Short answer: absolutely.

A few of our newer students who feel a little anxious about registering for the 2013 Vancouver International Swordplay Symposium(VISS). There are several reasons for this feeling and I'll address some of them here.

"It's kind of expensive"

This applies to beginners and "veterans" alike. And, actually it's not. At a cost of $299 it's actually a steal.

Consider that VISS, in total, is 18 hours. Do the math and the hourly cost is about the same as doing a workshop!

Don't forget that, for those in the Lower Mainland, this is about the closest that such high-caliber instructors will be to you - it will never be less expensive!

"It's way to advanced for me"

A common misconception, and, totally untrue.

The instructors coming to VISS prepare their classes for a broad range of experience. They are very patient and love sharing their knowledge with new and experienced WMA students alike.

Almost all the instructors at VISS 2011, if not all, remarked that the students had an understanding beyond what they expected. This tells you two things

They had prepared material at a very beginner level
Academie Duello students (among others) are a keen bunch

My own experience from VISS told me that their was insight for all levels of experience.

"I can just learn this stuff at Academie Duello"

Different perspectives on the same topic are immensely helpful.

Some of the topics at VISS are presented at Academie Duello, it's true. But they're being presented by people who have looked at these topics from different perspectives, have focussed on other aspects of them, and have a way of teaching that you just haven't been exposed to.

It really is astounding how hearing something that you've heard 1000 times before, but said slightly differently, can click with you in a way that you'd never imagined. That happened several times with me at VISS 2011 and I know it will happen again many times in 2013.

And don't forget that there are things coming to VISS that Academie Duello doesn't teach - find another passion! (did someone say 'messer'?)

So there are a few reasons why VISS is a great idea for newer students. It's going to be awesome and I hope to see everyone there!

Clint

Having joined Academie Duello in 2004, Clinton achieved his Provost rank in August of 2015. He's been teaching since 2008. Clinton's expertise centers around Italian rapier, longsword and sidesword.
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