The Tulsa School of Defense trains in the use of armed and unarmed fighting techniques of Europe's middle ages,  with particular emphasis on weapons of the era: the rapier, cut and thrust sword, and longsword.  The methods taught are derived from the writings of the swordfighting masters of the middle ages through the early modern era. 

The study of western swordsmanship is dramatically different from that of its eastern counterpart. In the Orient, swords and the art of swordfighting were and remain an intrigral part of the culture. The ancient martial arts were a part of their every day lives. Therefore, even when better weapons came around, people continued to study and teach sword fighting. In the Orient, it is possible and even likely to find swordfighting masters who can trace their teachers and their teacher's teachers back through hundreds of years. 

Such was not the case with western martial arts. Although the art of swordfighting had been studied and practiced in Europe for hundreds of years, the artform was soon largely discarded once advanced weaponry such as artillery and handguns were intruduced. Many medieval swordfighting texts were not even translated into English until the 1990's. The modern study of western martial arts, therefore, is a collaboration of different groups working towards the same goal: craftsmen, who strive to recreate the weapons of the era; scholars, who study the historical documents and intrepret the medievel manuals on swords; and martial artists, who train in the skills of swordfighting. Together, these divergent groups are reintruducing the swordfighting arts of Europe to the 21st Century, and The Tulsa School of Defense  is proud to be among the few schools in the United States offering classes in these arts. 

The study of western martial arts encompass a wide area of subjects, and take into account the social, political and historical influences of Europe during the Middle Ages. The Tulsa School of Defense focuses on three major fields of swordfighting: Longsword, Rapier and Sidesword. 

The dual-edged longsword was used in various forms from about 1000 AD until almost 1600. Two major fields of study dominate the study of the longsword: the German system, which includes the teachings of 14th century master Johannes Liechtenauer, and the Italian system, which includes the teachings of fencing master Fiore dei Liberi.  

The one-handed sidesword, also called the spada de filo or cut-and-thrust sword, was a military weapon used in wartime. Techniques of the sidesword are drawn from masters of the Dardi School (called the Bardi School in some sources), including Filippo Vadi, Antonio Manciolino, Achille Marozzo, and Giovanni dall'Agocchie.   

The rapier is a long, slender blade used in duels, where the primary emphasis is the thrust over the cut or slash. The study of the rapier follows the teachings of two prime masters: Rudolfo Capo Ferro, and Nicoletto Giganti.   

Also included is training in unarmed combat and physical conditioning, both of which are important aspects of mastering any martial art. The School sponsors regular seminars on western martial arts featuring visiting instructors.