I would've given a fail mark right there. You said using magic to win has no meaning, which means you want to win with a sword. But you didn't win with a sword. You cheated. Accept that you're still inadequate and use that to justify further training.
If you're weak in Math, you still can't answer a Math test with Literature. "Shall I compare thee to a binomial theorem, thou art more crass and gay" is not the answer to "Find the length of c". Similarly, winning using grappling moves is not the way to win a swording examination. You can use grappling moves for an advantage, but winning with it means you're not winning with your sword.