Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the workshop cost?
Full Tuition is $300.
Those participating in our Fighting with Friends program get $50 off per referral (check out program details HERE)
After our referral window is closed, We also have discount tuition available for students, SAFD members, and members of other stage combat organizations and performing arts unions.
What's your refund policy?
Refunds for tuition to Brawl of America will be issued at the request of participants at the following rates based on date of request: Refunds will be issued for tuition only and will not be issued for processing fees.
February 1 - March 3: 100%
March 4 - March 24: 75%
March 25 - April 14: 50%
April 15 - May 5: 25%
May 6 - May 26: 0%
If you are unable to attend due to an exposure or active case of Covid-19, please reach out to us to determine options for transferring or deferring your registration.
I've never taken a stage combat class before. Can I attend the workshop?
Absolutely. Our staff cater to all levels of experience. You'll be able to find classes at your skill level in a wide range of styles and disciplines.
How do I know my experience level?
Please keep in mind that it is important to accurately represent your skill level on your registration. Instructors reserve the right to ask students to sit back and observe if they feel they are holding up a more experienced class. Don't worry, there will be plenty of fun/informative/challenging class opportunities at your skill level.
Full Tuition is $300.
Those participating in our Fighting with Friends program get $50 off per referral (check out program details HERE)
After our referral window is closed, We also have discount tuition available for students, SAFD members, and members of other stage combat organizations and performing arts unions.
What's your refund policy?
Refunds for tuition to Brawl of America will be issued at the request of participants at the following rates based on date of request: Refunds will be issued for tuition only and will not be issued for processing fees.
February 1 - March 3: 100%
March 4 - March 24: 75%
March 25 - April 14: 50%
April 15 - May 5: 25%
May 6 - May 26: 0%
If you are unable to attend due to an exposure or active case of Covid-19, please reach out to us to determine options for transferring or deferring your registration.
I've never taken a stage combat class before. Can I attend the workshop?
Absolutely. Our staff cater to all levels of experience. You'll be able to find classes at your skill level in a wide range of styles and disciplines.
How do I know my experience level?
- If you've never taken a stage combat class before, or have never performed stage combat in a show, you're probably a First Timer
- If you've taken a few classes, or maybe just performed in a show or two, or you think you know everything there is to know about stage combat, you'll likely be comfortable at the Beginner level.
- If you've studied consistently across a variety of weapons, passed the SAFD Actor/Combatant Skills test, and have continued your training, and understand there's so much more to learn, you're likely Advanced.
- If you're somewhere in between, you're probably Intermediate.
Please keep in mind that it is important to accurately represent your skill level on your registration. Instructors reserve the right to ask students to sit back and observe if they feel they are holding up a more experienced class. Don't worry, there will be plenty of fun/informative/challenging class opportunities at your skill level.

I have no desire to be a stuntperson or fight choreographer; why should I attend this workshop?
There's a misconception that stage combat workshops are exclusively for "stage combat people." Theatrical violence is just as much about specificity of acting intention and storytelling as it is about martial arts, if not more. Actors looking to improve their physical performance repertoire, directors seeking to learn more about the art of portraying conflict (physical and non-), and stage managers who want to be able to identify risks and safety hazards all have a lot to learn from what stage combat has to offer.
When do I sign up for classes?
Class signups will be made available after we have worked together with our instructors to select classes that will best suit our students' needs. As soon as the schedule is finalized, we will contact all those who have completed registration and send them the class signup form.
There's a misconception that stage combat workshops are exclusively for "stage combat people." Theatrical violence is just as much about specificity of acting intention and storytelling as it is about martial arts, if not more. Actors looking to improve their physical performance repertoire, directors seeking to learn more about the art of portraying conflict (physical and non-), and stage managers who want to be able to identify risks and safety hazards all have a lot to learn from what stage combat has to offer.
When do I sign up for classes?
Class signups will be made available after we have worked together with our instructors to select classes that will best suit our students' needs. As soon as the schedule is finalized, we will contact all those who have completed registration and send them the class signup form.

I'm 15 years old, can I attend the workshop?
Yes, all those 15 years or older may attend, though minors will need the signature of a parent/guardian.
What should I bring?
Make sure you have comfortable clothes and movement-ready shoes with non-marking soles. While drinking fountains are plentiful on-site, water bottles allow you to rehydrate mid-class. If you're taking any sword classes, gloves are a solid investment. Leather gauntlets and batting gloves are both popular options. As stage combat is a physical activity, a painkiller of choice might not go amiss.
Can I bring my own personal weapons?
All of the weapons essential to running the workshop will be provided, so there is no need to bring your own personal weapons. If you still wish to bring them, they will need to be stored in the armory with the rest of the workshop weapons and checked to ensure they meet safety standards. Instructors have final say about the weapons that are used in their classrooms.
Can I get "certified" at this workshop?
The SAFD certification process is extensive, but the Brawl is an excellent place to get started. Due to time constraints, we are unable to offer full SAFD skills test courses over the weekend. We may, however, be able to offer renewal tests for those who have already taken an SAFD skills test before. This will be determined on a year-by-year basis, based on renewal demands. For more information regarding SAFD testing and certification procedures, check out www.safd.org
Why does your website look like crap?
It's a work in progress, and I have no website design experience beyond Geocities when I was 10.
Yes, all those 15 years or older may attend, though minors will need the signature of a parent/guardian.
What should I bring?
Make sure you have comfortable clothes and movement-ready shoes with non-marking soles. While drinking fountains are plentiful on-site, water bottles allow you to rehydrate mid-class. If you're taking any sword classes, gloves are a solid investment. Leather gauntlets and batting gloves are both popular options. As stage combat is a physical activity, a painkiller of choice might not go amiss.
Can I bring my own personal weapons?
All of the weapons essential to running the workshop will be provided, so there is no need to bring your own personal weapons. If you still wish to bring them, they will need to be stored in the armory with the rest of the workshop weapons and checked to ensure they meet safety standards. Instructors have final say about the weapons that are used in their classrooms.
Can I get "certified" at this workshop?
The SAFD certification process is extensive, but the Brawl is an excellent place to get started. Due to time constraints, we are unable to offer full SAFD skills test courses over the weekend. We may, however, be able to offer renewal tests for those who have already taken an SAFD skills test before. This will be determined on a year-by-year basis, based on renewal demands. For more information regarding SAFD testing and certification procedures, check out www.safd.org
Why does your website look like crap?
It's a work in progress, and I have no website design experience beyond Geocities when I was 10.