Beginner Rapier
Master the elegant Renaissance rapier through precise footwork, timing, and tactical thinking.
$199+tax Learn More
The World's Largest Centre for European Martial Arts
Master the sword, the bow, and the rich traditions of the Renaissance. A structured path from beginner to mastery for the modern adult.
Est. 2004 — 20+ Years of Tradition
10,000+ Students — Trained in Vancouver
World-Class Faculty — Internationally Renowned
Beginner Courses
Structured courses designed for adults with no prior experience
Beginner Longsword
Wield the powerful two-handed longsword with dynamic cuts, thrusts, and defensive techniques.
$199+tax Learn More
Beginner Archery
Build a solid foundation in traditional archery—stance, draw, aim, and release.
$199+tax Learn More
Not ready to enroll yet?
We understand that starting a new martial art is a commitment. If you aren't quite ready to join a full course, we invite you to experience our teaching style and facility firsthand.
Book a Free Trial ClassThe Path to Mastery
Whether you choose swordplay or archery, both paths follow the same five-rank progression rooted in the historical guild tradition
1
Apprentice
Build your foundation. Learn core techniques, safety, and the fundamentals of your chosen art.
2
Scholar
Deepen your practice. Expand your skills, refine your form, and develop strategic thinking.
3
Free Scholar
Achieve proficiency. Demonstrate mastery of timing, distance, and the full scope of your discipline.
4
Provost
Excel and teach. Pass rigorous trials in skill, research, and the ability to instruct others.
5
Master
Complete command. Carry the art forward and guide the next generation of practitioners.
1
Apprentice
Build your foundation. Learn core techniques, safety, and the fundamentals of your chosen art.
2
Scholar
Deepen your practice. Expand your skills, refine your form, and develop strategic thinking.
3
Free Scholar
Achieve proficiency. Demonstrate mastery of timing, distance, and the full scope of your discipline.
4
Provost
Excel and teach. Pass rigorous trials in skill, research, and the ability to instruct others.
5
Master
Complete command. Carry the art forward and guide the next generation of practitioners.
Two Paths to Mastery
Our curriculum offers two distinct martial paths—each with its own disciplines and traditions, united by the same five-rank progression system.
Duello Armizare
A unified Italian martial arts system. Six disciplines—rapier, longsword, sidesword, polearms, wrestling, and armoured combat—built on 300 years of tradition.
Rapier Longsword Sidesword +3 more
Explore Swordplay → 
Martial Archery
Archery as a martial art. Master multiple bow types—longbow, recurve, and horse bow—progressing from target archery to mounted shooting.
Longbow Recurve Asiatic Bow Mounted
Explore Archery → Led by Internationally Renowned Instructors
Our curriculum is designed by Maestro Devon Boorman and taught by a faculty of professional instructors.
Devon Boorman
Director & Maestro d'Armi
International Instructor, Author, Founder.
Clinton Fernandes
Provost
Training since 2004. Rapier, longsword, sidesword, grappling.
Erik Hayden
Provost
Rapier, longsword, sidesword, staff, spear, and unarmed combat.
Matheus Alfred-Olmedo
Provost
Rapier, longsword, sidesword, polearms, and Bolognese traditions.
Benjamin Davis
Senior Instructor
First dual Free Scholar. Longsword, rapier, armoured combat.
Cameron Reid
Senior Instructor
Archery specialist. Barebow, ACB, longbow, and longsword.
Fox Noonan-Graham
Senior Instructor
Archery and swordsmanship. Barebow, ACB, longbow, longsword.
Lin Zhou
Senior Instructor
Italian traditions specialist. Rapier, longsword, sidesword.
Our Facility
A Sanctuary for Swordplay
Train in our 7,500 sq ft historic facility in downtown Vancouver—purpose-built for the practice of Western Martial Arts.
- Dedicated Training Hall — Purpose-built for historical fencing
- Indoor Archery Range — Year-round practice space
- Museum & Armoury — Historic arms and armour on display
- Equipment Store — Authentic gear and training weapons
- Cafe Duello — Coffee, snacks, and a place to gather
Community
A Great Place to Belong
Join a diverse community of over 200 active students. From quarterly tournaments to seasonal social nights, Academie Duello is a place to belong.
200+
Active Members
30+
Instructors
2,000+
Annual Participants
20+
Years of Community
"I started with zero experience and was intimidated to try something so different. Three years later, I'm a Scholar rank and can't imagine my life without this community. The instructors make complex techniques accessible, and the progression system keeps me motivated."
MR
Michael R.
Longsword Scholar, Member since 2021
The Complete Experience
Extend your training with our comprehensive ecosystem of resources
Common Questions
Everything you need to know about getting started
It depends on what excites you! Rapier emphasizes precision, geometry, and elegant thrusting attacks. Longsword features powerful two-handed cuts and more physical, athletic movements. Archery is for those drawn to the bow. You can always try our free trial class to experience swordplay before deciding.
Our courses are designed for adults of all fitness levels. Instructors adjust intensity based on the group. You'll get a workout, but it's accessible to everyone. Rapier tends to be less physically demanding than longsword.
After earning your first rank, you can join our weekly Mastery classes to continue developing your skills. These classes cover more advanced techniques and include sparring with protective gear.
Absolutely! Many students complete Rapier, Longsword, and Archery. Each art has its own ranking track, and skills from one often enhance the others.
Life happens! Just contact the front desk and we'll help you arrange a makeup in another beginner class session, or schedule a pre-lesson catch-up with an instructor.
Begin Your Journey Today
Join thousands of students who have discovered the art of historical swordplay. Your first class is free—all equipment provided.