Duelling in NEWT DADA

[insaneone]

I´m wondering, since in their 6th year Harry and the rest will be shown more illegal curses and such, will they also get dueling classes? They need to learn how to duel somewhere.

And I remember McGonagall saying in PoA that Peter Pettigrew was always hopeless at dueling so there must have been somesort of class.

Wouldn´t it be cool if the 6th and 7th years got dueling as a class, I can easily see Harry as the best of his year then.

[Hazelnutt1230]

I think a dueling class/club would be awesome. And since it is DADA, Harry would of course be the top student. Its sort of like the DA, except gone public. But I don't think that there will be illegal curses going on.

[Haeton]

Of course an interesting point to this would be the mention by Percy that there is an international ban on dueling.

Haeton

[insaneone]

I didn´t mean they learn to use illegal curses, but how to recognise them.

The imposter Moody in GoF said that he wasn´t allowed to show them these curses until their 6th year. But he did teach them about AK and such.

So since they´ll be in their 6th year they´ll learn more ABOUT them, not how to use them. :)

[insaneone]

Of course an interesting point to this would be the mention by Percy that there is an international ban on dueling.

Haeton

OUCH! :blush:

is there? could you please give me the part were it states that?

But how come Lupin and Mad Eye and the rest were not arrested after the battle in the MoM?
And I guess there have been a lot more duels in the first war. Weren´t they illegal then too?

[RedCape]

Lupin, Mad Eye and the rest were capturing escaped convicts and their accomplices.

I think the part about Percy and the international ban was a joke. If not, then yes, let us know where it states that!

[Newt]

You heard Ali Bashir was caught smuggling a consignment of flying carpets into the country? And then we've been trying to persuade the Transylvanians to the sign the International Ban on Dueling. I've got a meeting with their Head of Magical Cooperation in the new year -" -- Percy

From the GoF, page 425.

[Magi]

I think the ban on duelling is for sports duelling, not self-defence duelling. I guess like some other wizard competitions (Triwizard anyone?), the death toll may have something to do with it.

Since DADA focuses on self-defence, duelling should be alright.

Also, Voldemort asked Harry if he'd been taught how to duel. "You have been taught how to duel, Harry Potter?" (GoF). So it's probably in the curriculum.

[Hazelnutt1230]

sorry insaneone, i misunderstood!!

[Fairydust]

i hope there's a duelling class. it would make things even more intersting.

[Lestrange]

Well, if they were talking about persuading someone to sign the ban then it doesn't mean that the contract/treaty was actually signed. ..Oh, and Snape and Gilderoy dueled, along with all the other students who were in the 1 day Dueling Club in Chamber of Secrets, and none of them got arrested. Your theory is safe, then. :D

I think that Dumbledore's Army will be more official and considered a lot less rebellious now that Umbridge is gone, maybe they'll have a formal teacher this time who'll teach them proper dueling. With the 'Second War' that's started, I expect that it'll be some kind of requirement in Hogwarts/other schools to learn how to defend yourself.

[MalfoyIsMINE]

I think it would be totally awesome if there was a duleing club, Harry could show malfoy up and give him a litte taste of the Harry Potter magic!!! A dueling clubwould also give Neville a chance to show how much he has improved!

[Hazelnutt1230]

And Malfoy deserves it too. That would be so great. I think everyoen undersestimates Neville and the club will definitely give him a chance to prove himself. And now he will have an even better wand which will make him even better.

[Oo bUMbLE bEE oO]

Duelling would be interesting to learn for the other classes. It may become necessary for the foreseen future. Good idea insaneone! =)

[SeniorFishy]

Harry hardly learned any new DADA during his 5th year. He mainly refreshed on old ideas and brought a lot of people up to his level. I hope he gets some more experience and education in DADA, a good teacher and some dueling clubs would help a lot.

[Mad I]

I think that there will be dueling classes because of what the imposter Moody said in GoF.

[Mad I]

It could also be that dueling becomes part of DADA in Book 6, just another area of study. But, I would love it if there was some dueling in Book 6.

[Hammi]

OOO Deuling, that would be fun. DOes anyonw know if the older students attended Lockheart's dueling club? Maybe that will give us a hint

[Hazelnutt1230]

I think Lockharts dueling club was open to who ever wanted to come and learn.

[Auror Williamson]

A dueling Class in Harry's 6th year sounds interesting. I would imagine that Snape, being the former DE that he is, would most likely teach with with Flitwick, who is said to have been a master dueler while in school.

