What's up in the next few months in the Mounted Combat Program? Riding & Horsemanship Our next series of Riding & Horsemanship classes begin Sunday January 15th. These classes are for all levels and cover the information needed to progress through our Horsemanship levels, followed by a minimum 30 minute Riding session to help you…
SwordFit Bootcamp starting January 9th!
Want to work off all that Christmas Turkey? Academie Duello is starting up another round of our awesome SwordFit Bootcamp starting January 9th to help you do just that. If you want a fitness experience that will entertain you and challenge you, SwordFit Bootcamp is the right camp for you. SwordFit Students: Lose…
The secret to true mastery....
Meh; I'll leave it for another day. Happy New Year!
New Year's Resolutions for Fencing - A Review of the Slight Edge
Over the winter holiday I have been reading a book on the subject of personal mastery called The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson. It is a good and relevant read for those interested in mastering fencing (and not just because of the title!) or really any type of new year's resolution or goal you might…
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The New Year Flames
In Spain they celebrate the new year by riding their horses through a bonfire. Here's our version (Matt M, this one's for you): (Photo and design K. Landels)
Google maps next update
Merry Christmas!Where ever you happen to be, grab something sword-y. A pencil will do, or a stick, or a toothbrush, just about anything will do. Point it down to the ground and then cut a montante. What did you think about? Some possible answers moving to guardia alta moving the sword up cutting a montante…
The Twelve Days of Christmas with a Swordplay Flare
Twas the night before Christmas and all through the school, not a sword blade was stirring to practice or duel. I'll stop there. I hope everyone is enjoying their first day off. I know that I'm already hankering to do a little duelling, so Santa better be prepared! In the spirit of the season I…
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A Game of Dark Knights Should Set, Not Rise
Well, it falls out that the only thing I should write about on this quiet Thursday is the recently released second installment of Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows. I'm not looking forward to the rest of this article, or the fallout it may generate. It's a dangerous game. I'll change directions often, sometimes in response…
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Horsey Holiday Fun
A mixed bag of (sometimes barely) equine related frivolity for you this week: Bronies Seriously? When I heard this interview on Q a couple of weeks ago I had to do a reality check to make sure it wasn't actually April 1st. But apparently there's a sub-culture of twenty-something guys who watch My Little Pony…
Just in time for Christmas!
It's here! It's here! Capoferro has finally arrived at the Academie Duello store in time for last minute Christmas presents, the perfect thing for all the boys and girls on your shopping list! Also in is the premiere issue of Katsujinken, a sword arts journal featuring articles on both Eastern and Western swordsmanship. Come on…
Academie Duello featured in Elle Canada
Jen Landels and Kim Roseblade were interviewed for the attached article in the image. It's on the new-stands now if you want your own copy!
Solo Insights
I've gained some insights lately, specifically in longsword play that I thought I'd share. These all came from self-diagnosis, which is crucial for learning and is best done during your practice sessions when you can direct your own exercises. First, credit goes to Sean Hayes, Devon and Roland for their individual contributions and to me…
Bartitsu 17-Dec
This week in Bartitsu: Review of jujitsu: basic throws and evasions Cane Lesson: Lang's exercises from high guard, preemptive strike to head Integration: preemptive strike to back heel throw and variants See you at 3pm!