Rome: Gladiator School Experience on Appian Way

Summary

Feel the weight of a sword in Rome’s gladiator school with real guides

You’ll suit up in Roman gear on the ancient Appian Way and learn sword skills from real gladiator instructors. Try your hand at a friendly tournament (or just watch), wander through original artifacts in the museum, and leave with your own gladiator certificate — plus a new story to tell back home.

What’s the experience like?

You know that weird mix of nerves and excitement when you first put on a costume? That’s how it started at the Gladiator School of Rome, right off the old Appian Way. The tunic was scratchier than I expected and the belt kept sliding down (I’m not built like a Roman, apparently). Our instructor — Marco, who had this booming laugh — handed me a wooden rudis and showed us how to stand. He said something about “channeling your inner Roman,” which made my son grin like he’d just found buried treasure.

The sun was already sharp even though it wasn’t noon yet, and you could smell cut grass from somewhere nearby. We practiced basic moves — block, strike, step back — while Marco corrected our posture (“No, no, like this!”). My daughter tried to look fierce but couldn’t stop giggling every time her helmet slipped over her eyes. There were a few other families too; one dad got so into it he almost tripped over his own sandals. I didn’t expect to sweat so much just swinging wood around.

After we got the basics down, they set up this mini-tournament for anyone who wanted to try. I hesitated but joined anyway (peer pressure from my kids). The crowd on the viewing platform cheered louder than I thought they would — even strangers rooting for each other. I lost my match in about ten seconds flat but still got a certificate that said “Roman Gladiator.” It’s taped to our fridge now. Before we left, we wandered through the little museum next door; some of those old helmets looked heavy enough to break your neck.

I keep thinking about Marco’s last words: “Gladiators never give up.” Cheesy maybe, but after two hours pretending to be someone braver than myself — well, it stuck with me longer than I expected.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Gladiator training and museum visit

• Arrive at Gladiator School of Rome
• Receive traditional gladiator costume
• Learn basic gladiator sword fighting skills
• Practice fighting lions and gladiators
• Optional gladiator tournament participation
• Receive certificate of accomplishment
• Visit Gladiator School of Rome Museum

Top questions

Is there an age limit for the gladiator school?

The minimum age is 6 years old for participants.

Where is the Gladiator School of Rome located?

It’s near the Colosseum on the historic Appian Way in Rome.

How long does the gladiator class last?

The class lasts approximately 2 hours.

Can parents or companions watch without paying?

Yes, friends and family can watch from a viewing platform without paying if they don’t join the course.

What do you wear during the lesson?

You’ll wear a traditional tunic, belt, leather gloves, and use a wooden training sword called a rudis.

Is transportation wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible.

Are drinks included during the activity?

Yes, drinks are included as part of your experience.

Is there an optional tournament at the end?

Yes, you can join an optional gladiator tournament with a prize for the winner.

What’s included

Your day includes all gladiator clothing and weapon hire during your lesson on Rome’s Appian Way, instruction by members of the Historic Group of Rome, entry to the Gladiator School Museum where you can see original artifacts up close, plus drinks throughout your two-hour class before heading home with your certificate of accomplishment.