Welcome to the Macdonald Academy

The Macdonald Academy of Arms: Services

Academy Classes and Tuition

The Macdonald Academy of Arms regular classes, based in Edinburgh, are open to all, and offer twice-weekly professional tuition in European martial arts. Classes are taught progressively according to the individual`s abilities, and offer the ability to train and learn through class and individual lessons.

Private Tuition

Individual or small group private lessons can be offered outwith Academy hours, available to all upon request, in a variety of weapons forms.

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Weapons Workshops

Weapon specific intensive workshops can be offered, and can be tailored to your requirements, lasting anywhere from 1 hour to 1 week in duration. Workshops are generally one or two days long, and usually over a weekend, offering group instruction in a particular weapon form, or two or more, time permitting. These are ideal for introducing European martial arts and historical fencing to an established group or club, and are taught from the basic fundamentals of the relevant style, progressing through the system and techniques in a clear and methodical manner.

Public Demonstrations

Engaging and entertaining public demonstrations can be offered to bring exciting historical reality to your event or organisation.

Demonstrations can be offered in any of the following formats and tailored to suit your event, anywhere from 20 mins. through to 1 hour in duration, as a one-off occasion or as repeated performances throughout a day or number of days.

Macdonald Academy of Arms Demonstration

This demonstrates the weapons used in the Academy, the systems and protocol of the Academy, explaining the historical origins and traditions that the Academy is based on and are continued and practiced in Edinburgh today.

Weapon or Period Specific Demonstration

Demonstrations can be offered covering a particular historical period to complement your event, or covering the history, use and techniques of a particular weapon of interest.

The weapons use is brought to life by demonstrating specific techniques and showing its system in action with free-fencing action.

History of Swords and Swordsmanship

This demonstration covers a brief outline of the development of the sword in Europe and its use, encompassing a variety of sword styles from 13th through to 19th century.

This is a highly informative and captivating demonstration, with historical explanations presented along with free fencing at various weapons styles.

Corporate Entertainment

The above demonstrations are suitable for corporate events, and a specific workshop in 18th/19th century singlestick use can be offered as an excellent group corporate event. This is an exciting, entertaining and fun workshop for all involved, where safety equipment is provided and gives all participants the chance to try their hand at something new and very different.

Seminars

Highly informative talks can be given on the subject of historical swords and fencing. A slide assisted talk on the subject of "Swords and Swordsmen in Scotland" documents the development of unique Scottish sword styles in use throughout history, along with fascinating accounts and tales of legendary Scots who lived and triumphed by the sword.

Talks include a display of original and reproduction weaponry for close examination and handling.

Professional Fight Direction for Stage and Screen

Fight choreography and direction services with a wide range of weapons for any stage or screen production, large or small.

Stage combat can be choreographed using entirely realistic historical techniques or employing more of a dramatic theatrical nature for sequences and overall effect. From individual duel, brawl or full scale battle, be it short exchange or climactic combat, the ideal fight scenes can be created for your production to give it the most fitting excitement, drama and realism possible.

Historical Fencing Consultancy

Macdonald Academy of Arms can provide professional consultancy on accurate historical weaponry use for application in film and screen productions.