The North Downs Musketeer Academy is one of the aspects of Ottawa Classical Swordplay. It is a group dedicated to historical recreation of the dueling culture of England prior to the English Civil War.
From it's own perspective:
The North Downs Musketeer Academy is part of a loose association of Schools of Defence known as the The Company of Cavalier Gentlemen. The Membership is exclusive to those of the gentle classes as our schools are training grounds for those Gentlemen who may seek commissions in regiments of foot such as musket and pike or regiments of the horse such as dragoon or cuirassier. Many of our members have become Officers of note in the Trayned Band known as Brock's Badgers.
In many ways the Company may be seen as a crucible where we may be purfied of our baser and less worthy qualities. The onus is upon the student of the Company to forever prove their eligibility for instruction. It is only when we become complacent in such matters that we begin to slide into error.
Members of the Company will receive instruction in proper and effective use of the Rapier, the weapon of a Gentleman. The rapier is used to demonstrate a person's rank as well as to settle disagreements between Gentlemen that are not otherwise solvable. In the words of our Founder, M. Jean Louis "A Gentleman who is not competent with this weapon is a Gentleman who is unprepared to meet the rigorous demands of honour." Moreover, The Gentlemen of the Company will also receive instruction in the arts of war, necessary for those hoping to take their place as an officer.
In addition, our Academy also ensures that Gentleman know how to conduct themselves in all social situations. Knowing the importance of a Gentleman's honour, we pay particular attention in insuring that Gentlemen know how to conduct themselves in a duel so that both their own and the Company's honour is maintained.
