This post provides links to videos for every lesson we covered in the Mastery Program at Academie Duello for July 16 to 22. This week Green Cords (level 1) learn about control of the opponent's sword and take advantage of their opponent's movement to strike. Blue Cords (level 2) continue their work on provocations by…
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Take a lesson at almost any riding school and you will hear a stream of letters flowing past: "twenty metre circle at C", "between K and A develop working canter", "change rein FXH" and so on. These letters are not acronyms or arcane code, but simply markers on the dressage arena. No one seems to…
Last week was Our 50thposting of Sword Press – which under other circumstances might qualify this One for some sort of modest ‘atta-boy’ award involving beer and an affectionate but manly pat-on-the-head. However as I’ve learned to my sorrow, my iron-fisted, steel-hearted, way-too-fast-to-hit, workaholic Master insists that it’s all part of ‘business normal’ in getting…
Devon's asked me to put together some videos and posts for drills and exercises that we can all use as references and inspiration. I've got an idea of where I'm going to start (see my WIP wmawiki glossary, or the post on my Terminal City Duellist blog), but I'm interested in where you want it…
"par·ry [par-ee] verb, par·ried, par·ry·ing, noun, plural par·ries. verb (used with object) 1. to ward off (a thrust, stroke, weapon, etc.), as in fencing; avert. 2. to turn aside; evade or dodge: to parry an embarrassing question. verb (used without object) 3. to parry a thrust, blow, etc." -dictionary.com Parrying Workshop with Luis Preto Saturday, July 21, 2012…
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Tonight's sparring is Bartitsu focused. We'll be boxing, wrestling and cane-fighting in the museum area while the main floor will still be open for general sparring with any weapon you prefer. You don't need any experience, but it will also not be a lesson. Challenge whomever you want, and shake on the rules you agree…
Studying self-defense and combat too often starts with blocks, parries or other methods of intercepting attacks. All of these techniques rely on seeing the opponent attack and choosing the appropriate movement to deal with it. The reactionary stance will keep you moving backward, looking for the next threat, and a victim of the attacker's speed,…
No, this is not about blogging, or fenceposts (that was last week), but on rising or 'posting' to the trot. The trot is a 2-beat gait in which the horse's legs move in diagonal pairs. It is the roughest gait to sit, which is why the technique of posting, or rising in the stirrups on…
We seek him here, we seek him there,Those Frenchies seek him everywhere. Is he in heaven?—Is he in hell? That demmed, elusive Pimpernel. Orczy, Baroness Emmuska. The Scarlet Pimpernel. Tis slim pickings this week – even the Russians and Ukrainians seem to be quiet. It must be the heat. You’ll forgive Us if We…
An excellent post from David Packer Pn1, on when we reach flat-levels in our training and how important they are in our mastery of things. Here's the link. I can attest to how true it's been for me. Enjoy!
Swordfit Bootcamp! Begins Monday, July 9th, 2012 7:00am-8:00am and runs Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays for the month of July. In one packed hour, get all the benefits of interval training, functional fitness and swordplay and start your day off right! For more info and registration, go here! Knight Camp! An unforgettable week of fun…
Vancouver Sun columnist Tom Hill wrote an article about Academie Duello's fitness programs that appeared on their website yesterday (Thursday). It gives a good summary of some of the health benefits you can reap through swordplay and captures the excitement of the art. Check it out on their website here! If you're interested in getting…
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Every martial art will first teach the student how to stand, and the ideal positions to fight from. For actors in a stage fight, they must start with an appropriate stance for their weapon or historical period, combine that with their character's attitude, and sometimes add nuances of injuries or mannerisms. Basic Stance Standing upright…