Ranks

“The association consisted of, first, the “Scholler,” an absolute beginner who has on his probation and did not yet as rank as a member; the next, the “Free Scholler,” the junior grade; then the “Provost,” or assistant master; and, lastly, the “Maister.” From the “Maisters” was chosen the governing body, known as “The Four Ancient Maisters of the Noble Science of Defense.” To become a member of the association, the simple “Scholler” had to pass an examination, which usually took place in one of the schools kept by the “Maisters.” This consisted of bouts at certain weapons, in which he had to encounter a given number of young men who had already passed that ordeal. It was known as “Playing his Prize”; it was, in fact, his matriculation, and when successful he was received as a Free Scholler.” – Alfred Hutton, The Sword and The Centuries, p261.

Historically, the medieval and renaissance Schools of Defense in England had a ranking system. The divisions are few and quite simple. Each rank, other than the Novice, is given based upon the demonstration of proficiency in skills via a prize-play and other pre-requisites. For example, once a candidate has demonstrated both knowledge and skills befitting his time invested, he may be asked to participate in a prize-play wherein he will compete against multiple members of our club or another club in a series of multiple non-stop rounds. Rank will be awarded based upon the skill set and proficiency demonstrated in these prize-plays.

The Guild of Knightly Arts is not obsessed with a hierarchy of titles or conferring meaningless ranks. Ranks in the Guild are a barometer of an individual's level of learning. They are tied to an adequate understanding and practical application of the Guild's curriculum, which enables the Guild to ensure quality standards and professionalism. The ranks of the Guild emulate, to an extent, the historical ranks of the Ancient London Masters of the School of Defense.

In the context of the Guild of Knightly Arts, inspired by the English schools of the noble science of defense, the following ranks reflect a progression of skill, knowledge, and mastery:

Novice: The novice is a beginner who has just started their journey in the study of Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA). At this stage, they focus on learning the basic techniques, stances, footwork, and terminology of the English system. The novice is under direct instruction, honing their fundamental skills while building their physical conditioning and understanding of the martial principles. (Novice to Scholar: Requires 6 months of regular club attendance)
Scholar: Upon mastering the basics, a practitioner becomes a scholar. Scholars are individuals who have moved beyond the novice level and demonstrate proficiency in the fundamental techniques. They begin to study and understand the deeper principles of the martial arts, such as strategy, tactics, and the application of techniques in live sparring. The term "scholar" simply means "student." A Scholar is still a junior in the club but has demonstrated a level of competency in at least two weapon system (longsword & backsword), has obtained their required gear for steel fighting and is able to compete safely and competently with other members. Most members of the club are scholars and those who are uninterested in progressing in rank will continue to be referred to as scholars indefinitely. A scholar may attend tournaments and is encouraged to participate in all aspects of the HEMA community. (Scholar to Free Scholar: Requires 2 years of club attendance)
Free Scholar: A Free Scholar is a senior member of the club who is competent in all aspects of our club's fighting system; both technically and academically. These are members who are competent to fight in tourney's and represent our club to our greater community and other HEMA clubs throughout the State and other regions. The rank of Free Scholar requires a competency and proficiency in terminology of the English Martial Arts, an academic understanding of its history, heritage, and culture, as well as a demonstrated proficiency in the skills of a Scholar with the additional weapon sets of sword & buckler, polearms, and rapier. (Free Scholar to Provost: Requires 4 years of club attendance and Prize Play of 5 weapons)
Provost: The word "provost" comes from the Old English "profost," meaning the head of a chapter. The provost is a highly skilled and knowledgeable master of the art. They are entrusted with the highest level of teaching and responsibility within the Guild. Provosts not only possess exceptional combat skills but also have an in-depth understanding of the history, philosophy, and theory of the English martial arts. They oversee the training of all other ranks, ensuring the preservation of tradition and guiding the direction of the Guild’s practices. A provost's role is to mentor and refine the free scholars, ensuring that the Guild continues to uphold its standards of excellence and martial integrity. (Free Scholar to Provost: must be a current Free Scholar and demonstrated an acumen for teaching other scholars - this rank is by invitation only)

These ranks represent a structured path from learning and personal development to mastery and leadership within the Guild of Knightly Arts, with each level embodying a deeper commitment to the noble science of defense.

