The rapier curriculum for the Academia della Spada is based upon the late 16th Century fencing system of the northern Italian fencing Master Vincentio Saviolo, whose treatise was published in 1595, under the title "His Practice in Two Books". It is a very versatile fight system which adheres to emerging Italian rapier theory while retaining elements of earlier sword practice. There are also, contained within his fight, specific actions which bear unmistakable relation to the Spanish style of rapier play.

In the practice of Saviolo's dueling system, students will learn the fundamental theory and principles used in both Italian and Spanish fencing styles, which are crucial in understanding and performing Saviolo's hybrid system. An accurate sense of his true fight requires a clear grasp of the theories used across multiple styles, as Saviolo himself has noted in his treatise, "I have changed five or six sundry manner of plays, taught me by diverse masters, and reduced them unto one by my no little labor and pain..."

Students begin learning the basic body mechanics of this system, along with angular and circular movements. From this foundation, they continue working with single rapier, which as Saviolo describes is the ground for the entire art of fence. Once an understanding and competency with the play at single rapier is achieved, students will begin to work with the rapier's companion weapons: dagger, cloak, and buckler.

Due to the complex nature of this style of rapier play, we focus heavily on training proper posture, balance and movement. These points are reinforced through repetition of numerous drills and exercises. Saviolo provides clear direction as to how much a student of the sword should focus on learning theory and physical practice of this art with the following quote:

"Therefore I advertise you to exercise yourself continually, that occasion being offered you to fight, you may perform the same with much readiness, and without danger, otherwise, if you only fail in one and even the least point, you endanger your life. For it is not main force that doth the deed, but readiness, dexterity, and use of knowledge and art. You must therefore labor and take pains, which being joined to the great desire and love you bear to this art, will bring you to the perfection thereof."

It is crucial to keep in mind that every martial art is a child of the specific culture that gave it birth, and therefore should adhere to a particular ideal esthetic in its form, movement, and manner inherited from its parent culture. To assist students in understanding the Elizabethan esthetic found in Saviolo's movements and postures, the academy spends a fair amount of time delving into other aspects of Elizabethan culture such as dance, philosophy, music, art, and literature. This approach allows for a holistic and more accurate view of this Elizabethan martial art.