Blades of the East and West (Vancouver, BC) – Apr 5/6 2025
Blades of the East and West
The Journey of Wandering Dog
April 5/6, 2025 – Vancouver BC
A Two-Day Intensive Seminar with Guro Shawn Zirger
Martial artists and swordplay enthusiasts, don’t miss this rare opportunity to train with Shawn “Wandering Dog” Zirger of Zirger Academy of Martial Arts (ZAMA) at Academie Duello in Vancouver.
This special event on Kalis Ilustrisimo will explore Southeast Asian Swordsmanship while drawing connections to European fencing traditions. Whether you practice Southeast Asian martial arts, Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA), or simply love the study of swords, this seminar offers a deep dive into the combative principles, techniques, and cultural history of these living traditions.
What You’ll Learn:
🔹Kalis Ilustrisimo – A Filipino blade art known for its efficiency and adaptability. Influenced by Spanish and Italian swordplay, Kalis Ilustrisimo retains elements of historical European fencing while maintaining its uniquely Southeast Asian approach to combat.
🔹References to Traditional Indonesian Blade Arts – reference will be made to the Beledah Belabang and Mandau blade systems of the Banjar and Dayak people of Borneo that have nearly 1,200 years of recorded history. These traditional arts offer fascinating perspectives on sword combat that is still actively practiced today, and connections to the history of Filipino blades.
🔹European Connections – Southeast Asian martial arts evolved independently but absorbed techniques from Spanish and Italian swordsmen through trade and conflict. This seminar highlights the intersections of these traditions, revealing a hidden layer of European influence in Filipino blade techniques.
Who Should Attend?
This seminar is open to all martial artists and weapons practitioners, including those with backgrounds in Filipino Martial Arts (FMA), Silat, HEMA, and other sword-based combat systems. Whether you’re interested in sparring, self-defense applications, or historical study, this seminar will expand your knowledge and sharpen your skills.
Participants are encouraged to bring training weapons (swords, sticks, or blades) and protective gear (fencing masks, gloves, arm protection, etc.). However, accommodations will be made for those without equipment.
Meet Your Instructor
Guro Shawn Zirger is a highly respected instructor in Southeast Asian martial arts and a full Dog Brother fighter. With years of experience training across multiple disciplines, Shawn has built a reputation for his deep knowledge of blade combat and his hands-on, no-nonsense approach to teaching.
Having previously taught in Vancouver, Shawn is returning for this special two-day seminar on his way back from an international teaching tour in Australia and Japan.
Event Details:
📍Location: Academie Duello, Vancouver, BC (412 West Hasting Street, Vancouver)
📅Dates & Times:
April 5, 2025 – 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
April 6, 2025 – 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM (1-hour lunch break)
Fee Structure:
🔹1-Day Seminar: $100
🔹2-Day Seminar: $180
🔹Academie Duello Members may use 2 credits for a $50 discount on Sunday’s session.
🎟 Open to all experience levels!
Join us for an unparalleled deep dive into the blade arts of East and West.
To register, please click on the link or button above.