[Hermy121]

I think that a dueling class would be a very cool think to have. It is noe "out" that voldy is back so I think the kids should learn how to duel.

Heaton points out that Percy said that there is an international ban on dueling. But if the ban was .....overlooked....in the second book/movie so they could have the dueling club why couldnt it be overlooked now so the students could properly defend themselves. Other then being cool I think it would be important it have the dueling class.

Another thing.....I think they should show all students to duel.....somebody said it should be 6th and 7th years who duel but i think it should betaught to all the students. Its possible that a class is made for ALL 6th and 7th years but is then open to the younger students who want to learn how to duel.

[RavenclawsFinest]

I think a dueling class would probably be a certain class in the future of hogwarts. Afterall what good is it if your first duel, is outside of school in a real situation? :shrug:

[_BT_]

I´m wondering, since in their 6th year Harry and the rest will be shown more illegal curses and such, will they also get dueling classes? They need to learn how to duel somewhere.

And I remember McGonagall saying in PoA that Peter Pettigrew was always hopeless at dueling so there must have been somesort of class.

Wouldn´t it be cool if the 6th and 7th years got dueling as a class, I can easily see Harry as the best of his year then.

this does sound like a pretty cool idea. if not a seperate class, i think we'll see dueling somewhere in the next 2 books (maybe as a part of the defense against the dark arts classes or maybe another club thing)

if it does happen, i'm sure there'll be another inevitable harry/draco confrontation a la CoS.

[turbotriple_power]

Yeah, it would be really nice to have a real dueling class.
And i agree with BT, that it would probably come up in the next 2 books.

[Magi]

I have a hunch that duelling will be part of the curriculum in NEWT-DADA classes. Maybe 6th year, or 7th, but I think starting from 6th would be more likely.

I'm talking about self-defence duelling, of course, not sports duelling (which is banned, I believe).

In PoA, McGonagall makes references to duelling in the Three Broomsticks scene. She says: "...stupid boy.... foolish boy.... he was always hopeless at duelling. Should have left it to the ministry...", when referring to Pettigrew's supposed attempt to capture Sirius. Whether this refers to normal school boy duelling, or formal duelling lessons, is debatable. However, I think this is at least one evidence of duelling having been taught at Hogwarts.

In GoF, Voldemort says: "Have you been taught how to duel, Harry?", in the grave yard scene. So again, here is another indication that duelling is taught at Hogwarts.

In CoS, Lockhart attempts to run a "Duelling Club". Note he doesn't say "lesson", but a "club". Of course, this isn't definitive of there existing a formal duelling lesson as part of standard school curriculum, but it is an indication that the Duelling Club was a supplementary - or an introductory - training session for duelling, rather than in-depth formal instruction. The formal instruction of duelling would have taken place in normal lessons, as part of NEWT DADA.

So, what do others think? Will we see duelling as part of NEWT DADA in the 6th and 7th books? Who do you think will be the best duellists in Harry's year?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Good question. I suppose a good DADA would eventually have to include learning to block spells, right?

That said, Harry & Co. have already learned most of what they would learn in a dueling course through the D.A. "club" in their 5th year. Hogwarts probably should teach dueling, but from Rowling-as-author's viewpoint, official dueling would be a repeat of what was covered by the D.A.

Still, I'm sure as they prepare for NEWT's they'll be learning more about curses, jinxes, blocks, and so forth.

[Magi]

Hogwarts probably should teach dueling, but from Rowling-as-author's viewpoint, official dueling would be a repeat of what was covered by the D.A.
I don't really think so. The only thing the book mentions about the DA lessons, is that they practiced throwing spells at each other and blocking them. There would be more to duelling than just throwing spells, just as there is more to gunfighting than shooting straight.

Harry is good at applying a small set of spells in general situations. He isn't really good at thinking "outside the box"... at least not in the middle of fighting. Take Hermione's use of Silencio and Colloportus, for example; or Dumbledore's use of the statues, Voldemort's conjuring of a metallic shield, Bellatrix tipping the brain tank on Harry, etc.

Not to mention his dismal ignorance of tactics.

A DADA duelling course would probably cover things that are taught in real-life combat and self-defence schools:
- situational awareness
- mindset
- common methods of assault
- movement techniques
- use of cover and concealment
- team tactics
- legal issues
...etc. etc.

