This past weekend saw a contingent of Academie Duello instructors and students at the fine Armizare Academy event in Racine, Wisconsin. Workshops focused on the Italian combative system of Fiore dei Liberi (a fencing master from 14th century Italy) which is part of the heart of the Academie Duello syllabus. There were fine instructors from all over North America teaching longsword, dagger, wrestling, and more. Devon taught workshops on Exchanging the Thrust, applied combatives, knife defence, and entering the fight. Videos summarizing what was taught in Devon's workshops will be going up later this week, once everyone returns home.

In other news we have now posted level 1 of our Abrazare (wresting) content into our subscription area. Level 1 establishes fundamental postures, movements, and exercises that give practitioners a base for getting into the more sophisticated techniques of the Italian systems of wrestling and knife defence. Look for even more in this area soon.

Green Cord (Level 1)

http://duello.tv/featured-videos/this-week-in-class/

This week in our level 1 class we are working on striking the opponent as they come to measure while seeking control of your sword, and on techniques for regaining control should the opponent succeed in acquiring it.

Blue Cord (Level 2)

http://duello.tv/featured-videos/this-week-in-class/

Building from last week's sidesword fundamentals and the progression of guards, we are now stepping into the First Assault of the sword and buckler. This assault actually has 7 parts but we start students off with the introduction and the first two parts at level 2. Assaults are the Renaissance Italian equivalents of martial arts katas. By moving through cuts, defences, and flourishes, you will build agility and dexterity imperative to excellence with the sword and buckler.

Red Cord (Level 3)

http://duello.tv/featured-videos/this-week-in-class/

From the base of exchanging the thrust, level 3 students are working this week on disarms and grapples performed after the sword of the enemy has been controlled. Students will learn wrestles that can be conducted based on how close to the enemy you are able to get. This includes the distances of the sword, hand, elbow, shoulder, and back.

Longsword Giocco Stretto 5: Inside Wrestles

Longsword Giocco Stretto 6: Outside Wrestles

Solo Exercise of the Week

http://duello.tv/featured-videos/fundamental-exercises-longsword

This week's fundamental video gives us a simple exercise for going through all seven blows of the longsword which includes the 6 cuts and the centreline thrust.

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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.