Academie Duello offers a very creative repertoire of martial arts courses, particularly in the ways of European swordplay and historical styles of fencing, and knightly arts. This summer I enjoyed seeing my nephew, Cassius Page, in action at the summer Knight Camp, a program for youths to learn the fundamentals of the ways of medieval chivalry, with experience in combat with sword and shield. During the five day program, the students learn a wide array of skills, and learned the traditions of strategy and tactics, the core of techniques common to knights, such as was required at medieval games.





The skills of medieval fair play and sword combat might not seem, at first glance, to be very applicable in today’s world. But you may just consider otherwise when learning the ‘Ten Knightly Virtues’ at the core of the program. These virtues are applicable to all the martial arts, indeed to everyday life.

Knightly Virtues:

Obedience, Nobility, Mercy, Justice, Integrity, Valor, Charity, Faith, Courage, Humility.

Its a tall order to learn all the knightly virtues in a few days. We would get to see the result of the hard work on graduation day. The graduation day was a presentation for all friends, family, and commoner alike to witness the advancements of the young knights in demonstration combat, archery, and chivalry.

The contest for best knight of the tournament involved special challenges, with using sword, shield and longstaff, as well as archery. Wins in combat are scored by hitting legal areas of the body. As soon as a hit is made, the duel stops, and the combatant is asked if the hit was a good one. Did they deliver a good hit, or was it a fluke? Winning by a fluke it seems is not very honourable, and in such cases, the combatants reset and the match continues. The lesson in this program is to win honourably and justly, and there is no point in winning at any cost. At the end, the students receive knightings and honours in recognition of their efforts.