The sun is shining and I'm getting excited for a warm summer of swordplay. This week we are stepping into a new selection of topics. Green Cords will be working on techniques for receiving the opponent and inviting them into error, Blue Cords will be adopting the refused rapier posture, Red Cords are working on the use of two swords with rapiers and sideswords, and our Longsword Focus is on Intention and Precision. Lets get down to it.

Longsword Focus

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This month we will be exploring how to wield our longsword with correct biomechanics to ensure that the weapon moves fluidly and with power. In this class we look at how to strike with a fendente in a way that protects the body while delivery a firm and effective attack.

Green Cord (Level 1)

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At the beginning of our months on approaching and receiving we like to get back to the basics of distance and movement. In this week's classes we first look at the various distances or "measures" we want to consider when getting closer to an opponent and what our thinking should be at each one. In our second class we revisit the fundamental mechanics of movement and attacking.

Blue Cord (Level 2)

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Fencing with the offside leading or lead-side "refused" can be an excellent way to remove the weapon from your opponent's control, maximize your striking measure, and bring your offside defence or weapon to bear. In this first week on the subject we wil explore the mechanics of attacking from offside leading postures.

Red Cord (Level 3)

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In this first week of working with two swords we will explore use of both the long rapier and the shorter arming sword. The most important part of learning to weild two weapons simultaneously is how to coordinate them so they don't conflict with one another and instead work to support one another. In our first class we look at thrusting transitions with the rapier, and in the second, cutting transitions with the arming sword.

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.