This month we are taking the techniques out to three separate weapons: the rapier, sidesword, and longsword, with each we will be exploring the fundamentals of how to cut effectively, efficiently, and safely. If you have the opportunity, follow the exercises at each level so you can deepen your understanding of this essential form of…
In Service Sword Press
We’re lucky that sword blades endure the unforgiving ravages of time better than paper or wood; or some Green Cords too come to think of it. Whether from the near or far past; swords and sword lore continue to influence our view of some of the world around us. Swords in Service HOLLY…
Practicing forms 'correctly'
An important insight into practicing forms: how should they be practiced? Assuming we're doing a form that involves cutting (eg. Marozzo's first assalto of sword and buckler) I recommend the following progression of study: 1) learn the cuts and how to do them smoothly 2) memorize the sequence 3) practice the transitions Points…
Eastern Cane
Although the walking stick techniques of Bartitsu are an integral part of the art and contribute to its popularity, there are other martial arts that explore the cane. Tai chi and forms of Chinese kung fu sometimes incorporate weapons, including the straight sword, the saber, the staff, and the cane. I’m no expert on those…
Don Juan coming to Vancouver in December at the Cultch
If you're a fan of theatre, you should mark your calendar for a very cool event coming up at the end of December in Vancouver; Blackbird Theatre Productions is putting on a rendition of Moliere's Don Juan set to hit the stage from December 26th to January 26th at the Vancouver East Cultural Centre. If you're…
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The Mounted Combat Curriculum - Green Spur
Like the Mastery program, we have five ranks within the Cavaliere program, denoted by Spurs: Green, Blue, Red, Silver and Gold. To acquire each rank you need to be a triple threat, demonstrating your skill in Horsemanship, Riding and Mounted Combat. Now that we’ve covered all the things you need to know and be able…
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Video Lessons: The True Fight, Rapier Feints, Dui Tempi, Longsword Rising Cuts, Sidesword Double Cuts
Welcome to the last week of one of the most intricate and fundamentally satisfying months of curriculum at Academie Duello. In Longsword focus we continue to work on the fundamental blows, seeking to make them as precise and powerful as possible. In the Mastery program, Greens (level 1) take the techniques of the first three…
The Sound of Sword Press
We’re embarrassed by riches this week and most of the releases on “old” swords come from hi-tech, academic or modern-social culture sites! Medieval Armour for Dummies. WIRED (New York, New York) 13 November 12 How Medieval Arms Race Led to Swords Capable of Killing ‘Tin Can’ Knights (Mark Teppo) Mark Teppo, contributor to…
Safety Systems
We say that the first rule of stage combat is safety. All stage combat must be safe so that actors will never be hurt in rehearsal or performance. Focusing on safety also gives actors the confidence to move at high speed with full acting. When safety is deprioritized, actors start to flinch or otherwise compensate.…
Why I Practice Bartitsu
Self defence with a walking stick and its associated skills might seem like a strange choice. Convincing new students to join is sometimes difficult, but my personal story is as good as any sales pitch. So why do I practice and teach the Fighting Style of Sherlock Holmes? Practical First and foremost, I like that…
Event Report from the Known World Academy of the Rapier (KWAR) 2012
So this past weekend I was again teaching in Chicago, the home of my good friends at Forteza Fitness, but this time I was teaching at the Known World Academy of the Rapier or K-WAR. This event is put on by the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) an international historical reenactment society through whom I…
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Video Lessons: Rapier constraint, deception, and contra-tempo, Longsword precision and drills
This week on DuelloTV: Green cords (level 1) are moving into the strategic side of the rapier with classes on Stringere and responding to the opponent, Blues (level 2) focus on the foundation of the Deceptive Fight, and Reds (level 3) on contra-tempo and how to defeat it. For our longsword focus we are moving…
Ride with Authority
The final item on the Riding Level 1 scoresheet is: 15. Demonstrate overall authority, safety & confidence This is similar and related to the last point on the Horsemanship Level1 sheet: 11. Demonstrate safety and common sense when working around horses In your riding test you will be marked on your habits from the ground…