Sunday, September 24th - 12pm to 6pm
Academie Duello - Vancouver, BC

Cost: $80CDN / $70US

The system of quarterstaff represents a simple, powerful, and effective form. Historically mastery of the quarterstaff was highly regarded for self-defense and was one of the top challenges for the London Masters of Defense.

In this half-day workshop you will learn

• Movement and posture with the staff at the half and quarter
• Attack and defense with the edge and point
• Techniques of staff, spear, and poleweapon

You will develop

• Speed and dexterity with any pole weapon
• Effective techniques for self-defense and competition
• A connection with history and european martial arts.

You will explore three distinct philosophies on the use of the staff:

McCarthy (19th century)
Popularized in movies like Robin Hood, the system of holding the staff in the middle was developed originally for sport in youth organizations, such as the boy scouts, where it was considered to be safer and less vulgar than boxing. The system of Thomas A McCarthy, published in 1883, is an excellent way to gain familiarity with the staff and its potential for movement. Students will learn the quick and deft play of this sporting art.

Swetnam and Silver (17th century)
In his 1599 treatise, George Silver stated that the staff was "most commonly the best weapon of all others", with it's advantages of reach, nimbleness, and swiftness of thrust and blow.

Through the techniques of Silver and Joseph Swetnam (published 1617) you will learn the superiority of the thrust supported by the edge blow, when the staff is held at its endmost quarter.

Fiore (15th century)
In his treatise the "Flower of Battle" Fiore dei Liberi lays down a complete system of combat that includes grappling, wrestling, swordwork, and work with polearms. In our workshop's final segment you will learn how this his system incorporates the spear, pike, halberd, partisan, and staff in an effective and simple method of battlefield and personal defense.

The workshop is open to the expert and novice alike. Come prepared for a thorough mental and physical workout.

Location: Academie Duello (422 Richards St, Second Floor, Vancouver BC)
Equipment Requirements: 8 - 12 foot dowel, 1 - 1 & 1/2 inch diameter. (some staffs are available at the school, call for details)

Sign-Up: By phone @ 778-889-7649 (space is limited)