“That idea of swords and swordplay, musketeers, knights – these images are still really strong in our cultural history,” says Devon, owner of Academie Duello, “and people are very excited about being able to connect to those stories in a real way.”
Academie Duello focuses on European martial arts, teaching swordplay, archery, mounted combat and other skills rooted in medieval European warfare. It’s a way to step back in time, but more importantly, Devon says, it’s a fantastic way to learn a new skill and live an active lifestyle.
“It’s not just a place to go and pretend to be in history, we’re not re-enactors,” Devon explains, “we’re a modern martial arts school where people connect with the swords and swordplay through training, exercise and discipline.” The addition of swords certainly makes for a more exciting workout, but the focus is always on fitness and the mastery of a new talent.
The people who come to Academie Duello are just regular folk looking for an interesting way to get in shape and be fit. And defending yourself against an armed attacker is certainly one way to achieve that.
