Youth Classes
Juniors learn basic sword and shield techniques through play and fun age appropriate drills and games.
Youth start their sword journey learning the basics of sword and shield through drills, team games, and sparring.
Teens learn sword basics that set them up for success in learning further sword techniques associated with Historical Fencing and Armored Combat.
Youth Curriculum
Sports Sword
Sport Sword or Soft Armored Combat was originally created by Steel Armored Fighters in Eastern Europe as a method of training in faster tempo and for longer periods outside their heavy steel plated metal gear. The soft kit and training style was developed as a way for new fighters including youth to practice the fundamentals of the Buhurt sport.
The key benefits of soft gear are greater accessibility to all sword sports, less damage inflicted on steel gear during practice, maximum safety during heavy training, greater flexibility in training situations, games, and fighting styles. Sport Sword is the perfect way to learn fundamentals of historic sword fighting for all ages.
It is for this reason we have selected Sport Sword methodology as the vehicle for our youth program. In addition we have developed a system of progression expressed as ranks. Each rank is derived from acquiring learned skills in class. Not only should a student be able to demonstrate certain skills in a static situation, but also in a dynamic environment such as against an opponent during a 1v1 match or team games.
At the BladeFit Academy we still adhere to the training and competition rules set forth by the IFMSF until a replacement unifying ruleset can be established in the US. Category elements of competitive training are:
Sword and Shield
Buckler and Sword
One handed Sword
Two handed Sword
Buckler and Saber
Eastern Shield and Saber
Dueling Saber
In learning these disciplines, we infuse specially designed games into the drills needed to accomplish mastery of them. Each game having rules developed in encouraging proper form, use, and strategy.
Students have the opportunity to increase in rank measured by a matrix of attendance, mastery of skills, participating in competitions, and helping less experienced students achieve levels of mastery. The ranking structure is as follows:
Paige – Rank for littles under age 10
Squire, Class 3,2,1 – Beginners from age 10 on up.
Knight, Class 3,2,1 – Seasoned fighters who gain in fundamental Prowess
Lancer – Added designation for Knights of any Class who are responsible for teaching Squires.
Cavalier 3,2,1 – Fighters who are responsible for training Knights in their duties.
Knights Master – Responsible for training Cavaliers and aiding Adult Officers in their training of others. Highest rank a minor student can achieve.
FAQ'S
You can sign up for a free trial class, by clicking the get started now buttons under your respective classes. Youth free trials are under the youth classes, adult free trials are under the adult classes.
Yes, currently for all programs, we offer one free trail class to see if we are a good fit for each other. Starting March, Youth will continue to get one free trail class, and Adults will get a free trial week, to determine which classes they prefer.
Current classes are offered in the Power Sport Performance training center located at 7588 Delaware Ln, Vancouver, WA, 98664. Cross Streets are Garrison Rd and Mill Plain Blvd. Go through the 1st Glass door (suite 104) on the Delaware side of the building. Family and youth class begins 6pm Mondays. Adult classes are Mondays 7-9pm and Thursdays 7-9pm.
Be prepared for some running and body weight exercise as part of the curriculum. Bring water (we don't have a drinking fountain) and wear athletic attire, including active shoes. We discourage jeans and boots. Shorts are acceptable attire.
We have a limited amount of loaner gear on a first come, first serve basis and encourage students to get their own gear asap.
Adults, If you have your own gear we encourage you to bring whatever you have and let us determine if it meets the safety requirements.
We currently offer three different memberships:
Option 1(Adults only): Drop-in pricing
$ 15 per class, you must be signed up for a course to get this pricing. (No Discounts)
Option 2: Silver membership(one class per week):
Month to month: $ 60 per month
Option 3: Gold membership(two classes per week):
Month to month: $ 80 per month
Beginning March 1st our prices will be increasing! You can lock in current pricing if you sign up for a membership before then.
New price structure will be:
Option 1(Adults only): Drop-in pricing
$ 20 per class, you must be signed up for a course to get this pricing.
Option 2: Silver membership(one class per week):
Month to month: $ 80 per month
3 month Silver Membership(5% OFF): $ 228
6 month Silver Membership(10% OFF):$ 432
Option 3: Gold membership(two classes per week):
Month to month:$ 100 per month
3 month Gold membership(5% OFF):$ 275
6 month gold membership(10%OFF):$ 540
Yes, we offer discounts with our Silver and Gold Memberships.
We offer a family discount:
1st person is full price
2nd person is 50% off
3rd & 4th person is 75% off
5th+ persons are free
In March 2025 we will also offer 3 month and 6 month memberships which will be discounted.
Youth classes include age appropriate instruction, games, and drills.
Adult sessions include instruction, practice of technique, slow drills/sparring, and free sparring. We split class with skill drills and sparring.
All new students should fill out our easy registry form before class. We can assist if you need help with this process. If youare having issues signing up please, contact us for arrangements.
Youth Programs: Our kids program focuses on soft combat for kids we start all kids with a sword and shield and as they Master those skills they can rank up and move on to other weapon sets and master those skills in turn they have opportunity for leadership in class and gaining ranks. We have split the youth classes into three classes: Juniors 5-10 yrs, Youth 11-14yrs, & Teens 15 - 17 yrs
Adult Programs: Our main focus is British Military Saber and Longsword of the Germanic tradition
British Military Saber: Taylor, Roworth, & Angelo
Longsword: (Liechtenauer System)
We have limited loaner gear on a first come first serve basis. We encourage students to purchase their own gear as soon as possible. Once you sign up for a membership we will send you a list with links to purchase the approved gear for your respective class.