Get Started in European Martial Arts
The progression from complete newbie to practicing swordplay enthusiast is actually very easy! Everyone commences with a 4-class (archery) or 8-class (swordplay) beginner course that runs on either double weekday evenings or consecutive Saturday mornings (see below for monthly Week 1 start dates). Graduates from beginner courses are then ready to enrol in Academie Duello and continue their learning as Apprentice-level students in ongoing weekly classes, special workshops, symposiums, seminars, and more. Now choose your starting weapon!
Not sure which to start with? Try out one or more of our Adventure bookings in longsword (The Warrior, The Cutter, The Tournament), rapier (The Duellist), or archery (The Archer).
Click here for more information on the Martial Art we practice, our school, and our weapon disciplines.
Longsword Fundamentals will get you out of the house, your body moving, and connect you with your inner medieval warrior!
Based on the beginner longsword training programs of medieval warriors, you’ll learn how to move and flow with a medieval two-handed sword through guards, attacks, defenses, and combinations.
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Develop grace, power, and agility through cuts, thrusts, attacking, and movement exercises.
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Focus on coordination, core strength, upper body strength, stamina, and foundational skills for effective longsword combat.
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Ground yourself in medieval combat skills through drills in a small class environment.
This longsword program consists of eight 1-hour classes that will take you from beginner to competent practitioner. Upon completion, you’ll have the skills to continue in our ongoing longsword classes (online or in-person).
Length: 8-class course, 60 minutes per session
Cost: $159 + tax
Ages: 14+
Not ready for the full Fundamentals package? Check out our new Adventure Program for a one time epic experience!
Read more about the anatomy and history of a longsword here.
What To Expect
- Instruction in the basics of Armizare, a medieval Italian combat system designed to train knights for the battlefield and dueling ground.
- A technical and strategic focus on the longsword, a versatile cut-and-thrust weapon used in both hands.
- Instruction in the fundamental skills of sidesword and poleaxe.
- Following successful completion of the Fundamentals curriculum, students are awarded their Green cord, the first rank in our Weapons Mastery martial art program.
Protective Gear
Minimal protective gear is required for the Longsword Fundamentals intro course, since the focus is on correctly executing technical actions, rather than all-out fighting with full contact:
- Fencing masks and throat protectors (gorgets) are supplied by Academie Duello any time there will be weapon-to-body contact.
- Many Mastery Program students like to purchase and own their own masks, gloves and gorgets; all are available in the Academie Duello Arms & Armour store.
What Should I Bring?
- A set of comfortable clothes suitable for doing exercise (including indoor running shoes).
- A water bottle.
- A simple pair of thin cloth or leather gloves as well as groin protection are optional.
- As noted, Academie Duello provides all additional equipment necessary for the class, including weapons, fencing masks to protect the face, and collars of leather or metal called gorgets which protect the throat.
- You may also choose to purchase your own training weapons and necessary protective gear from the Arms & Armour Store if you like.
Sign-up Now!
Archery Fundamentals
This Beginners Archery course includes four 2 hour classes of instruction where students will learn the fundamentals of how to shoot the modern takedown recurve bow, the English longbow, and the Asiatic composite bow. Each Beginners Archery class will have a focus on learning range safety and etiquette, the history of archery, as well as the operation and care of various bows.
Beginners welcome! No familiarity or previous experience is required; bows and arrows will be provided for all students with the best archery lessons for beginners.
This class is a prerequisite for entry in ongoing Archery Mastery classes.
Length: 4-class course, 120 minutes per session
Cost: $159 + tax
Ages: 14+
Sign-Up Now!
Private Instruction
We offer private archery lessons for groups of up to six people For further information about dates and pricing, please contact Academie Duello’s front desk either by e-mail at info@academieduello.com or by phone during business hours at 604-568-9907.
Rapier Fundamentals
Learn the art of the graceful and powerful rapier, duelling weapon of the Renaissance. This 8-class beginner rapier course will teach you the fundamental skills of the historical European duellist in a fun, engaging, and welcoming environment, great for adults of all ages and levels of physical ability. Get started training in the art of rapier fencing with Academie Duello.