Designations of Rank

In the Guild of Knightly Arts, the colors of garters worn by each rank symbolize the level of mastery, responsibility, and tradition within the Guild. These garters are worn as a mark of distinction, with each color representing both the martial and philosophical aspects of the practitioner’s role in the Guild. Below is a breakdown of the garter colors for each rank (excluding the novice) and their meanings:

Scholar – Green Garter: The green garter represents growth, renewal, and balance. Green is often associated with the natural world and the process of learning and refining skills. It signifies the scholar's journey toward mastery, as they begin to grasp the deeper principles of martial arts and grow in their knowledge. The green garter symbolizes a state of active learning, where the scholar has laid the foundation and is now focused on the cultivation of more advanced skills.
Free Scholar – Blue Garter: The blue garter symbolizes wisdom, depth of knowledge, and freedom of thought. Blue is the color of the sky and the ocean, representing vastness and the endless pursuit of understanding. A free scholar is someone who has mastered the basics and gained independence in their learning. The blue garter reflects their ability to think critically, apply techniques creatively, and engage in scholarly pursuits both in and out of combat. It represents a scholar who has reached a stage of intellectual and martial maturity.
Provost – Red Garter: The red garter represents strength, courage, and leadership. Red is often associated with vitality, passion, and the ability to stand firm in the face of challenges. The provost is a seasoned martial artist and teacher, responsible for overseeing the training and development of lower ranks. The red garter signifies the provost's ability to lead, inspire, and challenge others, as well as their deep commitment to the martial tradition. It marks them as a protector of the Guild’s integrity and a model of martial excellence.

These garters not only serve as visual indicators of rank within the guild but also carry symbolic meaning, aligning the practitioner’s level of achievement with the deeper values of the English martial arts tradition.

Requirements for Ranks

The Guild of Knightly Arts has a set of specific knowledge requirements and skill tests that each rank must meet to progress. These requirements ensure that practitioners not only master the techniques but also understand the philosophy and theory behind the martial arts. Here is a breakdown of the knowledge and skill tests for each rank:

1. Scholar

Knowledge Requirements:

Basic Martial Theory: Understanding the fundamental principles of combat, such as timing, distance, and leverage. Scholars must demonstrate an understanding of how these principles apply in various contexts.
Historical Understanding: A scholar must be familiar with the history and origins of the English martial arts, including key historical figures, battles, and the evolution of martial techniques.
Reading Martial Treatises: The scholar must be able to read and interpret basic martial manuals. They must demonstrate an understanding of their contents and how these principles translate into practice.

Skill Tests:

Basic Sparring: A controlled sparring test where the scholar demonstrates proper technique, footwork, and control against an opponent.
Basic Techniques Mastery: The scholar must demonstrate proficiency in basic techniques (e.g., cuts, thrusts, parries) in solo drills and against a partner.
Footwork and Movement: A scholar must showcase proper footwork—smooth, efficient movement, and the ability to close or create distance as required.

2. Free Scholar

Knowledge Requirements:

Advanced Combat Theory: Understanding more complex aspects of martial strategy, such as how to adapt techniques to different fighting scenarios (e.g., fighting against multiple opponents, against larger or faster opponents, etc.).
Combat Psychology: Knowledge of how to read and react to an opponent’s intentions, how to manage one's own emotions under stress, and the psychological aspects of combat.
Martial Arts Tactics: A free scholar must understand tactical elements like feints, deception, and counter-techniques. They must also be able to recognize and exploit weaknesses in an opponent's technique or defenses.
Comprehensive Study of Treatises: The free scholar must not only read advanced martial treatises but also demonstrate an ability to analyze, critique, and apply them in practical settings.

Skill Tests:

5 weapon prize-play: A free scholar must demonstrate the ability to spar against practitioners of different skill levels, adjusting techniques based on the opponent’s strengths and weaknesses. He will demonstrate this with the:
1. Longsword
2. Backsword
3. Sword & Buckler
4. Rapier
5. Dagger
Advanced Techniques and Combinations: The scholar is tested on advanced techniques and combinations of techniques, demonstrating the ability to seamlessly transition between different maneuvers under pressure.
Drills: Free scholars must be able to perform fluid drills, simulating real combat scenarios where they demonstrate timing, accuracy, and a deep understanding of martial principles.

