Youth Swordplay

Getting Started

Try a free lesson nowYouth students need only sign up and join a class! If a child has never been to Academie Duello before, they are welcome to come any try a free class to see whether it is right for them.

What to Expect from a Class

Students are expected to attend class at least once a week but twice a week is recommended. This allows a student to progress rapidly in skill and provides a greater sense of accomplishment.

Classes start with a warm-up and skills review. Drills are combined with strategy and technique in a playful way to engage the mind and build dexterity and endurance. Part of each class has supervised sparing that allows students to hone their instincts and enjoy swordplay for its ability to enliven the spirit. The class ends with a cool-down and stretching. Instructors are always available for questions and to work on technique.

The first few classes are designed to familiarize students with the basic body movements of renaissance fencing and to accustom them to the weight of the sword. While students will have the opportunity to handle the regular steel weapons used in adult classes during some training exercises, Youth classes regularly employ ‘boffers’, wooden dowel rods wrapped in pipe insulation and duct tape. Boffers are used, often along with other safety gear (masks, gloves), in full-speed and full-contact activities that allow the students to practice the techniques learned in class safely.

All equipment and safety gear needed by the student is provided but gym clothes, good runners and gloves are recommended. Unlined leather gloves are best but cotton gloves offer comfort between sword and hand and some students prefer the padding of hockey or lacrosse gloves for added protection.