Scotsmen and Scottish swords dominate todays' offering – if this had happened in the early 16th century, would have meant that something had gone terribly wrong along the Scottish Marches! But in modern context, the items do demonstrate that the modern Gael is still connected to his past and traditions – and swords (and sword…
It's Raining, It's Pouring...
...and you can bet we're in for more rain before Summer hits! This time of year, it is wise to always carry an umbrella with you. We all know that umbrellas are invaluable for keeping dry and for impromptu Gene Kelly impersonations, but did you know your umbrella could also be used as a self-defense…
Post Symposium Analysis - What do you do with all this new info?
It's about time I make an official post-VISS post. Truth is it has taken me weeks to recover from what shaped up to be a fantastic event! Thank you to everyone who made it to Vancouver to teach, train, help, and share. This was a tremendous year and I am honoured you all were there…
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Upcoming March Workshops at Academie Duello
Celebrate the extra hour by kick-starting your Spring with some of our exciting workshops! Begin your journey from Novice to Knight by learning the fundamentals of Medieval Swordplay with Instructor Greg Reimer: Intro to Medieval Swordplay Date: Saturday, March 16, 2013 Time: 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm Description: Over the course of four hours you…
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Ladies and Gentlemen: The Umbrella
During these rainy winter months in Vancouver, we hold monthly workshops in Umbrella self defence. At the turn of the last century, every gentleman carried a walking stick, and every woman carried a parasol. Since we carry our modern umbrellas just as frequently in Vancouver today, it's a great value to learn how they learned…
Truncated Sword Press
The demands of service have resulted in this being the briefest of offerings to date. The German item does bring up an interesting point … the balance between historical ‘authenticity’ versus putting on a good show that will both entertain and educate a general-knowledge audience … ‘and’ result in that potential new recruit approaching your…
The Mounted Arsenal
Swordplay Knowledge: mounted weaponry Aside from knowing your way around a sword, we also ask in the Green Spur that you have a basic knowledge of the types of weapons typically used from horseback: Describe two different types of cavalry sword Describe three alternate types of mounted weapons Broadly speaking, any type of weapon you…
Video Lessons: Finding & Gaining, Offhand Stringere, Defeating the Buckler, Posta Finestra
Welcome to week 2! Now we're starting to get into the meat of our topics. In Green (level 1) we are looking at controlling the physical advantages that will allow us to defeat our opponent's attack. In Blue (level 2) we are using the offhand to cover and to control directly, and in Red (level…
Fight Directors Canada Nationals
The official announcements are out. Our stage combat instructor David McCormick is slated to teach Basic level Sword at this year's Fight Directors Canada National Workshop. It will be held in Montreal, at Concordia University. Here's the official news: Fight Directors Canada in association with the Concordia University Department of Theatre Presents The 2013 National…
Video Lessons: Rapier Mechanics, Rapier & Offhand/Dagger/Buckler, Scaling Speeds
It's a new month on Duello.TV. We have some exciting topics ahead for you including control with the rapier, use of the rapier and dagger, as well as the buckler and cloak. On the longsword front expect to see videos on use of the Finestra guards starting next week. We are also continuing our series…
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Sword Words
Swordplay Knowledge In the Horsemanship portion of the Green Spur curriculum you needed to know the common vocabulary of the rider. Similarly, for the Mounted Combat checklist, you will need to demonstrate a basic level of swordplay knowledge: Describe the anatomy of the cut and thrust sword Describe two different types of cavalry sword Describe…
Perceptional Sword Press
Two of the items offered today illustrate personal perceptions of HEMA/WMA studies and their practitioners. Though they are but the opinions of but two people, they do demonstrate the need for salles and related-events to have their act together, their facts straight and word-bites prepared well before the press arrive at the door. “Come…
Can't We Just Get Along?
Who do you train to fight? What are the stakes and the best/worst outcomes? Today we're looking at motivation to commit violent acts. 1. Justice/Revenge The attacker believes that the victim has committed a murder or other atrocity that can only be rectified with their death or "an eye for an eye". Even a slap…