Beginner's Classes

Next sessions starting
September 6, 7 & 11 MORE

$(this).corner("8px cc:#1f1f1f");

$(this).corner("8px cc:#1f1f1f top");

Body Mechanics

Cultivate better speed, agility, strength and endurance MORE

$(this).corner("8px cc:#1f1f1f");

$(this).corner("8px cc:#1f1f1f top");

Umbrella Self-Defence

Learn self-defence with umbrella and cane MORE

$(this).corner("8px cc:#1f1f1f");

$(this).corner("8px cc:#1f1f1f top");

Falconry Workshop

Fly and handle these amazing birds of prey! MORE

$(this).corner("8px cc:#1f1f1f");

$(this).corner("8px cc:#1f1f1f top");

SwordFit Warrior

Knightly Arts fitness program
with heavy weapons MORE

The Knightly Art of Falconry

$(this).corner("8px cc:#FFEDD2");

$(this).corner("6px");

Falconry, the art of training and handling birds of prey for hunting, was an important part of knightly life. Academie Duello is proud to offer instruction in this art to complement the historical combat already practiced in its downtown venue. The initial falcontry workshops will provide attendees with the basics of falconry and be the first step in learning to be a falconer.

Academie Duello and Emrys Raptors believe it is of the highest importance to protect the health of our feathered companions and those working with, and learning about them. Our falconry birds are regularly tested for disease, and are vet-certified healthy.

What to expect:

$(this).corner("8px cc:#FFEDD2");

$(this).corner("6px");

Work with raptors like the Peregrine falcon, Gyr/Saker falcon and Harris hawk
learn the Falconer's Knot
the approach, picking up and casting of birds of prey
bird types and characteristics
make jesses, aylmeri and other equipment
manning
basic health and condition of the birds
history & traditions

Attendees will also learn from the falconry workshop:

trust
patience
communication
confidence
and most of all love for the world around us

Equipment

No additional equipment is required by attendees as appropriate equipment (falconry gloves, rope, etc.) will be on hand. However, we recommend that you bring a notebook to take notes and to hold handouts.

Instructor Joanne Bentley

$(this).corner("8px cc:#FFEDD2");

$(this).corner("6px");

Joanne has been working with raptors full time for over six years. She combines love for these remarkable masters of flight with a passion to see people encounter the wonders of the natural world. She has given many presentations, conducted school visits, and educational talks on the art of falconry throughout British Columbia. Joanne is an enthusiastic and humorous individual, and her talent for handling and training raptors and students is clear to all who meet her. Recently, she has been working in films in the Vancouver area, including "Smallville" in which her Red-Tail Hawk 'Thorn' made an appearance.