Frequently Asked Questions

When is VISS?
VISS 2024 will be held May 24-26, 2024.

How do I get there?
VISS 2024 is located at Academie Duello (412 W Hastings St); it is a very short walk away from Waterfront station which is the hub of public transport in Vancouver – Canada Line from the airport, Expo or Millenium lines, Seabus from North Vancouver as well as multiple busses). 

Do I need a car?
No! However, there is limited street parking and multiple parking garages nearby.

What’s the difference between an “intensive series” and just a workshop?
The ‘intensive series’ are long courses split over the three days of the symposium. Three intensive series run concurrently in the morning and three in the afternoon. Jumping in and out of the intensive tracks is really not recommended, however this may be a feasible option for extremely advanced students. We also have stand-alone workshops for smaller topics which can be covered in a single 90 minute session.

What equipment do I need to bring?
We have a standard list of armour requirements on the VISS Sparring Equipment Requirements page. This is required if you intend to do full speed sparring. Specific requirements for each workshop are listed with their descriptions on the Schedule page.

Workshops will not provide weapons unless otherwise specified. Protective equipment such as masks and gorgets will NOT be provided in any workshop. You must organize to borrow these items, purchase them from us, or borrow them from a friend if you are not bringing your own. We will have some loaner equipment available so that everyone can participate. Loaner equipment is for practice and class; it is not to be used for sparring. There will be some staffs/sticks/pole arms and daggers available for the classes that require those. There will be a limited number of side swords, long swords, masks, and gorgets available; please email nicky@academieduello.com if you plan to borrow a sword, mask, and/or gorget as quantities are limited.