"What to say about Academie Duello? I didn't really know what it meant to belong, until I started taking classes here. The environment is one of acceptance, enthusiasm, and personal growth. I have made many awesome friendships that extend beyond the training floor. If you're even remotely interested, try a free lesson, and immerse yourself in modern swordplay, you'll be hooked instantly." -Nick
Take Nick's advice: try out one or all of our Beginner Courses and see for yourself how easy it is to fall in love with Western Martial Arts! Sign up online for a FREE TRIAL LESSON, call us, or come visit us at the school. Our next cycle of classes begins Monday, May 5th.
Fight Like Sherlock Holmes
Bartitsu is a complex martial art with many interlocking skills. Our four-week Fight Like Sherlock Holmes course gives students an in-depth introduction into the fundamentals of Bartitsu. The curriculum focuses on one subject each week, integrating them together as the course progresses:
- Week 1: Introduction to Jujitsu
- Week 2: Introduction to Pugilism
- Week 3: Introduction to Savate
- Week 4: Introduction to Walking Stick
Starting at the beginning of every month, Fight Like Sherlock Holmes classes run Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:00pm to 10:00pm, and Saturdays from 2:00pm to 4:00pm. The next round of classes starts Monday, May 5th, Wednesday, May 7th and Saturday, May 10th.
To read more and see the weekly schedule breakdown, click here.
Our two swordplay Beginner’s Courses, Taste of the Renaissance and Warrior Fundamentals, are 8-classes long and can be taken twice during the week over one month.
Taste of the Renaissance
Taste of the Renaissance is our introduction to the Weapons Mastery Program with rapier, sidesword, and longsword. As a student in this course you will:
- Learn the fun and exciting arts of the rapier and longsword
- Enjoy an engaging workout that’s good for all fitness levels
- Get a taste of Renaissance history through its martial arts
- Learn in a safe and open environment for beginners
Classes run Monday/Wednesday at 7:00pm, Tuesday/Thursday at 7:00pm, or Saturdays at 11:30am. The next round of classes start Monday, May 5th, Tuesday, May 6th, and Saturday May 10th.
Click here to register online now!
Warrior Fundamentals
Warrior Fundamentals is our introduction to the Warrior Fitness Program with longsword, sidesword, sword & shield, and spear. In this course, students can expect:
- An invigorating workout combining swordplay and full body movement
- Training in the fundamental skills of the traditional European warrior including wrestling, longsword, sword and shield, spear, and quarterstaff.
- Instruction in the basics of Armizare, a medieval Italian combat system designed to train knights for battle.
- An encouraging and supportive environment for learning new skills and meeting fitness goals.
Classes run Monday/Wednesday at 6:30pm and Tuesday/Thursday at 6:30pm. The next round of classes start Monday, May 5th and Tuesday, May 6th.
Click here to register online now!
These courses are for students 15 years of age and older. For kids aged 8 to 14, we offer ongoing Youth Swordplay classes. Sign your child up now for a free trial lesson!
Looking for a unique and thoughtful gift? These courses are all available as Gift Certificates, and can be redeemed for any course in the future.
Call us at 604-568-9907 or drop by any time during business hours (Monday to Friday, noon to 8:00pm or Saturdays 10am to 5:00pm) to learn more about our school! Sign up for our online newsletter to receive workshop announcements and stay connected with what's happening at Academie Duello.
Devon Boorman is the Co-Founder and Director of Academie Duello Centre for Swordplay, which has been active in Vancouver, Canada since 2004. Devon’s expertise centres on the Italian swordplay tradition including the arts of the Renaissance Italian rapier, sidesword, and longsword, as well as knife and unarmed techniques. Read more from Devon Boorman.