Yes, they did. They were slaves, POW, and other captures who were picked to fight. Before every match, and when they wern't fighting, they would use a rudis, or wooden sword, to practice. The would take planks of wood as shields and practice in there traliers, horse looking trailers, and would also be taught by many strong military been. But most POW would not particapate believing they were already prepared.
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Yes, gladiators did learn to fight in gladiator schools. These schools were called ludi and were training centers where prospective gladiators were taught various fighting techniques and combat skills. The gladiators would undergo rigorous training and practice to become skilled fighters before being matched in gladiatorial contests.
Gladiators were not beaten unless they broke some rule or their instructor felt that they were slacking off. If they were training in a mock combat, they could be beaten by their opponent and hopefully learn how and why they were beaten and rectify their mistakes so as not to repeat them in a "for real" fight.
They were expected to do what children in schools everywhere do - learn.
they learnt to fight and sail
we can learn that we us kids should fight for our rights
tiddlywinks scrabble and fishing