It's a fairly common image from the Middle Ages and from fairy
tales: an armoured knight on horseback, riding triumphantly into
battle wielding a sword. Today, of course, such a sight would
have shocked witnesses almost immediately—unless they're at
Academie Duello. A centre for European swordplay and Western
martial arts, Academie Duello has revived centuries-old scenes
similar to the one above. It teaches students ancient battle
techniques, but does not re-enact epic duels or the well-
documented silly-string wars that ensued when swords broke. The
5,000-square-foot facility extracts skills and weapon
information from authentic combat manuals and primary-source
texts. Its instructors turn that knowledge into an in-depth
curriculum, which today provides both adult and children's
programs. Most of those programs also help students stay fit, as
they replace weights and treadmills with longswords, shields,
and rapiers. To immerse themselves further into knighthood,
students can check out Academie Duello's museum