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Physical training for a boy to become a knight began before his 7th year of life. He had to be able to run well, jump, climb, and swim proficiently. To strengthen his arms, he threw large stones. Boys had to learn to wield a lance, shoot a bow, wrestle, handle a horse safely, use a shield, and attack. Training also included participation in hunts.
The seven knightly virtues according to classical tradition included: horse riding, swimming, archery, sword fighting and wrestling, hunting, playing chess, and composing verses.
Swordsmanship with various types of weapons was similarly diligently practiced by townspeople, particularly for defending their cities.
In towns, swordfighting and marksmanship guilds were more common than anywhere else, where swordplay was initially taught according to the so-called German school (Deutsche Fechtschule), later dominated by Italian and Spanish schools in the Renaissance. Marksmanship guilds focused on archery and crossbow shooting, and with the development of gunpowder, firearms came into play.
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