Ranks

All of our ranks are based on traditional military ranks or honorific titles that date back many hundreds of years in Europe and many are still used in both Europe and America. What you may see; however, is a slight change in order with some ranks and others are not to be found. We have customized our rank structure to suit New Ulster Steel Fighting and the New Ulster Fighting System. We do not use rank belts as do Asian style martial arts. Our ranks are displayed by chevrons worn on the left sleeve or left breast of a tunic or tabard. There are two different divisions within NUSF. There is a Steel Division, that utilizes steel weapons that are blunt and dull and there is a Guardsmen Division which trains with composite or wooden representations of weapons. The Steel Division is senior in rank to the Guardsmen Division.

Steel Division -

Trainee I – No Insignia.

Trainee II – 1 red chevron.

Squire – 2 red chevrons.

Armsman I – 2 red chevrons, 1 blue chevron.

Armsman II – 2 red, 1 blue, 1 purple chevron.

Sergeant of Armsmen – The above plus 1 brown or 1 gold chevron depending on area of specialty.

Lieutenant – All above plus 1 black chevron.

Captain – Plus a second black chevron.

Master-at-Arms – All above plus a black star (stars are worn above all chevrons).

Knight – Known as a “floating” rank. 1 green chevron worn above all other chevrons.

Knight Banneret – All of the above plus a second black star.

Grand Master – 1 White star atop 1 green chevron only. No other stars or chevrons are worn. (Note: This rank is the title of the individual in charge of and holding ownership of N.U.S.F. School of Medieval Combat Arts. This person is highly trained and skilled in our martial art, yet understanding that the cycle of learning never ends).

Guardsmen Division -

Trainee I – No insignia.

Trainee II – 1 red chevron.

Trainee III – 2 red chevrons.

Guardsman I – 3 red chevrons.

Guardsman II – 4 red chevrons.

Senior Guardsman – 5 red chevrons.

Sergeant of Guardsmen – 5 red chevrons and 1 red star atop chevrons.

Officer of the Guard – 5 red chevrons and 1 gold star atop chevrons.

Commander of the Guard – 5 red Chevrons and 2 gold stars atop chevrons.