The Black History of Historical European Martial Arts

  Portrait of an African Nobleman (circa 1525 Netherlands) pictured with arming sword   I have often stated that we frequently make the mistake of thinking about European, Asian and African nations and cultures as being mutually exclusive groups. It is true that we live in a modern era where cultural diversity and integration have changed worldwide.…

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Beginning Swordplay, Part 2

Week two of classes began with my getting ill, and subsequently missing the next class. We had been assured at the beginning of the course, however, that there were multiple catch-up options. I was easily able to arrange a half-hour session before the beginning of the Wednesday class to cover what I had missed through my convalescence.…

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FDC Certification Wrap-Up

Congratulations to the successful candidates of Academie Duello’s January Combat Acting course. The following students have earned their Basic Actor-Combatant certification with Fight Directors Canada: Sayer Roberts Many of the other students will complete their conditions to satisfy FDC Fight Masters, involving additional hours of training and practice. Conditional Passes Some students receive a “conditional…

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Taste of the Renaissance Beginner's Course

Beginners' Courses March 2015

We are continuing our Beginners' Courses for the next month. To all who are interested in broadening their martial arts horizons, we offer three different courses which cover three separate avenues of Western Martial Arts. Bartitsu is a complex martial art with many interlocking skills and is still very useful for learning practical self-defence today. Its introductory course, Fight…

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I Would Duel Anything For Love- Historic Duels Fought "In The Name of Love"

Duels have been fought for hundreds of years for a variety of reasons with a multitude of weapons. With today being St. Valentine's Day, we are going to take a look back into the pages of history where people hurled insults, hauled out swords, or came armed with pistols in order to prove a point in the…

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Effective position

Riding Level 3: Position It's one of the first things we teach you when you start riding, and something your instructors will continue to adjust throughout your riding career.  Your position in the saddle is far more than just a matter of aesthetics.  Good position is the foundation of effective riding.  At level three we…

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When East Meets West: The History and Influence of The Silk Road

The Chinese New Year is upon us as 2015 enters into the Year of the Ram.  I live in the city of Vancouver, which will be hosting a huge celebration and parade to ring in the Chinese New Year.  People from many different cultures and backgrounds will be out enjoying the festivities.  Living in a…

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"Your Mother Was A Hamster and Your Father Smelled of Elderberries!" How to Start a Longsword Fight.

As western martial artists we have accumulated numerous hours and days practising and training in our art.  We practice solo drills involving cuts, thrusts, parries and lunges while looking into the mirror as we go over proper body mechanics and postures. We also pair up and practice structured martial drills with each other, working out…

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Beginners Courses for Next Year | Academie Duello

Beginner's Courses February 2015

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…

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Mounted Combat Program Update

More information on the new Cavaliere Program courses: Mounted Combat Playday An opportunity to put your skills to work.  The term 'playday' usually denotes mounted games and other fun events on horseback in a semi-competitive format.  This day will include informal competitions as well as opportunities to practice mounted games, sparring and horseback archery. Assistants…

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