Fight Choreography Course

Lesson 1 • Choreography Notation Basics

Introduces written and symbolic systems for recording fight sequences. Accurate notation enables consistent reproduction of choreography across rehearsals.

Lesson 2 • Body Mechanics and Neutral Stance

Introduces anatomical alignment, weight distribution, and the neutral ready stance. These mechanics underpin every offensive and defensive movement in the course.

Lesson 3 • Spatial Awareness and Distance Control

Teaches performers to manage fighting distance to protect partners while maintaining visual credibility. Correct distance is the primary safety mechanism in unarmed combat.

Lesson 4 • Safety Culture and Protocols

Defines the non-negotiable safety standards governing every rehearsal and performance. Students internalize a safety-first mindset before touching any technique.

Lesson 1 • Blocks, Parries, and Evasions

Teaches defensive responses that redirect rather than absorb force. Defensive technique is paired with each offensive strike introduced earlier in the chapter.

Lesson 2 • Kicks and Lower-Body Attacks

Introduces front, side, and roundhouse kicks with safe clearance distances. Students learn how hip rotation and camera angle amplify perceived power.

Lesson 3 • Stage Falls and Takedowns

Introduces forward, backward, and side falls that protect the performer's body. Takedown choreography is built from the landing position backward to the initiation.

Lesson 4 • Grabs, Chokes, and Holds

Covers controlled contact techniques including wrist grabs, collar grabs, and simulated chokes. Students learn how to apply and escape holds without injury.

Lesson 1 • Eye Contact and Focus Lines

Establishes how gaze direction communicates intent and targets to the audience. Correct focus lines prevent performers from telegraphing moves prematurely.

Lesson 2 • Selling Hits and Impact

Teaches the physical vocabulary of receiving a blow convincingly without actual contact. Reaction timing and body mechanics are calibrated to match each strike type.

Lesson 3 • Breath, Vocalization, and Sound

Explores how breath and vocal effort reinforce the physicality of combat. Controlled vocalization enhances realism without straining the performer's voice.

Lesson 1 • Choreographing Edged Weapon Sequences

Applies notation and beat structure to build short knife and sword sequences. Students learn to layer dramatic intent into technically safe choreography.

Lesson 2 • Short Sword and Machete Basics

Extends blade principles to longer single-handed weapons with greater reach. Students adapt footwork and distance control to the weapon's extended range.

Lesson 3 • Weapon Handling and Safety Rules

Covers grip, carry, and storage protocols for edged training weapons. Safe handling habits must be automatic before any partner work begins.

Lesson 1 • Historical and Genre Style Adaptation

Surveys how different historical periods and genre conventions shape sword choreography aesthetics. Students stylize technique to match a production's visual world.

Lesson 2 • Staff, Spear, and Pole Weapons

Extends weapon principles to long-reach pole weapons with two-handed control. Students learn how pole weapons change timing, distance, and dramatic visual impact.

Lesson 3 • Single-Handed Sword Technique

Covers the guards, cuts, thrusts, and parries of single-handed sword work. Footwork patterns from earlier chapters are refined for the weapon's balance and reach.

Lesson 4 • Extended Sword Sequence Design

Guides students through building a full dramatic sword fight with a clear narrative arc. Sequences integrate technique, reaction, and emotional performance into a cohesive scene.

Lesson 1 • Shooting Reactions and Death Scenes

Develops the physical performance of being shot, including entry reactions, falls, and death sequences. Reactions are calibrated to weapon type, range, and dramatic context.

Lesson 2 • Tactical Movement and Cover

Teaches movement patterns used in gunfight choreography including advancing, retreating, and using cover. Movement must be both tactically credible and visually dynamic.

Lesson 3 • Firearm Safety on Set

Establishes the absolute safety rules governing prop and blank-firing firearms in production. Students understand the chain of responsibility from armorer to performer.

Lesson 4 • Bow, Crossbow, and Thrown Weapons

Extends ranged weapon choreography to bows, crossbows, and thrown objects. Students learn safe prop management and the visual grammar of ranged combat.

Lesson 1 • Continuity and Scene Coverage

Connects fight choreography to the demands of multi-camera coverage and editorial continuity. Students design fights that cut together cleanly across multiple setups.

Lesson 2 • Principles of Multi-Person Staging

Establishes the spatial and narrative rules for fights with three or more combatants. Students learn how to keep each performer safe while maintaining dramatic focus.

Lesson 3 • Crowd and Battle Scene Coordination

Addresses the logistical and safety challenges of large-scale battle choreography with background performers. Students develop systems for briefing and managing large groups.

Lesson 4 • Environmental Storytelling in Fights

Teaches how set elements, props, and terrain become active components of choreography. Environmental interaction raises production value and narrative specificity.

Lesson 1 • Directing Performers in Fight Scenes

Develops the communication and leadership skills needed to direct actors through fight choreography. Students practice giving clear, safe, and motivating direction.

Lesson 2 • Script Analysis for Fight Scenes

Teaches how to extract dramatic, logistical, and character requirements from a script. Analysis drives every choreographic decision before a single move is designed.

Lesson 3 • Capstone Fight Sequence Presentation

Students choreograph, rehearse, and perform an original fight sequence for peer and instructor evaluation. Feedback addresses technique, performance, safety, and dramatic effectiveness.

Lesson 4 • Designing a Complete Fight Sequence

Guides students through the full choreography design process from concept to notation. Students produce a documented sequence with clear dramatic arc and technical specifications.