Musings for Modern Martial Artists
Path of the Sword is devoted to helping fellow travellers on their journey of mastery in European martial arts. These resources seek to offer guidance on meeting the barriers and opportunities that come up in this journey, and to help others find their own footing on this rewarding and challenging path.
I’ve just returned from Nanjing, China, where I had the pleasure of teaching a two-part seminar over the weekend. The first day took place at the Nanjing Wall Museum, and the second at Nanjing Axon Martial Arts. What made the experience especially meaningful was not only the quality of the hosting, but the quality of…
Devon Boorman ·
After an excellent final week in Taiwan, teaching workshops across Taipei and Taizhong and spending time with the growing Duello community, I returned home just in time to celebrate another major milestone: our very first Scholar (Blue Cord) exam in China. Plus, this week marked the launch of our new live online series on Sword…
Devon Boorman ·
It’s been an inspiring week here in Taiwan from presenting at the Chimei Museum to teaching in Kaohsiung, and now preparing for another full weekend of workshops in Taipei and Taizhong. Meanwhile, back home in Vancouver, our community is getting ready to “Beat the Crap Out of Cancer” in support of the BC Cancer Foundation.…
Devon Boorman ·
I’ve just wrapped a 50-hour Level 1 Instructor Intensive with five outstanding candidates in Vancouver, and I’m about to head to the island of Taiwan for museum lectures, a collection tour, public workshops, and a few private-lesson slots. Read on for details, plus news about VISS 2026. Level 1 Instructor Intensive — Coaching for Control…
Devon Boorman ·
Students often ask: what’s the difference between strategy and tactics in fencing? It’s an excellent question—and one that sits at the heart of martial development. We often use these words interchangeably, but they describe distinct levels of decision-making that influence how we train and fight. Strategy: The Big Picture Strategy is about how you approach…
Devon Boorman ·
Last week I had the pleasure of teaching at Queen’s University’s Training the Heart conference, a rare chance to dive into historical fencing with professors of English, medieval studies, and linguistics with a focus on Shakespeare, his works, and his world. My workshop brought ~30 participants (most brand new to swords) through fencing actions from…
Devon Boorman ·
This past week I had the pleasure of teaching a two-day workshop at Signum Corvus in Mississauga, Ontario. Led by the passionate and principled Nick Bauer, this school blends reverence for tradition with a living, evolving martial spirit. It was a joy to teach such an engaged and capable group of students both from Signum…
Devon Boorman ·
Yes, they're free! Enter your name and email address to receive our emails packed full of great martial arts training articles, video lessons, drills, practice advice, new offerings, and much more.
Duello Armizare online learning: hundreds of free and paid lessons.
The system, its schools and instructor certification.
The international centre for swordplay in Vancouver.
A six-week at-home intensive in the Italian longsword.
