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New Spartan Academy

Engage, Adapt, Overcome

Join the New Spartan Academy now and begin your journey:

Λ    The New Spartan Way: Train like a Spartan and learn how to perform as part of a team, in situations and environments where you are challenged physically and mentally

Λ    Hoplite system: Discover a hybrid combative system inspired by Spartan hoplites, the elite soldiers of ancient Greece, including principles and techniques that are still used by modern military and law enforcement

Λ    Full spectrum training: Develop full operational readiness with training that incorporates unarmed combat and Spartan tools (i.e. spears, swords, daggers) with a variety of CQB (Close Quarter Battle) scenarios including multiple opponents

Fees and membership

The first class is free, then £15 per class for aspirants (beginners). Participants purchase their individual insurance separately, and the annual costs are around £35 (we can make recommendations on where to purchase if necessary). Aspirants are not expected to purchase any equipment at this stage. You only need indoor shoes and a water bottle.

After around 3-4 months of training, you can become a student member of the Academy. Requirements for student membership:

Λ Enrolment fee (a one-off payment of £150) upon becoming a member: this fee is used to fund a welcome pack (uniform, training sword, etc)

Λ Academy membership fee (£50 paid monthly): student members pay a monthly fee instead of the £15 per class for aspirants

Λ Hoplite panoply (personal equipment and training tools): you will build your panoply over time as you progress through the grades, so you don’t have to buy everything at once

Frequently asked questions

Q. Is the Hoplite system a new martial art?

The New Spartan Academy and the Hoplite system were launched in 2024, but the principles and techniques we teach have been used on battlefields throughout history – people with a martial arts background will likely find it familiar.

Q. Does the Hoplite system use techniques from different martial arts?

Yes, it incorporates principles and techniques from both Eastern and Western martial arts. For instance, we collaborate with the School of Medieval European Fencing (SMEF) and often refer to them for specialist advice on sword training.

Q. Is there a grading system, like a black belt course?

We don’t use belts, but we do have a grading system. Aspirants (beginners) start at white level, which is a trial period of around 3-4 months. After this trial period, they can officially start the Agoge course (blue). There are 3 core blue levels which include 3 grades in each one (9 in total). The course should take around 4-5 years to complete. Gradings are included in membership. At the end of the Agoge course, the student undergoes Spartan selection, which is the equivalent of a black belt examination.

Q. Is there sparring?

It is very important to pressure test your training, so we do a lot of live training. There’s no room for Bullshido here. However, the Hoplite system involves using moves and techniques that would likely result in serious injury if performed at full speed / power. We therefore do our best to ensure that our students engage each other in a light and controlled way. The added benefit is that it helps them to focus on their technique rather than just trying to ‘survive’ or ‘win’.

Q. Is it useful for self-defence, especially against armed attackers?

The Hoplite system contains principles and techniques used on battlefields for centuries and still taught to military and law enforcement around the world, so it should improve your chances if you’re in a bad situation. However, the best guarantee of survival is to avoid conflict whenever possible.

Classes: Saturday mornings 10:00 to 12:00 (meet at 9:30 for warmup and briefing)

Location: The Manor Preparatory School, Faringdon Road, Abingdon, OX13 6LN

Head instructor: Jonathan van de Walle

Email: [email protected], Tel: 07917 196561