The Academy of Theatrical Combat offers swordplay and hand-to-hand combat training for action actors, stunt performers, and anyone interested in learning about movie fights.
Students begin at the basic level, covering safety and the primary techniques of hand-to-hand combat, rolls and falls, cutlass, broadsword, and quarterstaff. Intermediate and advanced students continue mastering and learning more advanced applications for all these disciplines as well as moving on to double cutlass, single rapier, rapier and dagger, smallsword, and katana.
All students train in learning choreography and quickly bringing fights to a performance level. Students perform for camera regularly and receive feedback from both New York City and Hollywood Fight Coordinators.
Personal training and private lessons are also available.
Please join our Facebook Group and/or sign up for our mailing list for updates about future classes and workshops.
The Academy of Theatrical Combat & SAGA Action Arts have teamed up to present, THE ACTION HERO ACADEMY, a collaborative training experience for actors and stunt performers looking to master multiple disciplines of combat, action performance, and acting for film and television.
Visit actionheroacademy.nyc for more information about all our combat and actor services.
INTENSIVES & COURSES
INTRO TO TV & FILM COMBAT INTENSIVE
An 8-week introduction to performing hand-to-hand combat for TV & Film.
NEXT SESSION:
Sundays, October 5 – November 23
1:30pm – 3:00pm
Participants receive a foundation in the safety mechanics and the performance techniques of punches, kicks, blocks, rolls, falls, throws, grappling, etc. The course culminates with students performing choreographed fight scenes on camera. These filmed fights are then edited and provided to use as proof of ability.
$550 ($450 with Early Bird discount)
Sign up before September 21st 2025 with code “EARLYBIRD” for $100 Off.
ONGOING CLASSES
HOLLYWOOD WEAPONS
Master the art of performing sword & staff combat for TV, Film & Stage.
WEDNESDAYS
7 – 9pm
This ongoing, mixed-level class focuses on sword & staff combat techniques AND the acting skills necessary to create character-driven sword fighting scenes that build a sense of danger & excitement.
Students begin at the basic level, covering safety and the primary techniques of Cutlass/Single Sword (Pirates of the Caribbean, The Duelist, Hook), Broadsword (Game of Thrones, The Witcher, LOTR), and Quarterstaff (The Force Awakens, Xena, Robin Hood). Intermediate and advanced students continue mastering these weapons along with double cutlass, light saber, single rapier, rapier and dagger, smallsword, katana, and more.
Students perform for camera in every class, including filmed fight scenes that receive feedback from professional Hollywood Fight Coordinators.
PLEASE NOTE: New students must begin classes on the first Wednesday of the month.
BRAWLS & FALLS
Master the art of performing hand-to-hand combat for TV, Film & Stage.
SUNDAYS
11am – 1pm
The Academy of Theatrical Combat and Saga Action Arts join forces in this intermediate/advanced-level class designed to sharpen safety techniques and performance skills in hand-to-hand combat. Students train in punches, kicks, blocks, rolls, falls, throws, grappling, and more—developing the precision and control needed for high-level fight choreography.
All students train in learning choreography, quickly bringing fights to the performance level, and integrating combat into scene work. Students perform for camera in every class, including filmed fight scenes that receive feedback from professional Hollywood Fight Coordinators.
Students must have prior training or an instructor’s permission to attend this class.
All classes are ongoing and new students are accepted at the beginning of each month.
ONE TRACK: $150 per month (4 classes)
BOTH TRACKS: $250 per month (8 classes)
*Referral/SAG/Equity Discounts available.
PRIVATE LESSONS
Private and semi-private lessons are available in any discipline the Academy offers.
Email Us to book a private lesson.
EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS
Workshops are also available for high schools and universities.
Contact us for more information.
Class Fight Performances & Training Videos
Brawls & Falls Training
Level Two Exam Fights
Level One Exam Fights
Historical Exam Fights
Curriculum includes:
Weapons Combat
(Cutlass/Sabre, Broadsword, Rapier & Dagger, Smallsword, Quarterstaff, and more)
Hand to Hand Combat
Throws & Grappling
Rolls & Falls
Knife
Katana and Kali Stick Fighting are also incorporated into the training at Theatrical Combat NYC but are not a formal part of the curriculum.
THEATRICAL COMBAT NYC