As the Filipino martial arts are weapons-based, maelstrøm takes an interest in all the various styles that incorporate weapons. Most martial arts have some type of weapons content, often taught at more advanced levels – but kali tends to focus on weapons first and foremost. It is always beneficial to cross-train in other arts, and there are many, many styles and systems that exist out there. In fact, most of our instructors, have trained in other styles and for some reason or another, fell in love with kali in particular. But maelstrøm is at its core a non-profit martial arts club that loves the Vancouver community. In that spirit, Around the GVRD takes a look at some clubs in and around the Metro Vancouver area that would be worthwhile to check out.
There is a rich weapons tradition in the Western martial arts (think broadswords a la knights of the Round Table). In Vancouver, Academie Duello offers stellar classes in a range of Western martial styles as well as hosting the incredibly exciting Vancouver International Swordplay Symposium (VISS).
Academie Duello is the largest school for European Swordplay in North America, and that distinction can be seen through the variety of styles and weapons (staffs, longsword, shield, rapier, archery, etc) offered at the club, as well as its first class facility in downtown Vancouver. While Filipino weapons focus primarily on hacking and slashing, the differences in weapon design means that the Western blade arts, particularly Renaissance rapier, have developed unmatched thrusting technique and tactic.
Academie Duello researches historical sources and works to interpret them using experimentation and practice. Beyond its primary focus on Italian swordplay, the school also offers classes for unarmed combat, bartitsu (of Sherlock Holmes fame), mounted combat, archery and stage combat. Their goal to revive the rich martial traditions of Medieval, Renaissance and Early Modern Europe makes them unique among the clubs around Vancouver.
Maestro Devon teaching a seminar at maelstrøm
Some weapons Devon brought to showcase
In the words of maelstrøm’s head instructor, Academie Duello is simply an outstanding school. The school director and co-founder, Maestro Devon Boorman, has been to maelstrøm to teach a seminar, bringing a range of impressive range of Western martial skills and weaponry to showcase and train with. Devon is no stranger to the Filipino martial arts either – he is an capable contact stick fighter, ready to hold his own with Dog Brothers should he choose it.
His extensive experience and knowledge in European martial arts always impresses, as well as his charming and accessible demeanor. And the sheer thrill of the broadsword never fails to capture the imagination, even of long-time weapons students. Under Devon’s direction, the downtown Academie Duello facility includes an arms-and-armour store and a steadily expanding museum open to the public. It is a must-see location well worth dropping by.
Every two years, Academie Duello also hosts the Vancouver International Swordplay Symposium. The three-day symposium is an exciting blend of workshops on Western martial arts, the ways it appears in novels (panels by Neal Stephenson and other fiction writers), and in films (seminars by stunt coordinators and actors). Many special guests are featured who are swordplay enthusiasts in one way or another; for example, 2013 had Italian stick fighter, Marco Quarta. With rave reviews from attendees, the VISS is inspiring if only for the way it brings together the various Western Martial Arts , giving a glimpse into research, pop culture, fight tournaments and much more. If you’re sad you missed it this year – watch for it in 2015!
Academie Duello earns maelstrøm’s heartfelt endorsement. No matter your background or interests, be sure to drop by and try out a class or two.