Mr. Devon Boorman is one of the most accomplished swordspersons worldwide. Not only is his mastery of several weapon systems noteworthy, but so is the thoughtful and thorough curriculum of his school, Academie Duello.— Dierk Hagedorn (Co-author & Translator, 'Gladiatoria')
Become a Certified Instructor
Join the global community teaching Historical European Martial Arts. Train with the masters, earn your certification, and share this art with others.
Join a Global Movement
Historical European Martial Arts is experiencing unprecedented growth worldwide. Schools are opening, study groups are forming, and demand for qualified instructors has never been higher.
For over 20 years, Academie Duello has developed a comprehensive curriculum and trained instructors who now teach across North America, Europe, and Asia. Our Duello Armizare system provides a structured, historically-grounded approach to Italian swordsmanship.
The Instructor Intensive program gives you the technical foundation, teaching methodology, and ongoing mentorship to share this art with others—whether leading a local study group or building your own school.
Who This Is For
Mastery Students
Ready to deepen your understanding and share the art with others
Martial Artists
From other disciplines seeking to add historical swordsmanship
Study Group Leaders
Building or leading a practice group in your community
Out-of-Town Practitioners
Seeking intensive, high-quality training in condensed format
Level 1 Instructor Intensive
50 hours of immersive training in rapier, longsword, and teaching methodology. Your foundation for becoming a certified instructor.
Rapier
- Posture and body mechanics
- Blade control and crossing
- Offhand defense and disarms
- The Four Pillars of strategy
- Historical sources (Capo Ferro, Marozzo)
Longsword
- Cutting and thrusting mechanics
- Blade control and crossing
- Grappling entries and throws
- The Four Pillars of strategy
- Historical sources (Fiore, Liechtenauer)
Methodology
- Mechanical & Contextual Learning
- Drill construction (simple to complex)
- Knowledge retention strategies
- Technical diagnosis and repair
- Combat training progression
What's Included
What the Experts Say
Devon and the Academie Duello are producing top caliber martial artists.— Maestro Puck Curtis (Sacramento Sword School)
Devon Boorman is one of the best swordsmen I ever had the privilege to fence with. Equipped with an analytic mind and the ability to precisely articulate his insights, he is gifted with the talent to impart his knowledge in a calm and highly instructive manner to the benefit of both novices and advanced students.— Roland Warzecha (Author, 'Sword and Shield: Medieval Buckler Combat')
What Graduates Say
"A deep examination of all my basics. The methodology section was singularly enlightening for structuring lessons."
Aaron Lamontagne
Level 1 Graduate
"Exceptional instruction. We gained mentors, training partners, and friends. I would do this again in a heartbeat."
Jenny Snyder
Michigan Historical Arms Fellowship
"The most beneficial week of swordplay training I've ever had. I cannot wait for Level 3."
Miguel Braun
Instructor, Academie Duello
Level 2 Instructor Intensive
Deepen your expertise with advanced curriculum, specialized weapon forms, and refined teaching methodology. For Level 1 graduates ready to advance.
Intermediate Rapier & Longsword
30-50 hours advancing your core weapon skills with complex tactical scenarios and deeper historical integration.
- Advanced tactical principles
- Complex plays and counter-plays
- Historical source integration
Specialized Programs
Focused intensives in companion weapons and grappling integration.
- Rapier & Dagger
- Sword & Buckler
- Abrazare / Longsword Grappling
Upcoming Vancouver Intensives
Train at our headquarters
Level 1 Rapier & Longsword Instructor Intensive
Apr 13 – Apr 17, 2026
8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Questions? Contact us at info@academieduello.com
Training Worldwide
Instructor Intensives run throughout the year in locations across North America and Asia, including Chicago, Taipei, and the Philippines.
Duello Armizare
The international association for practitioners of the Academie Duello martial system. Find intensives worldwide, connect with certified instructors, and access advanced programs.
View All International Programs →Ready to Teach the Art of the Sword?
Join the next generation of HEMA instructors. Register for a Vancouver intensive or explore programs worldwide.