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The Macdonald Academy of Arms: Rules of the Salle

Firstly That respect and Courtesy be regarded between all members of the Academy at all times. Should personal dispute or quarrel between members arise over any matter, the use of blades (with particular regard to sharps) is not permitted for the resolving of any such affairs. Any such disputes should be resolved directly, with all immediacy and openness between the relevant individuals.

Secondly That all offensive language such as cursing, swearing, blaspheming, obscene or indiscreet words or gestures be banished within the Academy.

Thirdly That training weapons of wood or blunted/buttoned steel be regarded as sharps through all training and assaulting, that the appropriate martial approach to the Art and Science of Defence be better understood and that the delivering and receiving of contre temps be better prevented.

Fourthly That scholars must attend in appropriate attire for training and assaulting other than customary daywear. Such attire should be light in weight and allow free and unrestricted movement of the body. Long sleeved white shirts and self coloured breeches or trousers are recommended as appropriate attire for training and assaulting. The wearing of black attire is not permitted other than for those who have attained qualification of Master-at-Arms.

Fifthly That no scholar should undertake the mantle of Tutor in the direction of other scholars without first the Masters consent. Unless such license is granted, scholars are obliged not to teach to others particulars of the Art of Defence such has been learned in the Academy.

Sixthly That no scholar under six months teaching be permitted to freely assault. After such time should a scholar more rightly possess the required skills and control to safely assault, given that less trained scholars who freely assault are wont to use less of the Art and more of the Instinct, which is contrary to their learning.

A less trained scholar who freely assaults is more a danger to his opponent, in that his control of Offence is less, and dangers himself in that his control of Defence is less. Six months learning is reasonable time for scholars to more understand the principles and train well in control of techniques that they may then be more Truely and safely applied in free assault.

Seventhly That no scholar or other persons should presume to freely assault within the Academy without first the Masters consent.

Eighthly That the Academy salute be observed at all times before free fencing as Courtesy to the opponent and to mark the end of class as Courtesy to the Art.

Ninthly That any broken blade be paid for or replaced by whosoever was the cause of its breakage. In assaulting, the general rule is that the hand which held the blade in question is the hand which pays its replacement lest obvious or admitted maltreatment from the opponent is accepted or found as the cause.

Tenthly That all scholars are charged to uphold and carry well that which is learned within the Academy outwith its walls. Improper useage of the Art of Defence within or outwith the Academy is not expected nor permitted of its scholars.