Instructor Training Intensive

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Greetings everyone. This Sunday we’ll be opening up registration for our February 15–19 instructor intensive in Vancouver. I’m really excited about this event. It’s the second one of its kind and the last one went incredibly well.

I know that many of you are interested in opportunities to train at a high level in Rapier and Longsword and that being a professional instructor is a dream shared by more than just me and those who already teach at Academie Duello. To that end I wanted to make sure to send information to all of you in advance of registration opening this Sunday (November 15 at 10:00 am). The last event filled in only two days!

About the Intensive

The intensive combines a week of training in Academie Duello’s martial system with the rapier and longsword as well as a teaching and learning methodology track. Our teaching approach has been developed over the last 11 years and has been tested and refined through exposure to literally thousands of students.

During the week we’ll give you:

• 50-hours of technical and pedagogical instruction in the rapier and longsword (as well as surrounding disciplines).
• The foundation for becoming a teacher of our first two martial levels.
• Instruction in teaching and learning best practices.
• An opportunity to test and certify in our first martial and instructor levels.
• Enrolment in the eight-month follow-up distance education course that includes:
  • Weekly training plans, curriculum, and study guidance for you and your group.
  • Supporting video content for at-home learning.
  • Video assessments by Academie Duello instructors to prepare you for Level 2 examination.
  • Monthly online meetings with Academie Duello instructors to help guide your personal and group’s development.

Flexible Payment Options

If you’re excited about doing a program like this but are not sure that you could afford it, we offer payment plans, a discount meal plan, and billeting options in Vancouver. If you’re passionate about becoming an instructor and high level practitioner we want to help make it possible. Don’t hesitate to be in touch.

Register Early

Registration is going to open up on Sunday, November 15 at 10:00 am. Space will fill up quick so be sure to mark your calendar and visit our information page to learn more. Please ask questions and share comments about this course. Also please pass this along to anyone you know who may be interested! I’ll have more to share in a few days.

Devon Boorman
Director, Academie Duello Centre for Swordplay
Vancouver, BC

Registration for the February Academie Duello Instructor Intensive is now open. I’m already looking forward to spending 50-hours teaching rapier, longsword, and methodology to another great cohort of 12 aspiring instructors.

A few people asked how useful the course would be for those who simply want to deepen their own practice, and not necessarily teach. First, it’s a whole week with a sword in your hand aimed at making you better. Second, the instructor skills you will learn, such as, optimizing physical practice, maximizing skill retention, and building programs to take skills from drill to combat, are useful to teachers and non-teachers alike.

Also, if you need help with billeting or optimizing travel expense, don’t hesitate to contact us. Learn more and register now.

Here’s an account from Jenny Snyder about her experience at our last intensive:

Little more than a week ago, Justin and I had our most amazing HEMA experience yet. We were in Vancouver attending Academie Duello’s first instructor training program. Having met Devon Boorman before and even taking some of his classes at WMAW, we knew we were in for something special.

Devon and Clint Fernandes are exceptional instructors; their years of experience, thorough knowledge of the subject, and love for what they are doing was evident at every step. The level of organization and integration of key concepts to facilitate comprehension and retention was through the roof. We have attended many workshops where you learn a bunch of cool stuff, but it’s just impossible to retain much of it. This program was clearly researched, organized, and presented to limit that problem. At every turn, we were (and continue to be) impressed.

I would not hesitate to recommend this program. If you are looking to understand fundamentals, want to learn to instruct (or be a better instructor), and gain a foundation in methodology, this is the program for you. Bring your pencil and paper for note taking, and your most comfortable sneakers; no joke you will be on your feet, sword in hand, for six to eight hours a day! At the end of the week the irreplaceable experience you walk away with is worth every drop of blood, sweat, or tears, and more precious than a dollar sign can denote. Not to mention the much anticipated eight months of correspondence and mentoring culminating in another exciting week of instruction, all included in this program!

I feel that we gained two incredible mentors, a group of excellent training partners and friends, and a home away from home, all in one trip. Now we begin the eight month correspondence, a journey I am greatly looking forward to. Thank you Academie Duello, I would do this again in a heartbeat.

Looking forward to seeing many of you in February! Register now.