Dueling Arts International (DAI) has developed this path of study to acknowledge actors who choose to pursue this art with a focus on performance and technical achievement. There are three levels of training for the actor, and several distinct classifications of achievement within each level.
The six primary disciplines for DAI training are:
- Unarmed Theatrical Combat
- Medieval Broadsword
- Rapier and Dagger of the Renaissance
- Transitional Single Rapier
- Smallsword of the Restoration
- Quarterstaff
Level One
Introductory Training requires a minimum of 12 hours of training per weapon discipline. Students who fulfill DAI Level One training requirements may be recognized in one of the following certificates of achievement.
Certificates of Achievement:
Introductory CombatantStudent demonstrated the ability to safely execute basic theatrical fights at or near a believable performance speed.
Beginning CombatantStudent demonstrated the ability to safely execute and perform theatrical fights at or near performance speed using precise technical skill. They integrate theatrical elements including dramatic intention, emotional commitment, and appropriate character work to serve the physical action of the fight and the overall dramatic content of the scene.
Beginning Combatant with DistinctionStudent demonstrated the ability to safely execute and perform theatrical fights at performance speed using precise technical skill. They integrate theatrical elements including dramatic intention, emotional commitment, and appropriate character work to serve the physical action of the fight and the overall dramatic content of the scene. This distinction is reserved specifically for students exhibiting superior facility/aptitude in all criteria. Their work stands out at a notably higher level than most of their peers.
Students recognized as Beginning Combatants, or Beginning Combatants with Distinction, shall be encouraged to pursue Level Two training.
Level Two
Intermediate Training requires a minimum of 24 hours of training per weapon discipline. Integrating character choices alongside precise technical skills is expected at this level of training. Students who fulfill DAI Level Two training requirements may be recognized in one of the following certificates of achievement.
Certificates of Achievement:
Intermediate CombatantStudent demonstrated the ability to safely execute and perform theatrical fights more challenging in technique and skill at or near a believable performance speed.
Theatrical CombatantStudent demonstrated the ability to safely execute and perform theatrical fights more challenging in technique and skill at performance speed, using precise technical skill.They integrate theatrical elements including dramatic intention, emotional commitment, and appropriate character work to inform the physical action of the fight and serve the overall dramatic content of the scene.
Theatrical Combatant with DistinctionStudent demonstrated the ability to safely execute and perform theatrical fights more challenging in technique and skill at performance speed, using precise technical skill.They integrate theatrical elements including dramatic intention, emotional commitment, and appropriate character work to inform the physical action of the fight and serve the overall dramatic content of the scene.
This distinction is reserved for students exhibiting superior facility in all criteria. Their work stands out at a markedly higher level than most of their peers.
Students recognized as Theatrical Combatants or Theatrical Combatants with Distinction shall be encouraged to pursue Level Three training.
Level Three
Advanced Training diverges from the previous discipline-specific levels of training. Training is condensed to cover all primary disciplines with the additional focus on secondary disciplines.
The secondary disciplines for DAI training are:
- Sword and Buckler
- Sword and Shield
- Sword and Cloak
- Case of Rapiers
- Knife Fighting
- Theatrical Martial Arts
- Contemporary Violence
- Fighting Techniques for Camera
The performance expectation for all disciplines is a fully integrated character and precise execution of technique. Students who fulfill DAI Level Three training requirements may be recognized for their achievement.
Certificate of Achievement:
Advanced Actor CombatantStudent demonstrated the ability to work, train, and perform consistently at this level in all disciplines as provided and offered in the Level Three curriculum. As this training is not discipline specific, recognition requires the student is capable of performing technically difficult fights equal to or more challenging than most fights commonly performed in theater today.
They are capable of performing with the standards of professionalism and performance excellence. They must execute and perform fights for all the primary disciplines and secondary disciplines. They must be able to perform and execute these fights with fully realized dramatic intention and emotional commitment, serving both the technique of the fight and the overall content of the scene. All performances must be achieved within an accelerated rehearsal period.
Participation in the performance workshop, considered part two of the advanced curriculum, is a recommended addition at this stage of training. Participation in the performance workshop allows students to cultivate the ability to work with multiple directors and perform scenes in accelerated and/or constrained circumstances while continuing to demonstrate the facility to integrate character and text in accordance with the highest standards.