As of the new year, we have a new schedule for the next round of beginner's courses! Prepare for swinging swords and pulling punches. We offer three different courses which cover three separate avenues of Western Martial Arts.
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 this Victorian mixed martial art, which is still very useful for learning practical self-defence today.
Fight Like Sherlock Holmes
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 Monday and Wednesday from 8:00pm to 10:00pm, and Saturdays from 2:00pm to 4:00pm. The next round of weekday classes start on Monday February 2nd and Wednesday February 4th. The Saturday run will begin on Saturday, February 7th.
To read more and see the weekly schedule breakdown, click here.
Want to know what you're getting into first? Sign up for a FREE TRIAL LESSON without any obligation!
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. Alternately, you have the choice of completing the course in two months by attending on Saturdays only.
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 and Wednesday at 7:00pm, Monday and Friday at 12:00 pm, Tuesday and Thursday at 5:00pm and at 7:00pm and Saturdays at 11:30am. The next round of weekday classes start Monday February 2nd and Tuesday February 3rd. The Saturday run will begin on Saturday, January 31st.
Click here to register online now!
Want to know what you're getting into first? Sign up for a FREE TRIAL LESSON without any obligation!
Warrior Fundamentals
Warrior Fundamentals is our introduction to the Warrior Fitness Program with longsword, sidesword & 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 and Wednesday at 6:30pm, Tuesday and Thursday at 12:00pm and at 6:30pm, or Saturdays at 10:00 am. The next round of weekday classes start Monday February 2nd and Tuesday February 3rd. The next Saturday run will begin on March 7th.
Click here to register online now!
Want to know what you're getting into first? Sign up for a FREE TRIAL LESSON without any obligation!
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 from noon to 8:00pm, Saturdays from 10am to 5:00pm and Sundays from noon 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.