Finally, a martial arts program that's actually teaching real skills, not just running around with foam swords. The instructors are fantastic with kids and the curriculum is legit.— James K. (Parent of two students)
Knight Academie
A real martial arts journey for ages 8-14. The same five-rank mastery path as our adult program—adapted for young warriors.
Ages
8-14 years
Schedule
Sundays
Class Length
60 minutes
Location
Downtown Vancouver
Since
2006
Knight Academie isn't just sword-swinging fun (though there's plenty of that).
It's a structured martial arts program where kids progress through the same ranks as our adult students. Each Sunday, they learn real techniques, build physical skills through exercises and games, and develop the focus and discipline that martial arts training provides.
Award-winning youth programs — Georgia Straight Best of Vancouver
Choose Your Path
Two martial arts disciplines, one amazing Sunday
🏹
Archery
Sundays, 10:00am
60 minutes
$99
/month
Traditional archery fundamentals. Learn proper stance, draw, aim, and release. Build focus, patience, and precision with recurve and longbow.
Stance and posture
Draw and anchor
Aiming techniques
Safety and range etiquette
⚔️
Longsword
Sundays, 11:00am
60 minutes
$99
/month
Medieval swordsmanship from the Italian tradition. Learn footwork, guards, cuts, and thrusts. Build coordination, confidence, and physical fitness.
Footwork and stance
The four guards
Cutting and thrusting
Partner drills and games
Take one class or both! Many students do Archery at 10am and Longsword at 11am.
First Sunday of Each Month
Try Your First Class Free
See if Knight Academie is right for your child. Free trial classes are held the first Sunday of each month. Fill out the form below and we'll confirm your spot.
Request Received!
We'll email you within 1-2 business days to confirm your child's free trial class.
Something went wrong. Please try again or email us at info@academieduello.com
The Path to Mastery
The same five-rank system as our adult program
1
Apprentice
Learn the fundamentals
2
Scholar
Develop your skills
3
Free Scholar
Demonstrate proficiency
4
Provost
Excel and assist
5
Master
Complete command
1
Apprentice
Learn the fundamentals
2
Scholar
Develop your skills
3
Free Scholar
Demonstrate proficiency
4
Provost
Excel and assist
5
Master
Complete command
Students advance at their own pace through testing and demonstration. Ranks earned in Knight Academie carry over to our adult program—many of our instructors started here as kids.
What They'll Learn
A complete martial arts curriculum
Martial Fundamentals
- Proper stance and posture
- Footwork patterns
- Weapon handling
- Safety protocols
Technical Skills
- Attack techniques
- Defensive actions
- Distance and timing
- Partner exercises
Games & Challenges
- Skill-building games
- Friendly competitions
- Team exercises
- Achievement challenges
Character Development
- Focus and discipline
- Respect and courtesy
- Perseverance
- The knightly virtues
Why Parents Choose Knight Academie
We're not just another after-school activity. We're part of the world's largest Historical European Martial Arts school.
2006
Teaching Youth Since
1000+
Kids Trained
5★
Parent Rating
20+
Years Experience
Real Martial Art
Not theatrical swordplay or padded sport fencing—we teach the real historical techniques from medieval and Renaissance masters.
Expert Instructors
Our youth instructors are trained martial artists with experience teaching children. Many started as Knight Academie students themselves.
Clear Progression
The five-rank mastery system gives kids concrete goals to work toward. They earn their ranks through demonstrated skill, not just attendance.
Character Building
Beyond physical skills, we emphasize the knightly virtues: honor, courage, courtesy, and compassion. Every class reinforces these values.
What Parents Say
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Common Questions
Knight Academie is designed for children ages 8-14. Younger children (5-7) may be considered on a case-by-case basis if they can follow instruction and focus for an hour-long class.
Absolutely! Many students take both Archery (10am) and Longsword (11am) back-to-back. This gives them a broader martial arts foundation and double the training time each week.
Students progress through the same five ranks as our adult program: Apprentice, Scholar, Free Scholar, Provost, and Master. Advancement is based on demonstrated skill, knowledge, and character—not just time spent. Students test when they're ready, and ranks carry over if they join the adult program.
Comfortable athletic clothing that allows movement. Closed-toe athletic shoes (not sandals or boots). We provide all training equipment including practice swords, bows, and safety gear.
Life happens! Classes are ongoing, so missing one Sunday doesn't mean falling behind. Students pick up where they left off. For extended absences, we can discuss options to help them stay on track.
Safety is our top priority. We use age-appropriate training equipment, teach safety protocols from day one, and maintain strict supervision ratios. Our instructors are trained in both martial arts and youth education. We've been running youth programs since 2006 without serious injury.
Knight Academie teaches Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA)—the actual sword and archery techniques used in medieval and Renaissance Europe. It's a real martial art with historical depth, not a sport or theatrical activity. And we're part of the world's largest HEMA school.
Yes! Parents are welcome to observe classes from our viewing area. Many enjoy watching their child's progress. We also have Cafe Duello if you prefer to grab a coffee while you wait.
Start Their Journey
Book a free trial class and see if Knight Academie is right for your child. First Sunday of each month.