It's week two! At Academie Duello we are working on defeating posta finestra through engagement in longsword focus. In Green Cord we're using the cut to gain control of the opponent's rapier. In Blue Cord we are provoking the opponent through well placed attacks with the sidesword. At Red Cord we are working on striking in various tempos with the quarterstaff. It's going to be an intense and interesting week!

Longsword Focus

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This week in longsword focus we look at how to defend against the thrust both through exchanging and breaking, and then we review how to use Finestra in various combative contexts.

Green Cord (Level 1)

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Now that we've explored the fundamental defences and attacks of the Quarterstaff it's time to look at how to use it's essential actions to strike the opponent in various tempos. This week we explore all four tempos and how to create opportunities in each of them.

Blue Cord (Level 2)

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Often the best opening move is an attack. A well placed attack must be challenging to defend against, constrain the opponent in a significant fashion, and make their next action predictable. This week we will explore various types of opening attacks and the strategy you can employ to choose the best openers of your own.

Red Cord (Level 3)

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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.