It’s only Christmas Day and we’re already missing swordplay!
We hope you’re having a wonderful time with your families in whatever holiday traditions you celebrate.
It’s been a special year at Academie Duello from our fourth (and largest!) Vancouver International Swordplay Symposium in the Spring to our fourth Carosella Mounted Combat symposium in the Fall!
This year we had some of our first Blue Spurs (graduates of level 2 in mounted combat) and a new crew of Scholars (level 2) at longsword and rapier and Free Scholars (level 3) who persevered through the tough trials we put in front of them--many of them more than twice--to achieve their levels to become some of the most knowledgeable swordspeople in the world. This is no joke, you are really at the forefront of a new renaissance in these beautiful arts. That’s a special thing to celebrate!
Our stage combat program wished David well in his new endeavours and welcomed a new head in Sylvie! And a couple of our members launched an awesome sword fighting Fringe show (kudos Jackie and Nathania!)
We welcomed new people to our instructor team, to our administrative team, and began some exciting new programs and projects. We welcomed guests from all over the world (and Vancouver!) to our third year of Instructor Intensives. You can now visit official Academie Duello study groups and affiliate schools in BC, Alberta, Ontario, Nova Scotia, New Jersey and Texas!
In the spirit of giving, we also began a greater connection with charities this year both with Mission-Possible who we supported through two events (Experience Hastings Crossing and Duelling with Cause) and Neighborhood House through whom we sponsored several kids to be a part of Knight Camp, who otherwise couldn’t.
In the end, what keeps the school truly special is all of you. Thank you for being part of our community, both close and far. I know for us, as a teachers, it is coming and working with people on the floor, who really want to learn and grow, that lights us up and makes this whole endeavour special and worthwhile.
Thank you to everyone who came and contributed your time by helping the school at demonstrations, helping your fellow students through tough challenges, helping us keep the school clean and great, lending a hand in work parties at the barn, and simply through being committed and passionate students in our ongoing courses and workshops.
Merry Christmas and happy holidays from all of us at Academie Duello!
We hope you have a wonderful holiday and a tremendous 2018!
Maestro Devon & all of the teachers and staff 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.