Forget the socks. Put a sword under the tree.
Every December we hunt for gifts that surprise and delight. And every February, too many of them are already gathering dust.
This year, give an experience instead. The first arrow that finds the target. The axe that sticks. The moment a rapier starts to feel right in their hand. Long after the wrapping paper is recycled, they’ll still be telling that story, and they’ll be the hero of it.
Academie Duello has taught historical swordplay and archery in downtown Vancouver since 2004. Here’s how to turn this Christmas into an adventure, whoever you’re shopping for and whatever you’d like to spend.
Gift ideas by who you’re shopping for
For your partner: a date night with a difference
Skip dinner and a movie. An Adventure is an hour of learning something new side by side, with plenty of laughter and a little friendly rivalry.
- The Archer: a crash course in the history and technique of archery. Most people are hitting the target within minutes.
- The Duellist: rapier fencing in the elegant style of the seventeenth-century duel.
- Axe Throwing: downtown Vancouver’s first axe-throwing venue, with a coach guiding every throw.
An Adventure for one or two people is $100 + tax for the hour, with expert coaching and all the equipment included. Most Adventures also include time in our museum.
For the teen who’s impossible to shop for
Teenagers are hard to impress. A real sword usually does it.
- The Warrior is the full knight experience for ages 14 and up: choose dagger, longsword or poleaxe, and try on real armour.
- Axe Throwing is also for ages 14 and up.
- The Archer suits ages 10 and up, which makes it a great one to do together.
Most of our Adventures suit ages 12 and up, and children aged 8–11 can take part with a guardian present.
For kids aged 8–14
Knight Camp is five days of swordplay, archery and adventure over spring break or summer. A Knight Camp gift certificate isn’t tied to one particular week. It keeps its full dollar value, so the family can put it toward the camp that suits them later. One camp is $450.
For a smaller gift, give a month of youth classes, or a youth party for their birthday.
For the history lover
Our Arms & Armour museum is a hands-on collection of weapons, armour and fight books spanning four millennia, and it’s free to visit. Give them the chance to learn the techniques behind those artifacts:
- The Duellist teaches historical rapier technique from Renaissance manuscripts, not stage fighting.
- A Beginner Course is the first step on a real path to mastery: eight classes of rapier or longsword, or four of archery, to their first rank. $199 + tax.
- For learning at home, there’s Devon Boorman’s book Introduction to Italian Rapier and the Introduction to Italian Longsword DVD.
For your team
Give the people you work with a shared story instead of another gift card. An Adventure for a small team is easy to give, and Combo Adventures mix two activities into one two-hour session.
Planning the holiday party itself? Read how to make your corporate Christmas party legendary.
Gift ideas by budget
Stocking stuffers
- Introduction to Italian Rapier, the book by Devon Boorman
- Introduction to Italian Longsword, an instructional DVD
Around $100
- An Adventure for one or two people (The Archer, Axe Throwing, The Duellist or The Warrior): $100 + tax for the hour
- Sword Cutter: slice through targets with a real, sharp sword. $100 + tax per person, booked at least 72 hours ahead
- The Tournament: two hours of real fencing bouts, with a marshal calling every round. $100 + tax per person
Around $200
- A Beginner Course in rapier, longsword or archery: $199 + tax
The big gift
- A Combo Adventure for up to four people: two activities in a two-hour session, $320 + tax
- A week of Knight Camp for ages 8–14: $450
Easy to give, epic to receive
- Buy online and your gift certificate is delivered instantly, so it works for last-minute shoppers too.
- Your recipient books a date that suits them.
- Gift certificates never expire and keep their full dollar value.
Still deciding? Call us at (604) 568-9907 and we’ll help you choose.
Make this Christmas legendary
Skip the ordinary this year. Give a gift that brings courage, laughter and connection, and the start of an adventure.
About the Author
Academie Duello
Centre for Swordplay
Academie Duello is the home of Duello Armizare and Vancouver's centre for historical European martial arts. Since 2004 we've taught rapier, longsword, archery, and more to students of every level at 412 West Hastings Street.
