I know an upcoming movie with that theme! Not Thor 2 Although it may be tempting to Ricochet the trailer for Thor 2: The Dark World (2013) with references to Thor (2011) and the changes to story or crew that may make the sequel better or worse, but I just don't care. Instead I'm aiming…
Tacking up ... again
Horsemanship Level 2: Tacking & Untacking There's really nothing different about tacking up and untacking in Horsemanship Level 2, except this time we ask that you do it on your own: 7. Tack up and untack unassisted So rather than repeat myself, I'll refer you to the Level 1 post on the same subject: Another…
Training Videos June 10: Rapier Offhand Invitations, Sidesword Assalti II, Exchanging the Thrust with Longsword, Collecting the Longsword with Posta Longa
Hello everyone to week 2 of June. The weather in Vancouver has continued to be beautiful outdoor training weather; in fact I climbed to the top of a local mountain yesterday to do my 30 for 30 Swordplay Challenge session. This week on Duello.TV we are featuring a lesson on collecting with longsword, our first…
It’s All Greek to Me Sword Press
We love Our Job! Wander through the worlds’ press, looking for articles about HEMA/WMA. And to find such an item in the historical home of the sarissa, is especially satisfying. HEMA/WMA is on the rise in North America and western Europe, but We also have a foothold in China, Japan … and … Greece! This…
The Lost Sword-Cane Style
I don't know of any writings about using the sword-cane other than standard fencing training. Sorry. There aren't even sword-and-scabbard fighting advice in any historical manuals I know. It's a bit weird. I often tell stage combat students that they should know the historical, but be ready to invent new patterns of movement that suit…
Glossary of Academie Duello's Terms of Swordplay
Ours is a martial art rich with words. Words that describe foot positions, body orientations, sword positions, sword relationships and angles, directions of movement, tactical principles, strategic ideals, and more. We also use a vocabulary that is full of unfamiliar words from the Italian language (some of them even unfamiliar to modern Italian speakers) and…
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No Budget for Fight Choreography?
If your company has not budgeted sufficiently for fight direction, then you will necessarily have poor stage combat. If you have allocated no budget at all, you have no fights. Some companies try to get around this by finding a volunteer fight choreographer or a cast member who has taken a workshop one time, but…
Moody Mares and Grumpy Geldings
Horsemanship Level 2: Equine Warning Signs Take a look at this painting by George Stubbs. Who is the angry looking bay in the middle threatening: the happy bay in front of him, or the oblivious human and palomino behind him? (Answer below)Reading your horse's moods is one of the most important skills you can develop. …
Training Videos June 3: Rapier Offhand Positions, Sidesword Mechanics, Collecting and Giocco Stretto with Longsword
Welcome to Duello.TV for the week of June 3rd. The sun in shining in Vancouver and its a great time to train outside. I know that many Academie Duello students are getting into some extra time at the sword as they participate in the 30 for 30 Swordplay Challenge. If you haven't joined, it's not…
First the Lance, then the Sword Press
When you’re involved in HEMA/WMA disciplines, your ethics have to be irreproachable. You’re using a potentially deadly weapon against another person with their full compliance. You need to be ‘honourable’ and faultless in your application of safety measures taken to protect your opponent, yourself and bystanders. Our mounted peers have another consideration when it comes…
Article on Academie Duello at the Maelstrom Core Blog
Our friends at Maelstrom Core Martial Arts have written up a very nice article about Academie Duello on their blog. Maelstrom is a school that focuses on Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) and some related arts from surrounding regions and disciplines. I have been consistently impressed with their attitude, teaching approach, and the calibre of their…
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Beginner's Courses: June Cycle
Are you... ...looking for a fun, engaging workout? ...in the market for an awesome new hobby? ...searching for a great social environment to support your goals? ...preparing for a Zombie Apocalypse? If you answered "Yes!" to any of these questions, look no further, Academie Duello's Beginner's Courses are for you! Both our Beginner’s Courses, Taste of the…
Training Videos: Mezzo & Contra Tempo Attacks, Countering Refused, Rapier & Baton, Mezzano Cuts and Tactics
Welcome to Duello.TV's videos for the week of May 27th! This week 'practice' has been on my mind. Capo Ferro says that swordplay is made up of Nature, Reason, Art, and Practice. Practice being the disciplining of the body to enact the principles of art, that have been identified through reason, and governed by the…