Product Description
The best fencing autobiography since Nadi s, with inspiration and instruction for every fencer a perfect gift for young fencers and an important story for coaches. A great champion tells his story and teaches his secrets (and you can learn from his mistakes as well!) This is the story of Golubitsky's difficult rise to the top, his triumphs and mistakes, and the lessons he learned from them. Sergei tells of his early days inside the old Sovietsports machine,the breakup of the USSR, and his emergence into the new world of international fencing.This is an inspiring story of desire and persistence, frustration and triumph. Plus, it s packed with practical tips for fencing and training. Numerous photos. $27.95. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A Very Honest Book
Sergei Golubitsky gives an incredibly interesting and honest account of his rise to the top of the sport of fencing.He recounts triumphs and disappointments with frankly and with the aim of sharing his mistakes with aspiring fencers so they do not make the same ones. This is highly enjoyable reading for any fencer who will identify with his struggles and triumphs but would also be valuable for any athlete. ... Read more

Product Description
Youth Fencing learning and instructional handbook for kids, parents and coaches. Many drills and exercises to help young kids get ready to fence. Lots of pictures to help illustrate how to master the necessary skills to be successful fencing. ... Read more

Product Description
Zbigniew Czajkowski,the world-famous coach who has produced world champions and Olympic gold medalistsin all three weaponshas finally distilled his teachings in English! An in-depth look at the coach s work: basic theory, fencing psychology, how to conduct lessons at every level, how to prepare for top-level competitions and what to do at them...and so much more.It s all presented with the wit, charm, and depth for which Professor Czajkowski is known around the world. ... Read more

Product Description
This is reprint of an old manual.Fencing has a long and distinguished martial history. Early knife fighters frequently consulted fencing manuals for combat applications for their edged weapons. Even though modern fencers no longer duel, their fencing instruction still provides them with all the technical skills necessary to fight and win such engagementsdexterity, endurance, flexibility, superior hand-to-eye coordination and overall fitness. Modern Fencing, first published in 1948, was used to train generations of fencing students at the U.S. Naval Academy. It is unique among fencing manuals because it contains lessons in all three weaponsthe foil, épée and sabrerather than just one. Though long out of print, Modern Fencing is still considered one of the best fencing manuals ever written and is often cited by modern fencing masters for its concise lessons and excellent photos. Dont miss this opportunity to own this classic military fencing manual. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Basic principles
As an epee fencer, I have found Deladrier's understanding of the fundamentals of the game to be unsurpassed. Granted, times have changed, & so have the equipment & the game, but his statement of the basic principles of epee fencing still hold. Chapter VIII "Practical Advice" in the epee section is worth the price of the book.

A very detailed, in-depth 'lesson plan' on how to use the three basic weapons of fencing
Any undertaking fencing should have Modern Fencing: A Comprehensive Manual For The Foil, The Epee, The Sabre as a basic 'bible' of information: it's not casual overview but a very detailed, in-depth 'lesson plan' on how to use the three basic weapons of fencing. First published in 1948, Modern Fencing served as a basic training manual for students of the U.S. Naval Academy and holds lessons in all three weapons - the foil, epee, and sabre. It's long been out of print and should be considered a 'must' for any fencing student.

A good historical text
This book covers fencing as it was traditionally taught from the turn of the century until the early 60's.It's well organized and although most of the attitudes re. the primacy of the french grip foil etc. are outmoded, it is a great primer on traditional fencing.Of special interest to the student are the lesson plans included in the book. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (4)

One of the premier fencing texts
In 1763, Domenico Angelo penned the definative text on the combative use of the smallsword.The work is specialized, it is only about the use of a thrusting (point only) sword with a blade of 30 to 35 inches (75 to 88cm) in length.The work is dated, inhabitants of the soi-disant civilized world allowed themselves to be disarmed about 150 years ago, and this style of sword was the last type to be routinely worn by civilians.Given this, the book is only of interest to historians, classical fencers, sport fencers looking for their roots, and other martial artists interested in expanding their repetoire.But it is of great interest to these groups.

Mr. Jared Kirby and Ms. Jeannette Acosta-Martinez outdid themselves.They offered commentary and additional information that compliments Angelo, while restraining the editorial urge and leaving the original work complete and untampered with.Outstanding job!

