Cutting at the Canter

Blue Spur Mounted Games: Block Cutting The second mounted games skill we ask you to demonstrate for the Blue Spur is cutting to the blocks: Cut and thrust four out of five block targets using a synthetic or wooden sword in good form, three times in a row, while at a trot or canter. The…

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Performance Traits and Virtues

Mastering a physical skill is a long process. Although most beginners need to learn the fundamental movements and the terminology to identify them, there is a constant development at all levels of general traits and valuable “soft” skills. Despite the lack of attention given to these virtues, they are universally acknowledged among the best performers.…

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The Brass Ring

What do fairground rides have to do with mounted combat?  A lot, it turns out. The children's game of spearing rings from the back of carousel horses descends directly from knightly games.  In fact even the word 'carousel' comes from the Italian 'garosello' or 'little war'.  These were the displays of skill at arms that…

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Follow Through

This week, I am left speechless. We have three items that could spawn entire essays because there’s so much to exclaim about each one. Instead, kindly read each and think about the implications. Yes! Taking away the fear of punching girls in training. http://boxwrestlefence.com/kajaswords/2015/11/26/hitting-girls/ Nope! Selfie-sticks as self-defence weapons? http://metro.co.uk/2015/11/23/theres-now-a-self-defence-class-teaching-people-to-use-selfie-sticks-as-weapons-5519563/ Double yes! Rank examinations were…

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Winding up 2015 with Mounted Combat

Last weekend was the last of our regular Mounted Combat program classes at Red Colt for 2015; the regular series will be starting up again in February.  However, don't despair!  We are still doing private lessons for those who want to keep their riding legs in shape over the next two months. Stephanie Laversin will be…

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To the Timid

Being safety-minded is a valuable trait in stage combat. However, shying away from choreography itself will only cause delays and disruption of the rehearsal process. Choosing to hold back and only perform slowly will certainly be safe and more comfortable for you, but will diminish the show you’re producing. All fight directors want you to…

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Instructor Intensive Week in Review

Phew! It’s done! It was indeed an intense but satisfying experience teaching Academie Duello’s first formal, week-long instructor training intensive. From October 26th to 30th, thirteen aspiring instructors joined us here in Vancouver for a five-day, 50-hour intensive to kick off their ongoing instructor training program. Attendees hailed from both our local area (British Columbia's Lower Mainland) as well…

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Habits and Growth

The body does the same things every day: sleep, eat, walk. The mind does different things every day: remembering, planning, having different conversations, seeing changes in the world. The body therefore benefits from novelty. Try a new skill. Eat something from a different culture. The mind benefits from consistency. Meditation at the same hour every…

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Gaining Advantage

Blue Spur: Finding & Gaining the Spear Last week we looked at the three advantages of True Edge, Leverage, and Crossing as they apply to the spear or polearm. This week we are examining the mechanics of finding and gaining. Finding the Spear To find your opponent's spear, cross your spear tip over top of…

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Social Media Sword Press: News for October 2015

Pretty but Authentic Blades Doing Ugly but Authentic Things KOTAKU (New York, New York). 26 October 15. How People Actually Fought With Swords. Cédric Hauteville’s Kickstarter-supported HEMA documentary "Back to the Source" is now available on YouTube. “Actual blade combat was messy and nasty, caring less about looking pretty….” Choreography. It’s actually quite boring. EXAMINER.COM (Denver,…

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The Cavaliere Program: Many Goals, Many Routes

There are a multitude of reasons people come to the Cavaliere Program: they always wanted to be a knight; they're bored with the show-ring and want a new equine activity; they want to take their swordfighting to a (literally) higher level; they want to learn about horses and riding; they were horse-crazy kids whose parents…

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New Cycle of Mounted Combat Classes Starts This Week

Riding, Horsemanship, Swordplay and Spear -- it all starts up again this Sunday, October 18th! Beginner Riding & Horsemanship New or relatively new to riding?  This class is for you!  Learn everything you need to know to get your journey in the saddle started, from handling, grooming and tacking up, to confidently riding at a…

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