Video Lessons: Rapier Cutting Mechanics, Sidesword Provocations, Quarterstaff Postures, Longsword Tempo II

We have a quadruple threat this month: Rapier, Sidesword, Longsword, and Quarterstaff. Yes some of our most senior students at Academie Duello in Vancouver are having their minds overloaded as they move through a day of classes -- now it's your turn at home to enjoy the same overwhelming sensation.

Green Cord (Level 1)

http://duello.tv/featured-videos/this-week-in-class/

Though the rapier functions best as a thrusting weapon it can be an effective cutting as well when wielded with sufficient force and the proper mechanic. This month we focus on the mechanics of cutting and the right contexts in which to employ the cut.

Blue Cord (Level 2)

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This month we focus on the opportunities to attack with the sidesword and the various methods that can be used to create those opportunities. These 7 "provocations" force the opponent to move, invite them to attack, or prompt them to defend all in a manner that leaves them open to our plans. This week we start with the opportunities and provocations based around moving into range and change guard when in measure.

Red Cord (Level 3)

http://duello.tv/featured-videos/this-week-in-class/

The Quarterstaff: A long section of wood, sometimes capped at one or both ends with a metal point, is one of the simplest and most effective weapons in the European arsenal. This month we focus on the use of the longstaff (a 9 to 12 foot staff) and its fundamentals. We start this week with the high and low positions of the staff along with their basic defences and counters.

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.