Learn to fend off ruffians and rapscallions with Vancouver's most common weather-based accoutrement: the umbrella! With the rainy winter season returning to Vancouver we are pleased to announce the return of this very popular workshop.

Loaner umbrellas and canes will be available, but we encourage to bring your own sturdy device, especially if there is a hook at the end (there are some fun things you can do with that!) Above you can see one of our students demonstrating a defensive posture with a good example of the traditionally-fashioned, solid umbrella that is best used for this purpose.

In this 4-hour workshop, participants will learn the art of self-defence with an umbrella or cane. Based on the Bartitsu system developed in turn of the century Victorian England, stick fighting is a practical, easily applied system of self-defence for any gentleman or lady.

In fact, some of the very first Bartitsu students were outstanding women fighting for the right to vote, who used Bartitsu to protect themselves as they were in danger of being attacked or arrested. In a way, you could say that women practicing mixed martial arts helped to shape the very world we live in today!

This workshop is suitable for participants of any fitness and experience level. You can sign up online, by phone at (604) 568-9907, or by paying us a visit at our downtown Vancouver location at 412 West Hastings Street.

DATE Sunday, December 14, 2014

TIME 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm

PRICE C$99.00

LOCATION Academie Duello Map and Directions

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.