[EDIT]
I should clarify, what I meant by duelling isn't just one-on-one fighting. But rather, self-defence or combat, using magic.... so it's obviously much more involved than one-on-one biffing.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Hmm, good points. I agree that Hogwarts should have such a course, and that Harry should learn those things.

My thought is that because it's not a real school, Rowling has to move the story onwards, and I'm not sure that describing a course on dueling would move the story, per se. I could well be wrong though. :)

[Morgan LeFay]

I think they could teach duelling in Hogwarts in times of great danger. Propably when Marauders were in school they had duelling lessons because Voldemort was in his full power then.
Later, duelling club was made in CoS. But I don't see the way how could duelling help in fight with Basilisk.

[Doggy]

Well, they didn't know that the big monster was a basilisk. It could just as well have been the body of Slytherin, charmed to throw curses on everyone.

About dueling, they definately teach spells that could be helpful in duels. But if they actually get to experience the idea of the heat of an actual battle; not just one person using the tickling curse and the other one blocking; is another matter.

[chop]

I think they could teach duelling in Hogwarts in times of great danger. Propably when Marauders were in school they had duelling lessons because Voldemort was in his full power then.
Later, duelling club was made in CoS. But I don't see the way how could duelling help in fight with Basilisk.

I'm pretty sure the chances of getting involved in a fight with DE are far higher than the chances of finding a basilisk in a dark corner of London. I agree also with Doggy, Duelling Club was started by Lockhart well before they knew the monster was a basilisk and mostly due to his willingness to show up.

[SnapesHouseElf]

I agree that dueling has to be taught at Hogwarts as part of the curriculum; and hopefully Harry will exceed at it. Although maybe he'll be a bit too over-confident and neglect his guard! (Neville: "Sorry Harry I didn't mean to do that! Really!" :lol: )

[SnowyOwl]

[QUOTE=Magi]
Harry is good at applying a small set of spells in general situations. He isn't really good at thinking "outside the box"... at least not in the middle of fighting. Take Hermione's use of Silencio and Colloportus, for example; or Dumbledore's use of the statues, Voldemort's conjuring of a metallic shield, Bellatrix tipping the brain tank on Harry, etc.

Not to mention his dismal ignorance of tactics.QUOTE]

This, I think, is partially due to having bad DADA teachers. Another reason to have a competent teacher in book 6--and why I like the idea of a dueling club. Harry may have a smallish repertoire, but I like his application (wingardium leviosa on the brains, reducto on the prophecy shelves) and the way he stays fairly cool under pressure (planning strategy, taunting Bellatrix to throw her off her stride). This surely would fall under tactics, so perhaps he is not so dismally ignorant after all.

[*Maven*]

I think we will see alot this year because Harry should be in DADA teaching things in DA and getting private lessons from DD or Mcgonagal. I would especial like to see Harry improve his speed on spells and How to do spells without saying anything. I hope they learn some awesome moves because a big battle is brewing.

[thesnitch_and_you]

Mabey, as Snape suggests to Lockhart in CoS, they just learn to block unfriendly spells.
IMO, I do think that they would wait until 6 or 7 year to learn dueling, because it would require a higher control of wand skill and greater understanding of the spells.

[rotsiepots]

I really think this is an excellent proposal. :tu:

Even if duelling isn't a part of the curriculum, I can imagine Harry would be given some extra assistance considering his impending battle with Voldemort. Perhaps Professor Flitwick will offer him private tutoring, much like Snape and Occlumency?

I sincerely hope that Duelling is a part of the N.E.W.T. DADA. I'd love to see Professor Marchbanks giving Draco a good zapping. ;)

[Sherlock Holmes]

Are we sure there will be a big knock-down drag-out no-holds-barred fight with Lord Voldemort himself at the end? I know Harry is fated to defeat the Dark Lord (incidentally, I think people-who-are-fated-to-defeat-dark-lords is a really overused plot cliche, and I'm kind of disappointed in JKR over that), but do we know he'll defeat Voldemort in a battle? It would be like JKR to come up with some novel way.

Anyhow, back to topic, it is hard to imagine DADA without some countercurse practice. The DA from last year practiced mostly throwing curses, not blocking them. There's just the one deflection spell, whose name I can't remember. So clearly Harry and Co. need to learn more. I'm just wondering if JKR will want to do a DA part II, plot-wise. She seems to like to go in new directions in each new book.

[rotsiepots]

Well, it's all down to personal opinion, I suppose, but I'm almost entirely convinced that Harry and Voldemort will do battle again. I doubt they'll settle their grievances over a game of chess, or through telepathy or anything like that. ;)

Then again, this is for a different thread.

