The official web page for the Academie Duello Instructor Training Program is now live! This page includes more details about the program, the intensive that starts on October 26th, instructor levels, our methodology, and some sample lesson materials. You can check it out here.
Remember that registration opens for a limited time and for a limited number of people, starting Sunday morning, July 12th, at 10am Pacific time. Don't miss out!
Some questions have come up that I want to answer here as well:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much technical swordplay instruction will there be?
The greater portion of what we'll be covering will be technical swordplay. I intend to move quickly and divide the group as needed to ensure that everyone goes home completely full of new material. The teaching methodology will have its own space in the course but will also be woven in throughout each day. The goal is for you to build proficiency and gain insights into how to best help others improve their skills.
Is this program good for new practitioners?
Yes. One of the goals of this program is to empower people who do not have access to swordplay instruction to be able to set a baseline for their own training and then learn to teach others. We're starting with the fundamentals. If there are members of the group who want to move faster than you are able, we'll divide the group to make sure the pace is right for everyone.
Is this program good for experienced practitioners?
Yes. As stated above, we have several strategies for making sure everyone is challenged. We'll also be looking at the advanced side of fundamentals from both a technical practice perspective and a teaching perspective. Our system is very mature and the fundamentals are superb. I am certain that some of the highest value for experienced practitioners will be here.
Are there billeting options during the intensive?
Staying at a hotel can be expensive. There are many Academie Duello members who are happy to put up an out of town guest. Simply get in touch with us through the website and we'll happily connect you with a place to stay.
Does the cost just include the intensive or the whole program?
The price includes the intensive and the 8 months that follow it. Unlike many workshops and seminars I don't want to simply fire and forget. The goal is to not just to provide you with a one-shot of learning but also to give you the follow-up you need to keep developing your own training and to help pass that training on to others.
How many people will be in the program?
Each program will have a maximum of 12 participants. I want to keep things small so that we can give everyone involved as much personalized attention as possible.
Feel free to send in any more questions you may have. I plan to update this post with more details.
Devon
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.