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Mastery Program

The Mastery program is the core program of Academie Duello. Focused on gaining mastery of the system of Armazare, students will begin with the foundation of the rapier and unarmed combat, and then progress through 5 ranks of study to include the sidesword, longsword, pole weapons such as the quarterstaff and spear, and knife, and the use of diverse secondaries including shield, dagger, two-sword, cloak, and cane.

Armazare is an integrated system that uses each area of study to teach the student core combat principals. Each weapon you study accentuates different qualities of the art. The rapier emphasizes timing, distance, and angle. The sidesword emphasizes control, cutting, and dominance. The longsword incorporates positioning, control of lines and centres. Unarmed training is essential for understanding and building core strength, structure, and knowledge of body mechanics.

The pre-requisite for entry into the Mastery Program is Academie Duello’s 8-class introduction to European martial arts: Taste of the Renaissance.

Taste of the Renaissance

The Taste of the Renaissance beginner's program brings students through an introduction to the noble and graceful arts of the duel, including use of the rapier, sidesword, and longsword. At the end of the 8 classes you will be able to graduate to the first rank of the school and enter the Mastery Program.

The 8 class content includes:

• RAPIER POSTURE AND MEASURE: Learn Rapier fundamentals including the four guards, movement, combat range and attacking.
• FINDING THE SWORD: Learn to defend and attack simultaneously while gaining an advantage over your opponents’ sword.
• ENGAGEMENT: Counter-attacking and regaining control of the fight.
• CUTTING (sidesword): Learn the 8 cuts of the sidesword, how to block a cut, deflect a blade and the secrets of the narrow and wide play.
• TEMPO: Learn about the rhythm of combat.
• 4 TEMPOS FOR STRIKING: Learn when and how it is best to strike your opponent and make defence.
• HEAVY WEAPONS FUNDAMENTALS: Learn the basics of the sword wielded in two hands.
• REVIEW AND TIE IN: Review the first 7 classes and learn how the principals of swordplay tie the Longsword, Rapier, and Sidesword together. This class is followed by the First Rank Examination and graduation.
  

Classes can be taken twice weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays (daytime or evening) or Tuesdays and Thursdays, for one month, or Saturdays only for two months. Alternative scheduling options are available please call us for more details.

Classes begin on the first Saturday, Monday, and Tuesday of each month. Check the schedule for full details.
$99.00 for 8 classes

Gaining Mastery

Once you have completed our beginner’s class and graduated to the Green Cord you will be eligible to enrol in our ongoing Mastery Programs. Mastery Program classes take a more in-depth view of the weapons and arts of Academie Duello and help guide students toward mastery in the ways of the sword. Academie Duello teaches a continuum of weapons and techniques which includes:

RAPIER

The rapier is the foundation weapon for all the skills taught at Academie Duello and is the weapon synonymous with the Three Musketeers. The rapier is the most physically and technically challenging weapon to master in our system and the skills and abilities developed while learning this weapon build a solid foundation for learning the other weapons.

SIDESWORD

Sidesword technique covers the use of single handed cutting swords such as the arming sword, or heavy rapier. Sidesword technique is often combined with the shield, dagger, or a second sword. Academie Duello’s sidesword teachings are based on the 16th century Italian techniques of Achille Marozzo and Antonio Manciolino.

LONGSWORD

The medieval longsword is a powerful cutting weapon typically held with both hands and is most commonly associated with the medieval knight. Longsword techniques include cuts, thrusts, half-swording and wrestling. Academie Duello’s teachings are based upon those of 15th century master Fiore dei Liberi.

Mastery Ranking

Completion of the Mastery program is a 5 to 10 year journey depending on the intensity of your study. The 5 ranks of the program are:

• GREEN CORD: Apprentice. Weapons: rapier and unarmed. Principles: Familiar with body mechanics, distance, and control.
• BLUE CORD: Scholar. Weapons: Rapier, rapier and dagger, sidesword, sidesword and shield, and unarmed. Principles: Angle, line, cutting mechanics, timing and proportion.
• RED CORD: Free Scholar. Weapons: Rapier and secondaries, sidesword and secondaries, longsword, quarterstaff, knife, and unarmed. Principles: Timing, tempo, power generation, strategy, and tactics.
• SILVER CORD: Provost. Weapons: Rapier, sidesword, longsword, pole weapons, smallsword, knife, and unarmed. Principles: Centres, tempo,
• GOLD CORD: Master. Masterful with two chosen weapons. Proficient in combat both unarmed and armed with all weapons.