Back on topic, I wonder how duelling champions are determined? If duelling isn't taught then it's certainly a sport of sorts, so perhaps Harry will enrol in some more extracurricular activities?

[Prof.Aze]

If that happens, that would be super cool... Then we can actually see a very good duel and not taught by a lousy Gilderoy Lockhart... I liked your idea... It's very convincing... :D Keep it up.

[ginnybatbogeysyou]

I think they could teach duelling in Hogwarts in times of great danger. Propably when Marauders were in school they had duelling lessons because Voldemort was in his full power then.

I agree with your idea, but was Voldemort in his full power when the Marauders where at school? I always thought that was later.

[Magi]

Back on topic, I wonder how duelling champions are determined? If duelling isn't taught then it's certainly a sport of sorts, so perhaps Harry will enrol in some more extracurricular activities?
Duelling has been banned in most countries, I think. Whether this is sports duelling, or "wild west" duelling, is up for debate. Percy mentions it in GoF, when he's whining about a European country refusing to sign an agreement on banning duelling.

I think in the old days, they probably had duelling as some kind of gladitorial sport. Then it probably got watered down into a less brutal form.

Interesting idea on Harry joining extracurricular duelling. We haven't seen any proper duelling clubs or competitions though -- assuming Lockhart's duelling club was dissolved.

[Siriusly_Addicted]

I agree with your idea, but was Voldemort in his full power when the Marauders where at school? I always thought that was later.

I'm very hazy on the timeline, but I think Voldemort's rise to power would have happened when the Marauders were in school.

Voldemort started gathering followers about 25 years ago (based on Hagrid's statement to Harry in PS/SS) so that would have been about the time the Marauders started at Hogwarts.

I've always had the impression that James and Lily were in their very early 20s when Harry was born. That would put them in their late 30s now, which is about right because JKR said Snape (and thus the Marauders) was in his mid-30s a few years ago. That means their O.W.L.s were approximately 20 years ago. O.W.L.s are 5th year, so they started at Hogwarts about 25 years ago. Voldemort's original reign lasted about 10 years, so he would have been at his worst about 3-5 years after the Marauders left school.

That's obviously not exact, but the Marauders years at Hogwarts and Voldemort's initial rise to power should have been roughly parallel, give or take a year or two.

That's my unofficial, non-timelined assessment, anyway. :huh:

[phoenix_gurl]

Duelling has been banned in most countries, I think. Whether this is sports duelling, or "wild west" duelling, is up for debate. Percy mentions it in GoF, when he's whining about a European country refusing to sign an agreement on banning duelling.

I think in the old days, they probably had duelling as some kind of gladitorial sport. Then it probably got watered down into a less brutal form.

Interesting idea on Harry joining extracurricular duelling. We haven't seen any proper duelling clubs or competitions though -- assuming Lockhart's duelling club was dissolved.

May-be, but it wouldn't be the first time that Harry does something illegal. Dueling lessons could come in handy and Dumbledore might want Harry ta learn a few tricks, maybe even apparating before time. They may even continue the Da, even though Harru may or may not be in charched. Maybe they actually get a proper DADA teacher this year. Who knows.

[Magi]

Yes, a good DADA teacher is critical, especially now that Voldemort has reared his ugly face.

If Dumbledore can't get a teacher himself, I hope the Ministry will provide a good Auror or Hit Wizard for the job (minus the tyranny, of course).

[rotsiepots]

Percy did mention attempting to get the Transylvanians to sign the International Ban on Duelling in GoF.

Perhaps he was just being pompous, though? I can't imagine why the Duelling Club would be established if duelling was banned in Britain. Maybe it's just an eastern European thing? ;)

[Magi]

Well, as I was saying before, duelling seems to have multiple meanings. There is self-defence related duelling, then there is duelling for sport, and duelling for - er - solving disputes. I'm quite sure Percy's duelling ban was referring to the two latter kinds. :)

[Hpmons]

I imagine the International Ban on Duelling is for proper duelling. In the 1st book, Ron says "A second is there to take over when you die. But people only die in proper duels, you know, with real wizards.". I imagine simple duelling is allowed, and its says in OotP that F&G were testing Nosebleed Nougat, and Mrs Weasley thought they had been duelling (so I doubt its illegal if Mrs Weasley didnt mind too much).
But the duelling to death (proper duelling) is banned, for obvious reasons. Its likely that it didnt used to be banned, as in the past there were many dangerous broom sports, and the Triwizard Tournament.

