Seattle Knights

The Seattle Knights Academy of Medieval Combat Choreography teaches historical and performance fighting techniques for a variety of weapons as well as for hand-to-hand combat. All classes are conducted by a certified instructor. Classes run between eight and ten weeks. Private lessons are also available. All prospective jousting students must go through ground combat training first. Often, they already have excellent riding skills; if not, they are taught standard dressage and Western riding techniques first. This allows them, while learning jousting, to concentrate on the lance work instead of worrying about the horse. Students that excel in their classes are hired to work for the company, and a few go on to work for other people and organizations. The hardest part of the courses is the riding—and the falls. Learning to fall correctly—in order to avoid injury—is frightening at first for most people. But learning to fall at speed is an art, and one that pays well. Special seminars are conducted throughout the year for those who wish to receive a crash course in jousting. However, this course is only for those who are already accomplished riders.