Once you have your chant down, your gladiator trainer will equip you with the full gladiator uniform--traditional tunic and belt, Roman sandals, and iron and leather protective gloves.  (Advanced students get full protective armor.)

After a brief history lesson of gladiator culture, you get into the nitty gritty with some sword combat training.

Students begin with a rudis, or wooden training sword, and graduate when ready to a range of iron weapons modeled after the gladius, trident and other traditional swords.

The trainings, a grueling test of endurance, are designed to last two hours but greatly depend on the strength of the pupil. Upon completion, the new graduate is presented with a medal and a new title - tiro (beginner gladiator).

Ok, so you're not quite Maximus  yet but you can get another reward with the hotel's four-handed Gladiator Massage . That's right, two massage therapists work out all the strain of your first day as a Gladiator.

Unfortunately, the training session is separate from any room rates or massage costs at about 500 Euros (about $670) a session. But just imagine how impressive those pictures of you in a gladiator uniform will look to the folks back home?

Ok, if you're really on a budget this site is offering some free gladiator lessons all from the comfort of your own home. Additionally, there are some other gladiator schools in Rome, although not quite as passionate as the Gruppo Storico Romano.

[Photo: GSR]

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