This past week we launched a crowdfunding campaign on GoFundMe to help support Academie Duello through this difficult time. Since Friday we have raised over $20,000 of our $75,000 goal!
Our centre is one of only a few institutions of its kind in the world that are seeking to revive the martial arts of Europe and teach them at a professional level. Thousands of people attend our programs each year from across the globe participating in classes and courses on historical swordplay, instruction, mounted combat, and our kids’ summer camps that teach young people about swordplay, history, and knightly virtues.
Every contribution helps keep this dream alive for our community, our staff, our teachers, and for anyone who has ever dreamed of wielding a sword.
Please support us on GoFundMe through direct contribution or by attending one of our by-donation classes!
By-Donation Classes
Ever wanted to learn a little bit of authentic swordplay? We are offering live online classes on solo swordplay for adults and children, all taught by Academie Duello instructors. Now you can learn a little swordplay in the comfort of your own home with a stick, umbrella, or any other sword-like object. We are also hosting regular youth story times and classes about the knightly virtues that we teach in our Knight Camp summer camps.
The recommended donation is a $10 contribution to our campaign. All class proceeds are split with the instructor. The remainder goes to covering our rent, staffing, and re-opening expenses.
Classes are taking place from Monday to Saturday each week. You can find a full set of descriptions, a schedule, and links at the bottom of our campaign post on GoFundMe.
Other Ways You Can Help
If you want to support us in other ways, check out our online Redbubble store featuring t-shirts, home decor, art prints, and accessories designed by the Academie Duello community. All profits are split between the artists and the school.
You can also visit our online store to purchase gift certificates for our programs. Gift certificates are on sale now and you can redeem them anytime after our doors re-open.
Help Us Spread the Word
Please help spread the word about our campaign, our by-donation classes, and our other fundraising efforts. If anyone in your life has expressed an interest in learning a little swordplay, now is the time! #SaveOurSwords
Devon Boorman is the Co-Founder and Director of Academie Duello Centre for Swordplay, which has been active in Vancouver, Canada since 2004. Devon’s expertise centres on the Italian swordplay tradition including the arts of the Renaissance Italian rapier, sidesword, and longsword, as well as knife and unarmed techniques. Read more from Devon Boorman.