Length: 8-class course, 60 minutes per session
Cost: $159 + tax
Ages: 14+
Click here to purchase. Not ready for the full 8 course Fundamentals package? Check out our new Adventure Program for a one-time epic renaissance rapier fighting experience!
Read more about the anatomy and history of a rapier here.
What To Expect
- An introduction to the fighting system of Armizare and the duelling systems of the Italian Renaissance.
- Intensive training on the fundamentals of rapier combat with the goal of developing excellent technique.
- Instruction in the fundamentals of the rapier, sidesword and spear.
- Following successful completion of the Fundamentals curriculum, students are awarded their Green cord, the first rank in our Weapons Mastery martial art program.
Protective Gear
- Fencing masks and throat protectors (gorgets) are supplied by Academie Duello any time there will be weapon to body contact.
- Many Mastery Program students like to purchase and own their own masks, gloves and gorgets; all are available in the Academie Duello Arms and Armour store.
What Should I Bring?
- A set of comfortable clothes suitable for doing exercise (including indoor running shoes).
- A water bottle.
- A simple pair of thin cloth or leather gloves as well as groin protection are optional.
- As noted, Academie Duello provides all additional equipment necessary for the class, including weapons, fencing masks to protect the face, and collars of leather or metal called gorgets which protect the throat.
- Personal training weapons and protective gear is also available at our Arms and Armour store, should you wish to purchase your own.
Sign-up Now!
Free Trial Classes for Archery or Rapier & Longsword!
We invite everyone curious about our martial art to join a Free Trial Class! Each class has its own topic, either:
- Longsword & Rapier
Or
- Archery
Come check out one, or both! Invite friends or family who are also intrigued by historical martial arts. Fill out the form below!
Location: 412 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC
Please try to arrive 5 to 10 minutes before class to allow time to sign the safety waiverand present your BC vaccine card or vaccine passport.
To register, click here:
By registering you will also be added to our Newsletter email list so you can receive information on upcoming classes, workshops, and exclusive offers. You can unsubscribe at anytime by emailing info@academieduello.com!
Join us at Cornwall Ridge Farms, our beautiful partner equestrian facility located in Langley, BC, and experience your childhood fantasy of being a knight as you take the first step in Academie Cavallo’s Equestrian Programs.
For more details about the programs and to book your courses go to: www.academiecavallo.ca
SwordFit - Well Rounded Warrior
- Postural training helps you maintain a solid stance
- Mobility work supports a full range of motion while cutting, thrusting, grappling, or shooting
- Strength training shores up structural endurance
- Interval training provides the cardiovascular underpinning for crisp and sustained flurries
Meet Your Instructors
Meghan O’Connell
A former national-level boxer, and now a national-level powerlifter (squat, bench press, and deadlift). A former Swordfit coach, she’s thrilled to be back at Duello to deliver effective and joint-friendly physical conditioning.
How We’re Making a Safe Environment
Safety Procedures
Academie Duello takes regular measures to ensure that our indoor training facility remains a safe place for people to socialize and practice. The following amenities are provided and procedures followed:
- Hand sanitizers and equipment disinfectant sprays are located throughout the school for staff and student use.
- Staff members and instructors who are not feeling well are required to fully recover and be symptom-free before returning to work.
- All loaner equipment is sanitized after each use.
- Surfaces and furniture throughout the studio are regularly sanitized.
- An outside air-intake and filtration system is in use at all times during open hours.
What We Expect of Our Students
- We ask that students sanitize their equipment after class or activities.
- We recognize that risk tolerance and comfort levels vary between members, so we encourage everyone to be compassionate and respectful toward the choices and needs of other students in their classes.
- If students are not feeling well, we require that they do not come to class until they are symptom free.
These policies were developed based on WorkSafe BC and BC Health guidelines and may be updated without notice based on the changing situation of the pandemic. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or feedback, please don’t hesitate to email info@academieduello.com!