Remote learning program

Ilkka Hartikainen -

Some time ago I asked on Facebook whether there might be interest in a remote training program, consisting of video and written training material, lesson plans and video assessments and personalized content. There was a lot of interest, so I decided to give it a go. Here is an update of how setting it up is progressing.

I have decided to start with the basics (makes sense, right?) and create material for learning the very fundamentals of Bolognese swordsmanship. This is useful for every student, regardless of how much or little experience they have, or whether they are working with a club, with friends or alone.

The lessons for the fundamentals-package are being created now. There will be six lessons (in the spirit of dall’Agocchie, though different) and an updated glossary to help learn the terminology. The lessons will be

  • Guards
  • Footwork
  • Cuts
  • Thrusts
  • Defenses
  • Tempo

In addition, there will be a brief overview of the Bolognese tradition, its weapons and history. Each lesson is a combination of videos, written material and anything that might make learning easier. The lessons will be comprehensive, but never really complete — instead I will be adding more material and improving the previous ones as time goes by. This way you will not only get one set of materials, but an ongoing look at the development of the art.

There will be multiple options for purchasing the content. You will be able to simply purchase access to the materials, but you will get more out of them if you also go for a remote training plan. These plans will include an initial video assessment and feedback, personalized training plans and content (video lessons tailored to your needs) and additional ways of communicating throughout your progress.

You can even add a private lesson to the package, if you are able to come to Helsinki or agree to meet with me in an event I’m attending or a workshop I am running.

After the fundamentals module, there will be instruction on the forms (which are perfect for remote study, but require knowledge of the fundamentals), on teaching (for those who are or want to start running a club training in the Bolognese style) and eventually on more techniques (including material specific to a master and sidearms and other weapons).

So please bear with me as we build the material for you and keep checking back for updates!