Continuous training for beginners and experienced practitioners

Our ongoing class runs year-round with a focus on monthly-rotating weapon styles that starts the month off with building blocks and ends the month with choreographic explorations of the theme (each month becomes it’s own mini-course). This weekly practice is perfect for ongoing skills improvement with solo, partnered, and group exercises.

Our year is broken into three segments (Jan-April, May-Aug, Sept-Dec) which rotate through our topics in the order of: Single Handed Weapons, Close Quarters, Dual Wielding, and Two Handed Weapons.

Examples of our topics include:

  • Single-Handed Weapon Styles: Basic 1h Sword, Saber, Swashbuckling, Smallsword, Messer, etc

  • Close Quarters Styles: Basic Hand to Hand, Falling/Rolling, Boxing, Grappling, Knife, Martial Arts (things like Wing Chun or Muay Thai).

  • Dual Wielding Styles: Rapier and Dagger, Sword and Shield, Sword and Buckler, Case of Rapier, Dual Wield Sword

  • Two-Handed Weapon Styles: Basic 2h Sword, Longsword, Staff, Spear/Pole Weapons.

Because we search for a level of authenticity in our work, we use historical and martial fighting styles as a base for instruction and instruct students on how to alter them to make the techniques read for stage and screen.

Open to students ages 14 and up, and all skill levels. The weekly ongoing classes are taught by Jen Pan and Joe Wright.

If you are a new student with Theatrica Gladiatoria, please send us a message to schedule your first time so that we can prepare introductions!

What You’ll Need to Bring:

  • A mask that fully covers the nose and mouth that you can keep on during practice indoors

  • (For first-time attendees) Proof of COVID vaccination

  • Comfortable movement or athletic clothes

  • Indoor athletic shoes with clean soles

  • A pair of thin, full-fingered gloves (e.g. gardening, baseball, football, mechanic’s, or riding gloves)

  • Water bottle

Other Equipment: Stage combat weapons and training mats will be provided by the instructors. If you wish to bring your own personal weapon, please have it approved by the instructors before using it for class.

Practice Format

  • Each practice begins with 10 mins of self-guided warm-up. We believe that each individual knows their body best and what is needed to be ready to move. If you’d like warm-up suggestions, please speak to the instructor at the beginning of practice.

  • 20 mins will be spent on footwork drills

  • 90 mins will be spent on the “weapon of the month” (e.g. September is single sword, October is unarmed). Content will range from technique drills (individualized and partnered) to combinations, sequences, and choreography.

  • Practice begins with the basics and fundamentals of the style near the start of the month and builds toward choreography near the end, but new attendees are welcome anytime. An instructor will make sure you’re caught up!

Class policies

  • A signed waiver of liability and a general media release form is required of all students who attend. If you have not signed a release form, please speak to the instructor or send us a message.

  • Doors open 15 mins prior to the start time (at 6:45pm). Doors will be locked 10 mins after practice begins (at 7:10pm). If you are expecting to arrive late, please text us when you arrive.

  • Be respectful of the other students and participants. Because stage combat is a collaborative exercise between partners, not opponents, sparring is prohibited. Go slow, don’t hit super hard, and actively pay attention at all times. If there is a question or concern when trying out new exercises with your partner, communicate openly with them or with the instructor about your concerns.

  • Leave the ego at the door. No matter if you have prior martial arts or stage combat experience, please come with an open mind and willingness to try new or different things. Whether or not you choose to add the taught skills to your “toolkit” is up to you outside of the practice space.

  • Discrimination (sexism, racism, homophobia and transphobia, body shaming, ageism, etc) will not be tolerated.

  • Ask for consent before touching someone else’s body and respect the answer given. Consent can be revoked at any time.

  • If you have any prior injuries or serious health conditions, please consult a doctor before attending. With your doctor’s approval, please alert the instructor of any concerns so that exercises can be adjusted to accommodate your needs.

  • Upon entering the space, we ask that you please wait for instruction before touching any equipment or weapons (especially if they do not belong to you).

COVID Policies

  • Masks are mandatory at all times, no matter the vaccination status. Masks may be briefly removed for water breaks.

  • Please alert us and stay home if you have reason to suspect you’ve been exposed. Membership dues can be paused and credit issued forward.

Class Time & Location

Time: Mondays & Thursdays @ 7-9pm

Location: Dance Studio @ Riverside Arts Center, Ypsilanti, MI (76 N Huron St, Ypsilanti, MI 48197)

Click here for travel directions to Riverside Arts Center.

Pricing

  • Introductory Class: Free. Please message us to schedule your free introductory session.

  • Monthly unlimited: $70/month

  • 4 Classes/Month: $45/month

  • Drop-In: $20/class

Training Plan

2024 First Session (Jan-April):

  • January: Smallsword

  • February: Unarmed/Knife

  • March: Sword & Shield

  • April: Longsword

2024 Summer Session (May - August):

  • May: Bolognese Sidesword

  • June: Knife

  • July: Sword & Buckler

  • August: Longsword

2024 Fall Session (September - December):

  • September: Swashbuckling Singlesword

  • October: Unarmed

  • November: Rapier & Dagger

  • December: Quarterstaff