed a theory test during which they demonstrate their knowledge of Harleian Two Hand Sword theory. This shall include-but may not be limited to-performance of the eight solo plays, demonstration-with one of the Board members or another scholler-of the counter-plays, and the ability to perform any basic techniques requested by the Board.

Practical Test - Cutting:
• A scholler must have successfully cut several targets using a sharp sword. This test is to be administered under pressure (time limit, multiple targets at once) and overseen by no less than three other schollers.

Practical Test - Scholler's Prize:
• A scholler must have proved their understanding of Harleian Two Hander use under pressure by playing their Scholler's Prize. During this process, the scholler must fight three other schollers or Board members singly, and at least two at once. After said bouts, the scholler-candidate must accept any challenges issued by other schollers-provided that said challenges are reasonable, safe, and within the scope of the test's subject matter.

A free scholler is a student of the sword who has demonstrated continued dedication to the mission of the Black Falcon School of Arms and is a senior member thereof. Free schollers are charged with the responsibility of taking an organizational and educational role within the BFSA. A free scholler must have been a studying, ranked scholler for five years before preparing to test as a free scholler. A free scholler must also be a paid member in good standing of the BFSA.
A free scholler may wear a silver garter with their traditional uniform. Prerequisites for playing the Free Scholler’s Prize are as follows:

Equipment:
• A free scholler must own, in addition to the scholler rank equipment, a sharp sword of a type suitable for the scholler’s focused area of study. Also, the equipment of a free scholler is expected to be of a better quality than simply basic-grade equipment.

Additional Research:
• A free scholler must declare an additional field of weapons study beyond the foundational Harleian Two Hand Sword. This may include, but is not limited to: quarterstaff, dagger, bastard sword, grappling or sword & buckler. A free scholler must undergo a second scholler’s test—including the prize playing—focused on their additional weapon of choice.

Research Paper:
• A free scholler must have written a research paper which enhances his or her understanding of the art they have chosen to study, whether it is the Harleian Two Hand Sword or their additional weapon of choice. This research paper must adhere to standard Chicago Manual of Style formatting, including bibliography, and sources cited. The research paper must be of sufficient length to thoroughly cover its subject, and shall be kept on file in the BFSA library for the benefit of all students in the BFSA.

Oral Test:
• A free scholler have passed an oral exam administered by the Board. The oral examination will cover a number of topics, including the additional research taken on by the free scholler and advanced fencing theory as it relates to the Harleian Two Hand Sword.

Theory Test:
• A free scholler must have past a theory test during which they demonstrate their knowledge of Harleian Two Hander theory. This shall include—but may not be limited to—performance and explanation of all solo plays, demonstration and explanation—with one of the Board members or another scholler—of both sides of the Paired Plays, Taking Ups, and Laying Downs. Free schollers must also be prepared to answer questions about the tactics and strategy of the fencing theory of the Harleian Two Hander, and how it applies to all the plays.

Practical Test--Cutting:
• Over the course of the prospective free scholler’s five years as a scholler, he or she must have successfully cut 500 targets with a sharp sword. In addition, the free scholler must perform at least three Solo Plays against static targets, cutting on each stroke. This test is to be administered under pressure (time limit, multiple targets at once) and overseen by no less than three peers.

Practical Test--Free Scholler's Prize:
• Once the prerequisites have been satisfied, the free scholler candidate may then play his prize. A free scholler must have proved their understanding of Harleian Two Hand Sword use under pressure by playing their Free Scholler’s Prize. During this process, the free scholler must fight five other free schollers or Board members singly, and at least two at once. A free scholler must also fight two endurance rounds—each one to last for ten minutes without cease. After said bouts, the free scholler-candidate must accept any challenges issued by other schollers or free schollers—provided that said challenges are reasonable, safe, and within the scope of the test’s subject matter. This test shall be done in addition to the scholler-level prize playing for the free scholler’s secondary weapon. This prize-playing shall not take less than half a day.