Training & Education

In-page sections : Dates | Style | Safety | Venues

Team Falchion welcomes non-members and newcomers to join us in training at our regular sessions. If you would like to give it a go, please contact us through one of the methods on our contacts page.

Training Dates for autumn 2005

Please note that until further notice, training at The Roost is suspended. This is because of a change of management at the venue. Whilst the evenings are still light, we may train instead at Bramcote Park on Monday evenings. Please call Nick to confirm. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Sessions at Bramcote Park are usually on Sunday, depending on availability of instructors, and demand for outdoor training. All outdoor training sessions are subject to weather and daylight.

It is usually best to check on Friday evening, or Saturday morning, if in doubt.

Further indoor training may be available at the Table Tennis centre in Draycott, but this is strictly based upon demand, and is available on Thursday nights, 7 till 9pm.

Our fighting style

Team Falchion practices the Fast Accurate Safe Technique (F.A.S.T) developed by Roger Lankford and used by many re-enactment societies in the UK, including the Medieval Combat Society, and the Early Medieval Alliance. As we are members of the Early Medieval Alliance, we strongly believe in following these rules.

Training Kit

To take part in training, you must have the following minimum standard of clothing:

• gloves
• non-slippery footwear
• long sleeves
• long trousers

No one fights without gloves and helmet.

There will be a selection of helmets available at training sessions, for those who don't have them. There may also be a selection of heavy leather/suede (welding) gauntlets available, although members are strongly encouraged to get their own (they cost less than a fiver). Police leather riot gloves are very good, at about £12, from Anchor Army Surplus Stores in Nottingham. They have added protection on the backs of the fingers, knuckles, hand and wrist.

Winter training venues

We now have two indoor venues for training, thanks to the generosity of the Royal British Legion in Beeston, and the Sportsman Pub in Long Eaton.

Training at the RBL will be on Saturdays between midday and 3pm.

Training at the Sportsman will be in The Roost bar on Mondays starting at 7:30pm.

It must be stressed that, although both these venues have bars selling alcohol, no one is allowed to drink alcohol before training.

We would prefer people to attempt to make the Saturday training sessions instead of just the Mondays, as we have very limited space on Mondays. If pressure of space gets too much, we'll look at hiring a sports hall, but that will mean costs of (at least) £4.00 per person, for 2 hours.

Cost

There is a training levy of £1.00 per member per session, to help cover the increased costs of insurance. Non-members pay £2.00.

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