"par·ry [par-ee] verb, par·ried, par·ry·ing, noun, plural par·ries. verb (used with object) 1. to ward off (a thrust, stroke, weapon, etc.), as in fencing; avert. 2. to turn aside; evade or dodge: to parry an embarrassing question. verb (used without object) 3. to parry a thrust, blow, etc." -dictionary.com Parrying Workshop with Luis Preto Saturday, July 21, 2012…
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Tonight's sparring is Bartitsu focused. We'll be boxing, wrestling and cane-fighting in the museum area while the main floor will still be open for general sparring with any weapon you prefer. You don't need any experience, but it will also not be a lesson. Challenge whomever you want, and shake on the rules you agree…
Studying self-defense and combat too often starts with blocks, parries or other methods of intercepting attacks. All of these techniques rely on seeing the opponent attack and choosing the appropriate movement to deal with it. The reactionary stance will keep you moving backward, looking for the next threat, and a victim of the attacker's speed,…
No, this is not about blogging, or fenceposts (that was last week), but on rising or 'posting' to the trot. The trot is a 2-beat gait in which the horse's legs move in diagonal pairs. It is the roughest gait to sit, which is why the technique of posting, or rising in the stirrups on…
We seek him here, we seek him there,Those Frenchies seek him everywhere. Is he in heaven?—Is he in hell? That demmed, elusive Pimpernel. Orczy, Baroness Emmuska. The Scarlet Pimpernel. Tis slim pickings this week – even the Russians and Ukrainians seem to be quiet. It must be the heat. You’ll forgive Us if We…
An excellent post from David Packer Pn1, on when we reach flat-levels in our training and how important they are in our mastery of things. Here's the link. I can attest to how true it's been for me. Enjoy!
Swordfit Bootcamp! Begins Monday, July 9th, 2012 7:00am-8:00am and runs Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays for the month of July. In one packed hour, get all the benefits of interval training, functional fitness and swordplay and start your day off right! For more info and registration, go here! Knight Camp! An unforgettable week of fun…
Vancouver Sun columnist Tom Hill wrote an article about Academie Duello's fitness programs that appeared on their website yesterday (Thursday). It gives a good summary of some of the health benefits you can reap through swordplay and captures the excitement of the art. Check it out on their website here! If you're interested in getting…
Read More... from @VancouverSun covers Academie Duello's Fitness Programs
Every martial art will first teach the student how to stand, and the ideal positions to fight from. For actors in a stage fight, they must start with an appropriate stance for their weapon or historical period, combine that with their character's attitude, and sometimes add nuances of injuries or mannerisms. Basic Stance Standing upright…
Today’s (very late) offering is dominated by the Pacific – not exactly the first place that comes to mind if you’re challenged to name the top-three hotbeds of WMA-HEMA activity. However, if you live or work along the Pacific coast or serve anywhere atop it… chances are that you’re going to be involved with a…
On June 23rd and 24th, a number of Academie Duello students and a few out-of-town friends joined together in some friendly competition at the annual Multi-Format Tournament. This year we had four different categories to compete in, over two days: Saturday we held longsword and sidesword tournaments, and on Sunday we ran beginner and open…
First off, thank you to all you wonderful volunteers who came out yesterday, post-Canada Day hangovers notwithstanding, to pound posts, hammer rails, attack weeds and re-hang gates at Red Colt! We got a lot done in a short time and we couldn't have done it without you! Transitions Up until now in our Riding level…
Welcome everyone to a new week in swordplay at Academie Duello and on Duello.TV! We just celebrated Canada day this past weekend by participating in the Vancouver Canada Day Parade. We had more than 60 fighters with longswords, sideswords, rapiers, and bows fighting their way through the streets of downtown. There's no better way to…