Introduction to Stage Combat: Level 2 - Advanced Weapons
This new two-day intensive workshop introduces you to the art of stage combat through the use of advanced weapon techniques.
Key information:
- Course dates:
- Sat 1 – Sun 2 Aug 2026
- Course times:
- 9.30am–4.30pm
- Age:
- 18+
- Art form:
- Drama
- Fees:
- £295
- Deadline:
- Bookings will close at 5pm on Friday 3 July 2026 or when the course reaches full capacity
- Level of study:
- Short Courses & Summer Schools (ages 18+)
- Mode of study:
- In-person
- Venue:
- Guildhall School of Music & Drama
- When:
- Summer Schools (July–August) | Weekend Courses
Course info
Book Now
- Spaces are limited, so we recommend booking early
- Bookings close at 5pm on Friday, 3 July 2026, or when the course reaches full capacity
- Please note: accommodation is not provided
- View our terms and conditions
Ages 18+
Course Dates & Times
Saturday 1 – Sunday 2 August 2026
9.30am–4.30pm
About Introduction to Stage Combat: Level 2 - Advanced Weapons
This new two-day intensive workshop introduces you to the art of stage combat through the use of advanced weapon techniques.
In this course, you will expand your technical skills and apply core principles to a broad range of weapon types, deepening your understanding of the logic of violence.
Who is the course for?
- Anyone aged 18 and over with previous experience - whether through the Level 1 course, or their work with other combat teachers.
- This course is also suitable for those with a strong background in movement or physical performance who wish to develop greater familiarity with advanced stage combat techniques.
What can I expect?
After revisiting the logic of violence, conflict communication and the fundamental principles of skill; there will be an informal assessment of baseline skills are so we can tailor the work to the needs of the group.
The practical sessions will build on movement fundamentals and introduce advanced weapon categories:
- Two-handed weapons (e.g. staff, longsword)
- Dual weapons (e.g. sword and shield/buckler)
- Single sword (e.g. rapier, small sword, Renaissance side sword, sabre)
Training will include structured fight sequences and guidance on integrating these techniques into performed fights.
What can I expect?
- Comfortable, loose clothing for movement
- Trainers or sports shoes
- A water bottle
- And most importantly, a readiness to engage physically and creatively!
Course fee
£295
Book Now
- Spaces are limited, so we recommend booking early
- Bookings close at 5pm on Friday, 3 July 2026, or when the course reaches full capacity
- Please note: accommodation is not provided
- View our terms and conditions
Eligibility
- We welcome participants from all ages 18 and over
- Participants must have sufficient English language skills in order to fully engage with the course
About the Course Tutor
The course is taught by Jonathan Waller.
Jonathan Waller has been teaching stage combat for over 30 years, including at Guildhall. Trained by his father, John Waller, and Rodney Cottier, Jonathan’s experience spans leading drama schools such as LAMDA, ArtsEd, and international institutions including Rutgers University and Mexico’s Centro Universitario de Teatro.
He has taught many courses in Mexico, including the Centro Universitario de Teatro, University of Mexico, amongst others and has been instrumental in the founding of the Escuela Mexicana de Combate Escénico, the first stage combat organization in Mexico,
With over 100 Fight Director credits for theatre and opera, including Shakespeare’s Globe, Cheek By Jowl, The Chichester Festival Theatre, Mischief Theatre.
Film and television drama and documentaries work includes the BBC, The History Channel and combat for puppeteers for Netflix series The Dark Crystal and recently the film of Hamnet. Commercials include Strongbow utilising his skills as a Master Archer.
He is also a researcher in conflict communication, in its cultural context, across different societies and time periods. This has involved fighting and riding in different armours and historical clothing. He has researched and taught the historical martial arts of Europe, in the UK, the US and across Europe and had articles and research published.
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