Angelo wrote a thorough text on all aspects of the use of this arm, at the height of the development of the technique of combat with the small sword.A modern example of the sword being discussed is the Cold Steel Small Sword.Every thing that is required is covered, while there is no material that was not of use in the time it was written.Of special contemporary interest, particularly to martial artists, is the section on disarming.The illustrations make the leverage and other aspects of the sword disarms very clear.

The smallsword is a superior arm, but not an egalitarian one.In close combat, it is without peer, but it take hundreds of hours of diligent practice to gain even a basic competence.Angelo will aid anyone pursuing mastery of the arm.

A great work, reprinted by brilliant fencers with a keen appreciation for the timeless.An absolute must have for the classical fencer or foilist.And for the modern naysayers who denigrate the utility of this work, note well; Aldo Nadi points that if you can fence, you can fence with anything, even a broomstick...

E. M. Van Court

An Excellent Read for Any Fencer
This reprint of the 1971 Land's End Press work is a good, clean copy of the 1787 work. The Land's End Press copy is rare and difficult to find, usually coming in at or above $70. Now we have a chance to purchase, relatively inexpensively, this volume again. Angelo's work is an excellent source for the study of fencing, and it is important that it has been made available to the community once again.
This importance notwithstanding, the annotation by Maestro Jeannette-Acosta Martinez elucidates the work in a manner that makes it indispensible to the serious fencer.
The 1971 Lands End Press copy sits on my shelf. This is the copy I now study!

A splendid addition to the swordsman's library
Ten years ago the number of books on historical fencing systems could be counted on one hand. Now we have an embarrassment of riches. However, in the revival of interest in older styles of fencing, the 18th and 19th centuries have tended to be overlooked. In particular, the civilian weapon of the 18th century, the smallsword has been overlooked by people who desire something more recogniseably unlike modern fencing.

Domenico Angelo's School of Fencing, a treatise on French smallsword play, was first published in 1763 and remained popular for over fifty years. In this reprint, Editor Jared Kirby has wisely let Angelo do the majority of the talking, choosing only to add a short and informative introduction, two appendices (parts of the sword and a clarification of technical details omitted by Angelo (but not by contemporary authors)), and finally a series of informative notes by Jeannette Acosta Martinez, one of the foremost researchers into the techniques of the smallsword. The bulk of the book is a faithful reprint of Angelo's treatise, with clear plates and text.

For anyone interested in the smallsword in particular or the history of fencing in general, this well presented book is a must have.

Stephen Hand
Author, English Swordsmanship, Medieval Sword and Shield
Editor, Spada, Spada II

A worthy edition
Angelo's smallsword text is one of the foundational texts of Western fencing. Jared Kirby provides a clear edition, with insightful commentary by Jeannette Acosta-Martinez. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description
Fences and garden walls are the vertical design elements that define the boundaries of outdoor living spaces, lending them privacy and security. This new edition includes 30 fence, wall and gate projects, including unique regional styles not found in other books. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

A good book for beginners...
This book is a good general overview of the "sport" of fencing (as opposed to the "art" of classical fencing) that any beginner would do well to read.There are many classical fencers out there (myself included) that can find several faults in this work, such as pictures displaying bad fencing form, diagrams showing inefficient parries, etc.This book, however, does not really concentrate on this area of fencing; instead, it covers all of the basics that every sport fencer should know.As a past competitive fencer myself, I would recommend this book to any present or aspiring competitive fencer who desires to attain a broad knowledge of the sport itself, the varying techniques involved, the conventions involved in a fencing tournament, and other assorted general knowledge that every fencer really should know.This book would also be considerably helpful to newer or not-yet-begun fencing clubs (especially college fencing clubs), as it provides not only helpful lesson plans for many of the techniques it covers, but also chapters on officiating, hosting and running fencing tournaments, and legal matters that must be considered by clubs and hosts of tournaments.These chapters in particular can help a club to start off well, keep running smoothly, and avoid later problems (especially legal problems) that all-too-often occur because they were not a consideration in the beginning. All in all, this is a good start-up book for beginning individuals and clubs, and as long as you can ignore many of the (unfortunately) misleading pictures and diagrams, the text is quite accurate and well thought out.

