What Are the Duello Rank Levels?

Academie Duello uses a five-tier martial rank system that represents different achievements of applied skill and knowledge. These ranks draw from historical European traditions and provide a structured path for martial development.

The Five Rank Levels

I. Apprentice (Green)

Students demonstrate foundational knowledge of rapier or longsword through a 30-minute examination at the end of beginner programs.

This rank establishes that you understand the basics - the fundamental guards, attacks, and defensive actions that form the foundation for everything else.

II. Scholar (Blue)

Candidates must show mechanical competence with their primary weapon plus tactical awareness and unarmed grappling skills. This typically requires one to two years of study.

The exam includes 30 minutes of skill demonstration followed by 20 minutes of sparring. You’re demonstrating not just that you know techniques, but that you can apply them against resistance.

III. Free Scholar (Red)

This rank requires a high level of proficiency in your primary weapon and its sub-disciplines, plus competence with sidesword and unarmed skills. Advancement typically takes two to three years.

The examination involves 60 minutes of technique demonstrations, three martial forms, and a 40-minute sparring assessment. Free Scholars are complete martial artists within their chosen weapon family.

IV. Provost (Silver)

Provosts must demonstrate complete mastery across all school weapons and possess teaching ability. This rank requires three to six years after Free Scholar.

The examination includes:

• An essay on fencing theory
• Four martial forms
• Private examination
• Public demonstration
• Approximately 12 hours of sparring assessment

Disciplines examined include:

• Single rapier, rapier with dagger, cloak, and buckler
• Two swords
• Sidesword with buckler, dagger, and cloak
• Longsword and longsword grappling
• Polearms
• Unarmed grappling
• Rondel dagger self-defense

V. Master (Gold)

Masters demonstrate excellence as both practitioners and teachers. Candidates complete three specific projects covering martial proficiency, scholarship, and school contribution, followed by comprehensive external examination.

Masters are the stewards of the art - responsible for its preservation and transmission to future generations.

Our Philosophy

Involving outside instructors and making higher-level exams public creates transparency. The system aims to be motivational, challenging, rewarding, and meaningful rather than ego-driven.

Rank isn’t about status. It’s about clear milestones on the path of development, and accountability to standards that maintain the quality of our tradition.