Today I wanted to write about what is arguably the most important reason for practice. Think back to your very first class. What was your reaction to the first thrust or cut that you received. Having taught what must be hundreds of novices I have a pretty good idea of what those initial reactions are:…
Chicago Tribune writes about swordplay, Bartitsu, and historically inspired fitness.
The Chicago Tribune has posted an article about our friends Forteza Fitnessthat includes some quotes from an interview with me as well as Tony Wolf, and Keith Jennings. Check it out on their website:http://www.chicagotribune.com/health/ct-sun-0422-vintage-fitness-techniques-20120421,0,918731.story?page=1
Duello on screen today and tomorrow - Celluloid Social Club and BTV!
If you're in Vancouver and not taking a class at Academie Duello tonight, come and check out the second screening of the documentary Arte, Ardore, Onore as part of a Celluloid Social Club event. Doors at 7:30pm, shows start at 8pm at the Anza Club (#3 West 8th Ave. at Ontario St., Vancouver, BC). You can…
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Dogwood Tournament this Friday, April 20th
Hello all swordfighters and swordfighting spectators! Cascadia North is proud to announce the first annual Dogwood Tournament, taking place this coming Friday, April 20th, from 7pm 'til midnight at Academie Duello. This event involves tournaments for the rapier, the longsword, and archery. We will also hold a voting contest for the winner of our potluck…
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Another Tacky Post
Now that we know the names of all those pieces of leather and metal that make up a horse's tack, we need to know how to put them on correctly. 7. Tack up (may be assisted) 'May be assisted' means that for Horsemanship level 1 you should know the correct method of tacking up. If…
I am slowly going crazy
I wanted to write today on the interplay of speed between two people drilling together. Occasionally when a pair of students work on a set play at slow speed one of the pair may opt to move quicker than their partner. There are several reasons why this may occur: they're already familiar with the technique…
Unexpected Stage Combat
Here's a recent find that you may have seen on Google+: Installations The idea of an installation is that theatre does not need a building called a "theatre" in order to be a legitimate live performance. When you enter a theatre, you know this: You are a spectator and will not be expected to participate…
Untitled
Armizare Academy is an invitational event hosted by the Chicago Swordplay Guild for schools which practice within the Italian Swordplay tradition from throughout the world. This year Academie Duello has the honour of being invited to join in and be a part of this great meeting of teachers and students. The event takes place at the beautiful and historic…
Some Useful Historical Fencing Resources
The Internet has been a great boon to us as historical swordplay practitioners. 15 years ago access to resources regarding historical fencing were much harder to come by and generally required actuallyvisiting repositories of historical manuals. Now through the power of the Internet you can have high quality copies of nearly any manuscript and the ability to connect and…
On the Right Tack
As with points of the horse, the nomenclature of the saddle and bridle varies from the obscure to the obvious. Item #6 on the Horsemanship 1 test is: Identify simple parts of saddle & bridle While it may seem a nuisance to memorize these terms, it is fairly important to know your billet strap from…
Centre of the Canadian Universe Sword Press
Toronto and jousting items dominate this Easter offering. Toronto – swords ‘and’ jousting … who knew? Of more important note though, our community recently suffered an accident that deserves a moment’s consideration to ensure that we’re doing everything possible to take care of weapon safety during training, displays or competitions. Wes A Centre for…
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Bellicose Chaps
Are you up to scratch? Ready to "toe the line"? Or are you down for the count? Take a swig of aqua vitae and put up your dukes... Pugilism Some martial artists really love the terminology and the exotic names in foreign languages. Fisticuffs, on the other hand, uses English words for the techniques, but…
Examinations and Translations
Examinations this Friday Rank Examinations are coming up this Friday at 7pm. As of writing we have 4 people ready to test for the rank of Blue Cord (our second level). If you've never been to a rank examination it is a great opportunity to see the Academie in action, and if you're a member,…