Back in the spring, Clint reminded us about the importance of reading - and understanding - the texts necessary to progress within the Academie Duello ranks. Further, as an Instructor, he also reminded us of the importance to read, and possibly re-read the required texts whenever we have new experiences or knowledge. Reading should not…
Def'n: Robin Hood
Rob'n Hood (verb): to shoot an arrow directly into another arrow that you previously shot. Pictured is one of our Archery apprentice instructors, Aaron, proudly giving us a pictorial example; nice work!
[Photo] Knight Camp is coming!
See the full gallery on Posterous Yesterday saw the long-anticipated arrival of 30 new synthetic sparring swords. We're bringing them in to replace the foam-and-wood simulators we've been using in the youth program, both Knight Camp and the ongoing youth classes. The pommels can be swapped, making either longswords or arming swords, so we can…
Final Countdown...
Multi-Format Tournament Saturday, June 23, 2012 2pm-7pm Sunday, June 24, 2012 10am-5pm Do you have the courage to face an unending tide of opponents? Do you have the skill to protect yourself when the stakes are high? Do you have the endurance to slug it out with the most skilled of your peers until only…
Gentlemanly Conduct: Chivalry in Combat
The concept of chivalry originated with the knight. In fact, that’s all it means: knightly. The French word “cheval” means horse, and the thing that separated a knight from other soldiers was his steed. But we all know that chivalry goes beyond horse grooming, it is more closely related to the code of honour expected…
Sword Fighting Lessons on Duello.TV This Week
As of this week on Duello.TV we have over 250 videos posted! We have content on longsword, sidesword, rapier and dagger, cloak, buckler, and more. It's been exciting getting to this stage and we're looking froward to bringing even more cool stuff soon. This month all three levels of the Mastery Program are focusing on…
Read More... from Sword Fighting Lessons on Duello.TV This Week
Mount up!
The second item on the Riding 1 checklist is: 2. Mount safely and correctly from block or ground, picking up reins correctly Mounting your horse may seem like the simplest of skills, but it's one that takes a lot of practice to make smooth, effortless and kind to your horse. As you can see from…
International Sword Press … and Gaming?
It’s another one of those week’s where We’re all over the place – we just about circle the world with this edition … and happily so. Cutting Class from your couch? PC MAG (New York, New York) 11 June 12 Author Neal Stephenson Solicits Funds for Sword-Fighting Game (Chloe Albanesius) TG DAILY (Portland, Oregon) The…
National Stage Combat Workshop
Fight Directors Canada holds the National Workshop every summer. It's a two-week intensive in which actors and fight choreographers from across the country meet to train and work with the best international fight masters. It's also an opportunity to earn certification if a student does not have a certification course in their community. And this…
Guest post: pushing to the next rank
Today's post features another guest poster. Nels Anderson is a recent addition to the Blue Cord. I requested his perspective because, as you'll soon read, Nels had to take an extended break from class, and returned the month before his successful test for Blue Cord. A great story on the power of practice. Thanks…
What's on your head?
When it comes to head protection, most of us use fencing masks, whether we're fighting with rapiers, knives, longswords, or anything else. Anyone who's done this for a while, however, will be well acquainted with the idea of mask failure. All masks have a limited lifespan: over time, and with repeated blows, the mesh loses…
Bartitsu Fight Night
Tonight, and the second Friday of every month from now on, will be a Bartitsu focus night. As with all weapon-specific Open Floors, everyone is welcome to spar with their usual weapons: rapier, longsword, etc. The difference is that I will be there to referee bouts of cane fighting and unarmed techniques. Those who are…
Summer of Swordplay!
"When I reached the end I stood at bay. He drew no weapon, but he rushed at me and threw his long arms around me. He knew that his own game was up, and was only anxious to revenge himself upon me. We tottered together upon the brink of the fall. I have some knowledge,…