Within Bartitsu, we emphasize low kicks for self-defense. The coup de pied bas is a shin kick that is very hard to guard, partly because it is difficult to see coming. Here's the kung-fu version of this kick, which is almost identical to our savate method: The low kick that has gained popularity in the…
Culturally Influential Sword Press
Swordplay in books, swordplay in movies, swordplay in the public venue. There are plenty of examples out there (and We do mean ‘out there’) on how swordplay (and by inference ourselves) is viewed by those that have not yet joined us. For better or for worse; movies, television, demonstrations and yes, even books; will influence…
Training Vids July 22: True Fight, Defenses Against Cuts with Rapier & Dagger, Disarms, Longsword Binds
This is an exciting final week of the month at Academie Duello. I am getting ready to day for an event at the Vancouver Shakespeare festival, Bard on the Beach, for the launch of CC Humphreys latest novel Shakespeare's Rebel. We're doing a prize playing amongst senior Academie Duello students as well as choreographed fights…
Shakespeare's Rebel Book Launch and Fight Tomorrow
A reminder about tomorrow's event with a title too long to fit in the header: Academie Duello and Bard on the Beach present Shakespeare's Rebel Book Launch & Sword Fight Event When? Monday, July 22nd, 7pm Where? Bard on the Beach, Vanier Park What? A fight show and book launch! Celebrate the launch of Bard…
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Beginner's Courses: August Cycle
Whether you're looking for a fun way to get and stay in shape, or a new mentally and physically stimulating hobby, our Beginner's Courses have something for everyone. Take it from one of our Taste of the Renaissance graduates and now ongoing student: First off, if you are thinking about stopping in here, stop thinking…
Getting Back on the Horse
Riding Level 2: Mounting 2. Lead horse, mount & dismount independently There's no big secret to mounting and dismounting at level 2. We simply expect you to do it more smoothly and with greater confidence. So go back and review level 1, enjoy the videos if you missed them the first time, and work towards…
Grounded Sword Press
Ground. Those interested in WMA/HEMA use and history are always trying to manoeuvre on it, dig around in it, or landing on it … usually with somebody’s assistance! With somebody’s enthusiastic assistance. Ground Zero. OTTAWA CITIZEN (Ontario) July 13 Medieval Festival in Osgoode a smashing good time (Gemma Karstens-Smith) Zach Lovering was one of Knights…
Training Videos July 15: Rapier Stringere, Quinta & Sesta, Disarms & Strikes, Longsword Pressures
Welcome to Duello.TV for the week of July 15. Sorry that we missed our post from last week; sickness can strike even the most stout of us and I succumbed for a good part of the week. Now I'm back at it and we're into week 3. This week we're continuing our focus on single…
Riding Level 2
Now that we've finished with the curriculum for Horsemanship Level 2, it's time to move on to Riding. A Level 2 Rider is someone with a good basic seat position, capable of riding with one hand or two and switching posting diagonals, who has begun to work on canter, gaming skills, and dropping the reins…
Academie Duello and Bard on the Beach: Shakespeare's Rebel Book Launch
Shakespeare's Rebel Book Launch DATE/TIME: July 22nd, 7:00pm to 10:00pm LOCATION: Vanier Park, Vancouver On the night of July 22nd, Bard on the Beach, together with Academie Duello, Canada’s premier medieval martial arts school will put on a swashbuckling night of swords and words! Come join us at Vanier Park to celebrate the launch of…
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Rainy Day Sword Press
As We sit here trying to sort through the wealth of links that have appeared this week, We take a moment to look up at the omnipresent rain clouds that have dogged Ottawa so far this year and think: “I wonder where the roof went to?” And like the rain, We’re all over the place…
Blunt Force Strike Targets
Generally, I don't worry too much about hitting exact locations, especially when I'm striking with a stick. A solid blow with a cane can shatter any bone, and failing that, will hurt like the dickens. Therefore, my advice to beginners is to strike any part of the opponent's body that you can hit with vigour.…
Post 30 for 30 Swordplay Training Challenges
Congratulations to everyone who made it all the way through the 30 for 30 Swordplay Challenge last month, whether you hit every day or missed a few! It's a pretty cool feat to up your training to any degree and set a new habit that reflects your goals. I hit every day and got a…
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