Greetings Duello.TV subscribers. We're wrapping up this month on Duello.TV and in classes at Academie Duello and is usually the case it is in this last week that we look at tying together all of the new skills that we've learned as we work to integrate drill into application. First level students are countering cuts, second level students are tying together their work on provocations with sidesword, and third level students are getting in close with the quarterstaff. Now it's time to dig in.

Green Cord (Level 1)

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In the next two classes we are looking at how to counter the oncoming cut of an opponent in three ways: 1. As the cut is prepared (in mezzo tempo), 2. As the cut falls (contra-tempo), and 3. After the cut passes and the opponent attempts to bring their weapon back on-line (dui-tempi).

Blue Cord (Level 2)

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In our last class of provocations we look at how we force our opponent into predictable action by engaging their sword directly. This class explores direct engagement and engagement of line, and we see how the concept of stringere is applied in sword and buckler.

Red Cord (Level 3)

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In our final week with the longstaff we look at how to apply the principles of the adaptive fight. The actions we practice take us from a failed attack through into closer plays with the reversed end of the staff that include strikes, arm binds, and throws.

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.