I definatly think that Duelling will be taught - self-defence is very important now that Voldemort is back. But isnt Dumbledores Army a bit like learning how to duel? I think its likely that the DA will continue, and help with duelling, whilst DADA will teach other things, eg Unforgivable Curses, some blocking spells, etc.

[Heir_of_Ravenclaw]

Yeah, I totally agree with HPmons!! There are different kinds of duellings and only some of these different kinds are allowed by law.

I think that Dumbledore's Army will play a much bigger part in the next books. Since everyone will now that Voldemort is back and since Umbridge is not teaching at Hogwarts anymore, than I think DA will finally be accepted by the other teachers, plus lots of other people will want to recruit. I mean, who wouldn't, if some lunatic great evil man was reborn from an original spell and suddenly decided to take revenge on the good part of the world?? I think that Gryffindor, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff will join together, and hopefully some of Slytherin House whose parents aren't in Voldemort's league!

OR...

Maybe, there needn't be a Dumbledore's Army anymore, since Duelling will be enabled as a lesson, a class, to fight the evil forces. And based on this theory and on the spoiler that sais that a student will become a teacher in the seventh year, maybe Harry will become teacher of the Duelling Class. Or if the duelling is part of DADA lessons, than Harry will become the new DADA teacher...But this is just a theory so don't get your hopes high!!

[Liselle]

thats not such an outlandish idea you know especially in the light of whats happening at the moment at Hogwarts......maybe we will see the return of the dueling club!

[o_O]

I really think there will be one, I hope so because it would be pretty cool... Having to duel regulary. I hope J.K. adds it

[Perdita]

Posted by Magi:
A DADA duelling course would probably cover things that are taught in real-life combat and self-defence schools:

- situational awareness
- mindset
- common methods of assault
- movement techniques
- use of cover and concealment
- team tactics
- legal issues
...etc. etc.

Great posts, Magi. :tu: :tu:

Duelling is probably not part of the school curriculum at this time, but with the War advancing on the Wizarding World, it might be a good idea to change the curriculum to suit the urgent need for more trained wizards and witches.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not advocating minors being recruited into an “army.” The reality of the situation is that Hogwarts, which houses two of the most powerful foes of LV, and one can expect that LV will try again to penetrate Hogwarts to finish off Harry at some point. These students (6th and 7th years) will have to start learning better combat skills should an attack on Hogwarts occur.

Posted by SnowyOwl:
This, I think, is partially due to having bad DADA teachers. Another reason to have a competent teacher in book 6--and why I like the idea of a duelling club. Harry may have a smallish repertoire, but I like his application (wingardium leviosa on the brains, reducto on the prophecy shelves) and the way he stays fairly cool under pressure (planning strategy, taunting Bellatrix to throw her off her stride). This surely would fall under tactics, so perhaps he is not so dismally ignorant after all.

Nice counter-arguments, SnowyOwl. Harry isn’t that bad a tactician. He’s quite clever when the pressure is on. Having said that, I think the British ministry really does need to devise a curriculum that addresses the students besides those involved in the DA.

[Rowena Ravenclaw]

I always saw the Duelling Club as filling a need, since no formal instruction whatsoever existed at Hogwarts. It'd be nice if they brought it back. Let's find out if those rumors about Flitwick are true. ;)

[Magi]

They probably are true. Where there is smoke, there is fire.

I guess there is a trophy or a shield in the trophy room with "Hogwarts Duelling Champion [insert year]: Filius Flitwick" inscribed on it. :)

[Siriusly_Addicted]

I always saw the Duelling Club as filling a need, since no formal instruction whatsoever existed at Hogwarts. It'd be nice if they brought it back. Let's find out if those rumors about Flitwick are true. ;)

I'm with you. I'd also just like to see more development of Flitwick's character.

[*Maven*]

They probably are true. Where there is smoke, there is fire.

I guess there is a trophy or a shield in the trophy room with "Hogwarts Duelling Champion [insert year]: Filius Flitwick" inscribed on it. :)
Awesome!! where does it say that? Is it a rumor??

[Weasley24]

Yeah, where does it say that? I don't remember reading that anywhere, but I have a terrible memory.

Like everyone has been saying, what Hogwarts should do is start a Duelling Class for all willing students, whether they be 1st through 7th years. Each different age group could learn different things, obviously the higher the age, the more advanced the magic. It wouldnt be mandatory, but it'd be wise to take considering how the war is going on now.

