It’s been one year today since Red Colt Equestrian Farm Co-op took over the operation of the stables on No 2 Road in Richmond. Over the year we have taken in three new horses and welcomed back one other, held a dozen work parties to build on, repair, and improve the property, adopted a handful…
Possibly Out-of-Control Sword Press
An eclectic mix this week, including a couple of hits from long-absent France.Wes Not Your Daddy’s Fencing Match EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE (Mesa, Arizona) 27 April 12 EV men test their mettle -- and their metal -- at 'Battle of Nations' (Mike Sakal) A last look by one newspaper at some of the American competitors going…
Dirty Tricks and Handmade Protection
Sword & Shield: Grapples, Shield Strikes and Other Dirty Plays Saturday, May 5, 2012 3pm-7pm Close engagements, throws, disarms, pommel strikes, shield strikes, and many more rough and tumble plays are the heart of this workshop on sword and shield grappling. This workshop will offer practitioners of any experience level a set of useful tools…
Beginner Courses Starting in May
Taste of the Renaissance Mondays & Wednesdays from 7:00pm-8:30pm for 8 classes beginning Monday, May 7, 2012 Tuesdays & Thursdays from 5:00pm-6:30pm OR from 7:00pm-8:30pm for 8 classes beginning Tuesday, May 8, 2012 The eight class introductory course for Academie Duello's Mastery Program.Students focus on the rapier, the dueling weapon of the Italian nobility, as…
Bartitsu's Sister Weapons
There are many weapons contemporary with Bartitsu, but not included in the canonical system. Bartitsu was developed for personal defense in the street, using only what the gentleman would have at hand: the walking stick or bare hands. The personal weapons popular with proper men at that time were mainly used in the duel: the…
Make your own bow - a rare workshop opportunity at Academie Duello May 22-24
A few weeks ago, Jamie MacDonald from Ravenbeak Natureworks contacted Academie Duello to find out if we'd be interested in offering a very unique workshop at our school. The workshop offered the opportunity to make your own bow right from a yew stave (a split piece of yew wood from a fallen tree). We invited…
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Taking it off
Congratulations & Thanks! Before getting to our weekly topic I’d like to thank everyone who lent a hand at the work party on Sunday. We got an great start on Jack-proofing our fences, replaced several posts, built and installed two gates, and hauled those logs out to the back field to start building new cross…
International Sword Press (and Arrow Press - again)
‘Hunger Games’-related archery press continues to dominate, at least on this side of the big pond. However overseas; sword melees, sword research and sword-related ‘culture’ continue. Wes A Royal Sword? BOURNEMOUTH ECHO (Wareham, UK) 19 April 12 Saxon sword found in River Frome may been owned by royalty (Jim Durkin) A 10th century, old-English…
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When Dinosaurs ruled the earth
Today I wanted to write about what is arguably the most important reason for practice. Think back to your very first class. What was your reaction to the first thrust or cut that you received. Having taught what must be hundreds of novices I have a pretty good idea of what those initial reactions are:…
Chicago Tribune writes about swordplay, Bartitsu, and historically inspired fitness.
The Chicago Tribune has posted an article about our friends Forteza Fitnessthat includes some quotes from an interview with me as well as Tony Wolf, and Keith Jennings. Check it out on their website:http://www.chicagotribune.com/health/ct-sun-0422-vintage-fitness-techniques-20120421,0,918731.story?page=1
Duello on screen today and tomorrow - Celluloid Social Club and BTV!
If you're in Vancouver and not taking a class at Academie Duello tonight, come and check out the second screening of the documentary Arte, Ardore, Onore as part of a Celluloid Social Club event. Doors at 7:30pm, shows start at 8pm at the Anza Club (#3 West 8th Ave. at Ontario St., Vancouver, BC). You can…
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Dogwood Tournament this Friday, April 20th
Hello all swordfighters and swordfighting spectators! Cascadia North is proud to announce the first annual Dogwood Tournament, taking place this coming Friday, April 20th, from 7pm 'til midnight at Academie Duello. This event involves tournaments for the rapier, the longsword, and archery. We will also hold a voting contest for the winner of our potluck…
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Another Tacky Post
Now that we know the names of all those pieces of leather and metal that make up a horse's tack, we need to know how to put them on correctly. 7. Tack up (may be assisted) 'May be assisted' means that for Horsemanship level 1 you should know the correct method of tacking up. If…