Beginner Onboarding is the entry point for new HEMA students at Palm Beach Sword School.

During this focused four-hour session, instructors use Scottish Broadsword to teach the safety rules, physical control and fundamental skills required to participate in regular school classes.

The purpose of Onboarding is not to master a complete weapon system in one afternoon. It is to prepare each participant to train safely, understand how the school operates and enter appropriate regular classes with instructor guidance.

 

Beginner Onboarding is currently open to students aged 14 and older. We are not accepting participants under the age of 14 into this programme at this time.

What Onboarding covers

School safety rules and commands
Safe handling of training weapons
Fundamental stance and footwork
Distance and controlled contact
Basic attacks and defences
Working safely with a training partner
Class structure and instructor expectations
Introduction to controlled sparring procedures
Safe-sparring assessment

What happens afterwards

After completing Onboarding, beginners join the next four weeks of beginner-accessible Palm Beach Sword School classes.

At the end of Onboarding, an instructor will help each student choose suitable classes. Beginners may attend most regular offerings but may not enter intermediate-only classes until approved by an instructor.

Equipment progression

What is included

Four-hour Beginner Onboarding course
Fencing mask
Safe-sparring assessment
School shirt following successful assessment
Four weeks of beginner-accessible regular classes
Instructor guidance in choosing classes
Use of appropriate school training weapons