Assuming the trophy with Flitwick's name on it does exist, then he could be the main professor to teach the course since he's so skilled.

[Magi]

Good grief! I didn't say the trohpy exists! That was just wishful thinking on my part.

But the books do have a rumour about Flitwick being a former duelling champion. It was mentioned by Ron in CoS.

[KatieLBell]

I think a dueling club is crucial for book six to prepare Harry and all the DA members with more than what Harry knows. Don't get me wrong Harry knows plenty, more than others, but even he admits alot was luck and getting help when he needed it. They need a fully trained wizard to teach them. I think MR. DUELING Champ himself should be the teacher.

[Weasley24]

Ah, I see now Magi. :) Yes, it would be very handy if he did have a trophy proving how good he is at dueling.

But we do know that he was mentioned as being good, so I'm still thinking he would be a suitable professor for a Dueling Class.

[chop]

Ah, I see now Magi. :) Yes, it would be very handy if he did have a trophy proving how good he is at dueling.

But we do know that he was mentioned as being good, so I'm still thinking he would be a suitable professor for a Dueling Class.

I didn't find the trophy, but Hermione maybe did it:

"I wonder who'll be teaching us?" said Hermione as they edged into the chattering crowd. "Someone told me Flitwick was a dueling champion when he was young - maybe it'll be him." (CoS)

[hesdead-dealwithit]

I didn't find the trophy, but Hermione maybe did it:

"I wonder who'll be teaching us?" said Hermione as they edged into the chattering crowd. "Someone told me Flitwick was a dueling champion when he was young - maybe it'll be him." (CoS)
Could be, but if someone told her, then she didn't find out. I read the dueling champion thing as meaning that it was out of school, like he won some organized sport dueling championship outside of school. So I don't think there would be a trophy in Hogwarts for him. If there is a dueling class, I could see the DADA teacher teaching it, as it most likely would be part of the DADA curriculum. Otherwise, I would go with DD as the second most likely teacher, and Flitwick as the third.

[Barbara Kennedy]

I think we will see dueling return, even if it is not an official class at hogwarts.

[Wep]

I think we will definately see duelling in NEWT level DADA...and if not I think the order members would be involved in teaching a select group of students, primarily the DA, some duelling. But I hope it's in NEWT classes cause I'd love to see the trio have a go at Malfoy, and Ron and Hermione have a go at each other. But would also like to see Ginny have a go at Harry...

[Kimmetje]

Posted by e_lovegood
I think we will definately see duelling in NEWT level DADA...and if not I think the order members would be involved in teaching a select group of students, primarily the DA, some duelling. But I hope it's in NEWT classes cause I'd love to see the trio have a go at Malfoy, and Ron and Hermione have a go at each other. But would also like to see Ginny have a go at Harry...
I don't think that just the DA would be teached how to duell, I think that all grades 3 and up will learn to duell as it might be needed to survive out there. If the Order would be teaching people to duell it would probably only be the trio and maybe Ginny (don't know for sure with Mrs.Weasley) as I don't think the Order would go to school and learn the Slytherin's or people who aren't involved with them in any way. So if I am right grades three and up would get duel training and six and seven would get better training as they are about to step foot in the real wizarding world...

[LexiBlack]

There is a possiblity that dueling might be present.
I do find it odd that if they duel in sixth/seventh year why the need for the dueling club. I suppose it would be for those who are younger to know how to do it. But if it's saved for sixth/seventh year you would think there would be a reason. I do have an idea though...
Maybe they had it during the Maraurders time because Voldemort was around and every one was worried so it was necessary. Once Harry came along and got rid of "you know who" they stopped having it. But now that Voldemort is back perhaps it is time to start dueling again. However, you would think that it would be something that most wizards/witches would want to know.

[Tane]

I can see the dueling club being of importance to the students at Hogwarts. As many have stated it does sound like they had one in the past and that Minerva was in charge of the clubs running as she did know how good Peter was in this field.

I think the DADA could become under the supervision of Minerva so as to allow other houses, including the Slytherins the change to duel.

I can not see a dueling class being arranged unless it is a compulsory course for all 6th years because Ron, Hermione and Harry never mentioned such a class when choosing there options. Minerva also did not state that the dueling class was important for a career as an Auror.

So if there is a dueling class it would probably been either a compulsory component introduced because Voldemort has returned or just remain a huge club.