The weather is turning, the sun is shining and the city is heating up! What better time to warm up those muscles and try something new? Take a look at our upcoming workshops for April:
Intro to Bartitsu
Saturday, April 6, 2013
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Learn the mixed martial art of the Victorian English Gentleman. In this four-hour workshop, you'll acquire the essential Bartitsu skills of Boxing, Jujitsu, Savate and Cane fighting:
- the basic punches of scientific boxing and the first defensive moves of pugilism
- the first throw from jujitsu and how to land without hurting yourself when thrown
- the foundations of walking stick self-defence, and the essential kicks of savate
This Introduction to Bartitsu is a pre-requisite for the ongoing Bartitsu class. We want all newcomers to the weekly class to have some familiarity with the core techniques, and to get some practice in an easy environment where all of the students are learning the skills together.
So, whether you're interested in studying Bartitsu on an ongoing basis, or if you just want to learn the essential elements, the Introduction to Bartitsu covers the fundamentals. Fun and self-defense without getting your spats dirty!
Instructor: David McCormick
Cost: $60 + HST (15% off for members!)
Introduction to Mounted Combat
Sunday, April 7, 2013
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
LOCATION: Red Colt Farm, 12320 No 2 Road, Richmond
Experience the childhood fantasy of being a knight as you take the first step in Academie Duello’s mounted combat program. This unique workshop brings together swordplay, riding, and horsemanship into an exciting session geared toward beginners.
During this intensive workshop you will:
- Get an introduction to fundamental riding techniques
- Learn how to safely handle, groom, saddle and bridle your horse
- Practice horseback sword fighting techniques
The workshop takes place at Academie Duello’s stables in Steveston, BC, just 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver. In the first hour you will learn the fundamentals of horse handling and will learn how to groom and tack-up (saddle and bridle) your horse. In the second and third hours you will get an introduction to basic guided riding, and build the fundamentals of swordplay from the ground, including movement, core attacks, and defenses. Finally students will have the option to integrate with members of our ongoing mounted combat program to learn more advanced skills in swordplay and have the opportunity to practice combatively with appropriate protective gear on our falsemounts (practice horses).
This program is an ideal way to introduce yourself to both equestrian and swordplay skills and get started on a deep and exciting track of learning. Upon completion of the workshop you will qualify to join us for further more in-depth classes in Riding, Horsemanship, and Swordplay.
Spots are very limited so sign up today!
Max workshop size: 10 people
Instructors: Devon Boorman & Jennifer Landels
Cost $149.99
For ongoing Mounted Combat and other Cavaliere program classes see the Cavaliere Calendar.
Intro to Archery (FULL!)
Sunday, April 7, 2013
10:00 am – 12:30 pm
This 2.5-hour workshop will give you a taste of this romantic and effective martial form and certify you for the first level of our ongoing archery program.
Rapier Secondaries: the Rapier and its Deadly Partners
Saturday, April 13, 2013
3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
This six hour workshop will teach you the fundamentals of the rapier's many companion weapons and the methods for handling two weapons effectively and easily.
You will learn:
Dagger: A deadly compliment to the rapier and similar in many ways to the sword; the dagger has the power to deflect, control, and strike. Learn the paired defense of rapier and dagger, and how to use the dagger to influence and control the opponent.
Shield: The small round shield, rotella, and square shield were all used historically with the thrust oriented rapier. Learn how to pair the rapier and shield together to maximize defense, protect your centreline, and make defense without blinding yourself.
The Cloak: Baffle and confuse your enemies using the cloak off your back. An excellent combination of style and deadliness.
The Baton: A gentlemans cane, a short staff, or any long straight stick can be used as a powerful defensive and offensive tool when paired with the rapier. Learn how to use the stout properties of the cane with the deadly reach of the rapier.
The workshop is open to the expert and novice alike. Come prepared for a thorough mental and physical workout.
Instructor: Devon Boorman
Cost: $60 + tax (15% discount for members)
Intro to Renaissance Swordplay
Saturday, April 20, 2013
3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
This four hour program will bring you through the Academie Duello fundamentals of attack, defense, posture and movement with our three core weapons: the rapier, sidesword, and longsword.
This workshop is ideal for beginners of all age levels and physical abilities.
Instructor: Greg Reimer
Cost: $60 + HST (15% off for members)
Abrazare: The Art of Italian Grappling
Saturday, April 27, 2013
3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Learn the art of Abrazare, the fundamental system of Italian wrestling that underlies the martial system of historical fencing master Fiore dei Liberi.
This workshop begins with grappling and wrestling fundamentals, posture, and movement, and progresses to the system of holds, throws, counter knife, and counter sword techniques that were built and tested on the battlefields and dangerous streets of Medieval and Renaissance Italy.
Open to beginner martial artists with more challenging material for advanced practitioners.
Instructor: Clint Fernandes
Cost: $60 + HST (15% off for members)
To see more of our upcoming workshops, visit our Workshops Calendar.
Devon Boorman is the Co-Founder and Director of Academie Duello Centre for Swordplay, which has been active in Vancouver, Canada since 2004. Devon’s expertise centres on the Italian swordplay tradition including the arts of the Renaissance Italian rapier, sidesword, and longsword, as well as knife and unarmed techniques. Read more from Devon Boorman.