Vancouver International Swordplay Symposium

Thank you to everyone who joined us for VISS 2026 and helped make this year’s Vancouver International Swordplay Symposium such a meaningful, memorable weekend.

It was a pleasure to gather with so many passionate practitioners, instructors, and students for days of learning, exchange, and exploration. Your energy and engagement are what make this event so special.

Thank you again for being part of VISS 2026 and for contributing to the ongoing growth of our shared martial arts community.

To end VISS off with a bang (or rather a *swish*), we’re excited to announce that we’re having a Cutting Party this Sunday night at 7:30 PM!

All VISS participants are welcome.
cost is just $15 for a mat to cut — a sharp sword will be provided.

It’s not too late to get tickets! Grab a Weekend Pass or Audit Pass at vancouverswordplay.com

Come test your edge and finish the event in style! 🗡️

⚔️☕ Cafe Duello x Vancouver International Swordplay Symposium ☕⚔️

We’re excited to welcome all fencers, attendees, and friends to Cafe Duello during the Vancouver International Swordplay Symposium!

To keep you fuelled for early bouts and late-night debates, we’re extending our cafe hours:

🗓 Friday, March 6
⏰ 7:30 AM – 9:00 PM

🗓 Saturday, March 7
⏰ 8:15 AM – 11:15 PM

🗓 Sunday, March 8
⏰ 8:15 AM – 9:15 PM

Start your morning with a perfectly pulled espresso, a light meal or a sweet treat, recharge between sessions, or wind down with us after a full day of swordplay.

See you there! ☕✨

We’re thrilled to welcome Michael Heveran back to VISS this year for another round of engaging lectures!

If you haven’t registered and would like to, It’s not too late! Register, view the full schedule, and in-depth intensive and workshop descriptions at www.vancouverswordplay.com/schedule/.

Blade traditions converge, adapt, and endure. In this three-part elective series, Shawn Zirger explores Filipino and Indonesian sword systems alongside their surprising connections to European fencing and the far-reaching influence of the Ottoman Empire. Across three 90-minute sessions, participants will examine the principles, tactics, and cultural history behind arts such as Kalis Ilustrisimo, Beledah Belabang, and Mandau, each session complete on its own yet richer as a full series.

VISS 2026 • March 6–8
Learn more about this workshop, its instructor, and others at vancouverswordplay.com.

Not able to make it to VISS, but still want to join in on the fun? Make sure to attend the VISS Gala on Saturday, March 7th for an unforgettable evening! Here's what’s in store:

🤺 Swordplay and martial art demonstrations
🪓 Axe-throwing
🏹 Archery
💃 Dancing
🎲 Board games
🍷 Snacks & Drink
🎉 Merriment!

Dress your best and bring your friends for an amazing night of game and camaraderie! Tickets are $25 at the door, and free if you're a VISS attendee!

🕢 Time: 7:30 - 11:00pm

Don't miss out on this epic celebration! See you there! 🎉

If you haven’t registered for VISS and would like to, it's not too late! Register, view the full schedule, and in-depth intensive and workshop descriptions at www.vancouverswordplay.com/schedule/.

German sabre fencing is structured, disciplined, and deceptively swift. In this 90-minute workshop, Braun McAsh presents the distinctive methods and tactics of 19th-century German sabre traditions, drawing from military and civilian systems as well as period masters such as Seidler, Eiselen, and Roux.

VISS 2026 • March 6–8
Learn more about this workshop, its instructor, and others at vancouverswordplay.com.

VISS 2026 is just ONE WEEK away!

There’s still time to join us for a full weekend of focused, hands-on historical swordplay training. Build your experience with two 9-hour intensives led by world-class instructors, and round out your weekend with additional workshops, lectures, panels, and evening events—including our Gala on Saturday night.

Spots are limited, but it’s not too late to register and be part of an unforgettable weekend of training, learning, and community.

Explore the full event schedule, instructors, and registration details at vancouverswordplay.com.

This intensive draws from Academie de l'Espée by Gérard Thibault d'Anvers, plus broader Destreza sources for context.

Thibault’s work goes beyond techniques, teaching not just how to fight but how to think about fencing through structure, perception, and theory. The result? Sharper tactics, clearer decision-making, and practical skills that hold up under pressure.

Join us March 6-8 for VISS.
Space in intensives is limited, so reserve your spot early at vancouverswordplay.com