3. Provost

Knowledge Requirements:

Mastery of Combat Strategy: A provost must exhibit a high level of tactical thinking, understanding advanced combat strategies such as breaking through defenses, exploiting openings, and using the environment to their advantage.
Mentorship and Teaching Techniques: A provost must possess the ability to teach and mentor lower ranks. They must demonstrate knowledge of how to break down complex techniques into digestible components and how to foster improvement in others.
Historical and Philosophical Mastery: The provost must have an in-depth understanding of the history, philosophy, and ethics of the martial tradition. This includes knowledge of martial ethics, the code of conduct, and the importance of discipline and respect within the art.
Combat in Armor and Other Environments: A provost must be proficient in fighting with various weapons and in different contexts, including in armor, in confined spaces, or under difficult conditions (e.g., on uneven terrain or in low-light settings).

Skill Tests:

Teaching Demonstration: The provost must demonstrate their ability to teach and guide others, often by taking a group of scholars or free scholars through advanced drills and correcting their techniques in real-time.
Advanced Weapon Proficiency: A provost must show proficiency in a variety of weapons (e.g., longsword, polearms, dagger, etc.), demonstrating an understanding of when and how to use each one effectively. This includes the George Silver 10 weapon challenge as outlined below…

The Ten Weapon Challenge is a famous test of martial skill outlined by George Silver in his work Paradoxes of Defence, and it highlights the multifaceted nature of martial arts. This challenge, as given in the historical account, was devised to demonstrate the mastery of several weapon types, showcasing the proficiency of English martial arts against the Italian fencers who had taught their system in England. For the Provost rank in the Guild of Knightly Arts, this challenge serves as a rigorous and comprehensive test to demonstrate not only skill with various weapons but also the provost's ability to adapt, strategize, and maintain control under pressure. While we follo most of Silver's chosen weapons at the time we have modified some choices to avoid redundancy. Also, these categories may be substituted if needed. Here's how it is structured:

Single Rapier
Rapier and Dagger
Single Dagger
Backsword
Quarterstaff
Sword and Buckler
Longsword
QuarterStaff
Billhook
Wrestling

Assessment and Expectations

Each of these weapon tests should be performed in a specific order to simulate various scenarios in combat, where the Provost must display not just physical skill but also the application of martial principles like timing, distance, and adaptability. In each fight, there are several key factors the Provost must display:

Fluidity and control: Ability to flow between offensive and defensive movements without hesitation.
Strategic decision-making: Choosing the appropriate attack or defense based on the opponent’s actions, weapon, and the environment.
Adaptability: Shifting between weapons and techniques, demonstrating the ability to adjust to various combat styles and situations.
Physical stamina and focus: Maintaining energy, focus, and discipline throughout the entire series of tests, as these challenges would likely be performed in succession.
Tactical brilliance: Each weapon requires a slightly different approach, and the Provost must demonstrate the intellectual understanding of each weapon's strengths and weaknesses.

The Ten Weapon Challenge can be seen as the ultimate proving ground for a Provost, testing both their technical prowess and their ability to lead, instruct, and adapt. The Provost must pass this challenge to demonstrate their mastery in all areas of combat and to ensure they are qualified to guide others within the guild and uphold the traditions of the noble science of defense.

What is a Magister?

Magister is a Latin word which simply meant "teacher." The word was transplanted unaltered in old and middle English as Maister, which we now state with the modern equivalent "Master." Master was the highest rank achievable in the English academies of the Science of Defense but due to the modern misappropriation of the term "master" we have reverted to utilizing the term "magister." Magister was also used in medieval times to refer to an academic teacher in university. The term magister in the Guild of Knightly Arts isn't a rank per se rather it is an honorific. Those who are referred to as magister have opened their own HEMA school of defense, hence they are then the Magister of their Guild. They must have a thorough knowledge of the English Martial Arts both technically and academically. While the Provost oversees the training and organization of the guild, the Magister is considered a leading authority in the Guild. They are responsible for guiding the overall direction of the Guild’s martial curriculum and ensuring the integrity and continuity of the noble science of defense. The Magister also plays a critical role in mentoring provosts and free scholars, imparting their expertise in a way that shapes the future of the guild and its teachings.

A Magister’s responsibilities may include:

Creating advanced curriculum and training methods.
Offering insight into the historical aspects of martial arts and interpreting ancient treatises.
Contributing to the broader martial arts community through writings, lectures, or demonstrations.

The Guild offers a certification course for those who want the entitlement to represent our Guild in teaching the English martial arts. This title isn't a simply accolade however, rather it reflects a lifetime of dedication to the study and practice of the martial arts, as well as a commitment to the preservation and development of our noble tradition. This title represents a committed service to the Guild and to the service of others.