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Youth Swordplay

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Youth Swordplay

Welcome to the athletic program designed to inspire your child to learn about history and excite their mind and body.

The Academie Duello Youth Program is tailored to meet the needs of those ages 8 - 14. Students will come away from these classes with an improved sense of poise and confidence as well as a high degree of athleticism. We offer a supportive environment where respect and accomplishment are encouraged.

Regular Program

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Youth Regular Program
  • Monday/Wednesday*: 6pm to 7pm
  • Tuesday/Thursday: 6pm to 7pm
  • Saturday: 11am

* Through the summer classes are only held on Tuesday/Thursday. Full program begins September 1st. One night per week option also available.

The first few classes are designed to familiarize the student with the basic body movements of renaissance fencing and to accustom them to the weight of the sword. Throughout the program students will work with rapiers, longswords, sideswords, as well as renaissance and medieval wrestling and grappling techniques. Swordplay in general differs from the Olympic fencing foil in technique and strategy. Students will learn all techniques to become a master of this art and there is a ranking progression that offers achievable goals.

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.

Birthday Parties

Give your child, aged 6 to 15, a birthday experience they'll remember for years to come. There are three options to choose from:

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  • 1 Hour, longsword lesson.
  • 1 Hour, cake and present time.
  • Minimum 8, maximum 16
  • $25 per child

Squire

  • 1 Hour, longsword lesson
  • 1 Hour, quarterstaff lesson
  • 1/2 Hour, heraldry
  • 1/2 Hour, lunch time (food is not provided)
  • 1 Hour cake and present time
  • Minimum 8, maximum 16
  • $60 per child

Knight

  • 1 Hour, longsword lesson
  • 1 Hour, quarterstaff
  • 1.5 Hours, heraldry and making your own shield with your own coat of arms
  • 1 Hour, sword and shield lesson
  • 1 Hour, tournament at arms
  • 1/2 Hour, lunch time (no food provided)
  • 1 Hour, cake and present time
  • Minimum 8, maximum 16
  • $100 per child

Knight Camp

An exciting 5-day adventure day camp for kids age 8 to 14 that will take your child back in time to learn the martial arts and skills of knighthood. Knight Camp runs at spring break and throughout the summer each year. Click here to discover more about Knight Camp.

What to expect from a Class

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What to expect

Students are expected to attend class twice per week. 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.

You are welcome to drop in at any time to watch or participate in a free class. Lessons are offered in a progression that can be joined at any time.

Membership & Signup

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Membership and sign-up

Before signing up for our program we recommend that you bring your child for a complimentary trial class at any of our regularly scheduled times. No pre-booking is required.

Youth Classes are $70/month or $60/month with a 1 year commitment. Students must have a current Academie Duello membership to participate in ongoing classes. We offer a 15% siblings/family discount.

There is a one-time lifetime membership fee of $75 which includes:

  • Access to all Youth classes and sparring nights
  • Academie Duello Special Nights
  • 15% Discount on All Workshops
  • Academie Duello T-Shirt
  • Membership Guide & Curriculum Checklist
  • Academie Duello online resources and forum

More information can be viewed on our Introductory Classes page.

You can sign up in person after your first class, through email or contact us at 604-568-9907 for more information. Our address is: Academie Duello Studio - 422 Richards (at W. Hastings) 2nd floor.

If you would like us to hold a demonstration at your school or other venue please contact us. We can provide an historical and physical demonstration or participatory class designed to meet your needs. These programs are ideal for theatre, history or gym classes.

Academie Duello is a martial arts school of European swordplay and historical fencing based in Downtown Vancouver, BC. We specialize in providing lessons in the rapier, longsword and sidesword, as well as traditional Italian grappling, pole weapons, knife and other knightly arts.

Visit us at 412 West Hastings Street, or call 604-568-9907.

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