Shii-Cho 1 Drills
Earth, Fire, Water, Air and Lightning drills get your body used to moving with a saber.
Pathway
Your path through the academy
Our pathway gives you something exciting to aim for without turning training into a pressure cooker. Learn, play, ask questions, and move forward when you feel ready.
Ready to grade?
Just ask an instructor. No mystery gatekeeping. We will help you work out the next step.
The map
The Vanguard pathway, all in one place.
Open it up, zoom in, have a nose around. It is a living document, but it shows how the adventure fits together.
Quick version
How the journey starts.
Shii-Cho 1 Skills
Footwork, strikes and control drills help you feel less "what am I doing?" and more "oh, nice."
Kata 1 and Combat 1
You can lean into clean forms, safe sparring, or a bit of both. We love a balanced learner.
Shii-Cho 2
More movement, more precision, more confidence, and fewer accidental flails.
Gradings
Friendly, clear and no weird secrets.
You can request it
You do not need to sit around waiting for a dramatic invitation. If you feel ready, talk to us.
We will be honest
If we think you are ready, brilliant. If not, we will tell you what to work on next.
Have a go
Give it your best shot. Grading is a checkpoint, not a judgement on your worth as a human.
Try again if needed
If you do not pass, there is a two-week cool-off. Practise, breathe, come back stronger.
Later on
The fun keeps opening up.
Makashi
Precise, stylish and beautifully economical.
Djem So
Power, pressure and a good solid "nope" to incoming attacks.
Soresu
Defence, patience and the art of being very hard to hit.
Ataru
Dynamic movement, big energy and lively angles.
Combat 3
For experienced combat students who want more pressure and challenge.