This is a practical guide to smallsword fencing intended for beginners,foilists who wish to try a dueling weapon, and coaches looking forpractical exercises for their students. The exercises provided were thesame used in fencing academies centuries ago and are still applicabletoday. They are easily incorporated into practice sessions. Also includedare fight sequences designed to guide the fencer in employing goodswordplay when sparring.
This book offers a bit of everything. Fencing expert Michael Stevensoutlines how fencing with a smallsword differs from modern competitivesports fencing, focusing on scoring points and on avoiding injury. Hebriefly examines the history of the smallsword and has included a sectionon fencing theory, explaining how to hold the sword and outlining thevarious thrusts and parries. He provides advice on how to best spar withthe smallsword and how to cope with fencers who present differentchallenges.
Rezensionen / Stimmen
"This book is a
valuable resource for anyone looking to master the art of swordmanship,
offering a comprehensive guide to both technique and etiquette. It provides
clear, step-by-step instructions on the essential movements and stances,
ensuring that novices can quickly gain confidence in their skills. For anyone
wishing to start navigating the complexities of swordplay with equal finesse,
this book proves to be an indispensable guide."
Predrag Agatonovic. President of FEATHER - School of
Historical Fencing. CEO of FEATHER SMALLSWORDS
'Michael J. Stevens's Fencing with the Smallsword lays
out an elegantly paced curriculum, starting with a concise historical survey of
the 17th-18th-century smallsword and moving through clear, modernized theory
before diving into progressively challenging drills and realistic sparring
advice. The structure makes it equally accessible to complete beginners and to
seasoned HEMA practitioners seeking a historically informed syllabus.
As a Master of Arms I appreciate how
Stevens grounds his drills in period practice-his blade-feel exercise felt
immediately useful on the salle floor. He balances historical context with
hands-on advice so well that both beginners and HEMA vets will find themselves
training from day one. Overall, Fencing with the Smallsword is that rare guide
you'll reach for and actually use every session.
Fencing with the Smallsword is a must-have for any fencing coach or HEMA
enthusiast-a concise, enjoyable, and deeply informed guide that you'll actually
use on the practice strip.'
Toby
Manley, Master of Arms at MAHS
Academy
'Michael has pushed forward the
understanding of the small sword in this excellent book which is useful
for all Olympic Sport Fencers to understand some of the lineage of
historical fencing (which may help their own modern fencing). Also
for actors, stunt people and stage combat practitioners to help understand a
modern take on an ancient weapon'.
Nick
Payne, Sword Fighting International. Former British and Australian number
1 in Men's Foil Fencing, 2012 London
Olympic Referee.
Sprache
Verlagsort
Illustrationen
Maße
Höhe: 215 mm
Breite: 139 mm
Dicke: 7 mm
Gewicht
ISBN-13
978-1-78255-287-1 (9781782552871)
Schweitzer Klassifikation
Michael J. Stevens started fencing in the late 1960s. He practiced fencingwith foil, sabre, and épée; gained a reputation for adopting a classical style;and assisted with teaching novices. Growing disappointment with the waymodern competitive fencing has diverged from its classical origins led to hisrecent interest in smallsword fencing which is more like dueling and whereall the old fencing theories are still relevant. He has also published bookson schooling horses, which is another of his major interests.
