About Academie Duello

Reviving the martial arts of Europe since 2004

Our Story

Arte, Ardore, Onore

In 2004, a small group of martial artists in Vancouver set out with an ambitious goal: to revive the forgotten fighting traditions of Medieval and Renaissance Europe. What began in a rented gymnasium has grown into the largest centre for Historical European Martial Arts in the world.

Today, Academie Duello occupies 7,500 square feet in the heart of downtown Vancouver. Over 1,200 members train with us, guided by more than 30 qualified instructors across disciplines from rapier and longsword to archery and wrestling.

Our motto—Arte, Ardore, Onore (Art, Passion, Honor)—captures what drives us. We're not reenactors playing dress-up. We're martial artists preserving and teaching living combat traditions, drawing from 600 years of historical treatises and adapting them for modern practitioners.

Whether you're seeking physical fitness, mental discipline, historical knowledge, or simply a welcoming community of like-minded practitioners, you'll find your place here.

Our Values

What guides everything we do

Welcoming

We meet every person where they are. Whether you're picking up a sword for the first time or training for your thousandth hour, you belong here.

Physical

We believe in learning through the body. Martial arts is a physical practice—sweat, movement, and embodied skill are at the heart of what we do.

Authentic

We teach real martial arts drawn from historical sources. Our curriculum is rooted in 600 years of European combat treatises, brought to life through modern pedagogy.

Empowering

Martial arts training transforms more than just your body. We help you discover confidence, focus, and resilience that carry into every part of your life.

Professional

Our 30+ instructors are trained in pedagogy, safety, and historical research. We run a real school with structured curriculum and progressive skill development.

Director & Maestro d'Armi

Devon Boorman

Devon has practiced martial arts since 1986, beginning with Eastern traditions before discovering his passion for the swordplay arts of Renaissance Italy. He holds the rank of Maestro d’Armi—Master of Arms—the highest certification in our system.

As founder of Academie Duello, Devon has dedicated over two decades to researching, preserving, and teaching Historical European Martial Arts. He has authored instructional DVDs, books, and created Duello.TV—an online academy with over 100 courses reaching students worldwide.

Beyond the training hall, Devon is a sought-after consultant for film and television productions seeking authentic European combat choreography.