Playing the Prize - Leveling up at the Chicago Swordplay Guild

The List Awaits

So what does it mean to hold rank in the CSG?

I know the concept of ranks varies widely from school to school in the historic swordsmanship world. Some places have only student and instructor, others a loose confederation of individuals.

Here in Chicago we started a tradition back in 2001: We fight to prove our place in the guild.


We call this Playing the Prize.




Now, to be allowed to do it, you must have passed a vigorous private skills exam, and a lengthy written test. Why? First, we need to know they can do what is expected of a swords person. This test is nothing new for the student. We have several ranks within the guild, Novice (6 weeks), Companion at arms (one year), Scholar and it's 3 subsequent grades (two years, and one more for each grade) Free  Scholar (5 years) and Provost (7 years). They have tested before scholar.

The underlined ranks are prize ranks. Ranks where there is more than just a test.

Let's remember, tests don't show us everything. They show us what you know, sure. The tests do not show us if you can back up those skills. The real deal, the proof mark if you will, is the Prize.

The Challengers

The Prize consists of three fights, each three minutes long. They come back to back with only a short, one minute break in between. Each round is against an opponent who has passed the test before you. An opponent who has watched you and learned your weaknesses and strengths.  Each Challenger will in turn punish your flaws and draw out your strengths.

You will enter the list, no one beside you save for your fellow defenders. You are greeted by the cheers of the crowd, a full house, waiting to see what you will do. Salute, On Guard, Ready, and Begin!

Three minutes will seem an hour. You sweat and strive to defend your right to be here, the challengers testing not only your skill, but your resolve to proceed. They will test it well.

After your fight, one of the marshals, your novice instructor, will peel off your mask and water you, before sending you right back into the fray.

The Prize is more than a test, it is a right of passage. It is exhilarating and uplifting, but also an overbearing and slogging battle. When it ends, you are weighed and measured. One is either found wanting or accepted as a full student,with freedoms and privileges barred to newer members of the school.

You will be take your oath, and be given your garter - an ancient symbol of skill and honor. The garter will be given to you by one of those who stood to challenge you. One who's vote you earned to pass this test. If you read the inside of the band, there will be the names of all those who wore that band before you. You will write your own name there as well, so that one day you might pass on that garter in an unbroken chain from senior student to novice, again and again.

The Guild Book

You will sign your name in the guild book, on pages lovingly hand painted. A page that has been waiting for your name. A page that will carry your name forward, as an example generations to come.

We do all this to teach you. To show you that many of your limits have fallen away, and which problems still nag your fencing. We do it to to inspire you to new heights, and to help you feel the bonds you share with your fellow swordsfolk more strongly.

Someday I hope to see your name in the guild book, and your feet on the floor of the Prize List.