AVALUABLE TOOL FOR THE SPORT FENCER
A while back I gave this book only a so-so review, but, on reflection, have since changed my mind. This book will appeal to many in the fencing world today, those with a mindset geared specifically toward the active competitive arena, and therefore should be considered a valuable source of information for that purpose. While I happen to lean toward a more classical approach to fencing than this book professes, that is not important to this review. I recognize that many do not share my opinions about fencing (I am the author of "The Art and Science of Fencing" and "The Inner Game of Fencing"), and that's fine. There should, of course, be books detailing all aspects of fencing. This book is the best of its kind.

Aspiring Coaches: There are two fencing books you should own
And this book is one of them.(The other is Fencing and the Master, by Laszlo Szabo)

I have read many of the different fencing books on the market, and these two are the only that provide both logical structure anduseful content.As one other reviewer has astutely pointed out, theauthors have themselves produced many national champions, team champions,and olympic team members.

This book may be a bit pricey, but it isworth the money compared with the other books out there.The old sayingholds true: "you get what you pay for."

As an epee fencer, Ihave to say that the section on epee is very well written.I have noticedthat, in many fencing books, the author will only spend a page or twodescribing epee tactics/technique/theory.Usually, the theory consists ofa few rambling paragraphs.Epee is given a much better treatment here. For one thing, the description of epee footwork put into words what I hadtrying to describe to begining epee fencers for years.

Good photographstoo, especially the one of my friend Michael Feldschuh (with an astonishedGeorge Kolombotovich in the background) at the begining of the chapter onofficiating.Also, the "models" demonstrating fencing actions donot look awkward (as those in other books often do).

In short, if you area competitor, borrow it.If you want to become a coach, buy it andmemorize it.

Probably the best text on modern fencing available
The famous Italian fencer, Aldo Nadi, gave the following advice(paraphrased) to those looking for a fencing master:"Ask him howmany national champions and how many Olympic champions he hastaught."

The authors of this book have long, distinguished recordsof training American individual and team champions--something that cannotbe said for most other authors of fencing books--especially those who claimconnection with "classical" or "traditional"schools.

No book can replace a great master, but this book offers soundbackground on modern fencing, and provides varied, directed drills thatwill improve anyone's fencing.It is long on practice, and short on thetiresome, windy opinions one finds in the books of those who do not likecontemporary fencing.

Foil, Saber, and Epee Fencing
Good reference guide, provides many drills.Explains concepts about as well as a book could...no replacement for actual experience, but a good book to have. ... Read more

Book Description
If you're serious about competing at foil, you need this book. It clearly explains the new tactics and techniques that have transformed modern fencing, offers training tips, and provides numerous illustrations."Incredibly pithy. . . . a wealth of information." — Fencing Master Dick Oles, Chairman of the Accreditation Committee of the US Fencing Coaches Association. This book has been adopted as a textbook by the British Fencing Association and is highly recommended by the USFCA. The book includes a glossary of fencing terms. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Awesome
This books takes a ton of work to get through, but was well worth theeffort. My level of understanding and my results have increasedsignificantly. ... Read more

Product Description
This volume provides a comprehensive but compact study of the essential techniques and stylistic challenges of this fascinating weapon.With extensive diagrams and clear, easy to understand text, it provides the serious student with the information necessary to develop skill in the sabre.The extensive discussion on sabre principles can also be helpful to foil and epee fencers. ... Read more

Book Description
Prior to the 2004 Athens Olympics, few Canadians - outside fencing circles - knew very much about Sherraine MacKay, but as the countdown to those games began, her name became more and more familiar, and while the world of fencing had been, up to that time, an esoteric sport at best, it too was suddenly thrust into the limelight.It helped, of course, that in the last World Cup of the season prior to the Games, MacKay had won gold (her second) that she had been ranked as high as number two, and consistently ranked among the top 10 female fencers in the world over the past five years. It helped that her photo suddenly began appearing in our national magazines and in major daily newspapers across Canada. It helped that she was ebullient, outspoken, quick-witted and funny enough to land a spot reading her Letters from Paris on CBC Radio's The Inside Track with host Robin Brown.In a surprise upset, a Greek fencer bested Sherraine in Athens, though the Canadian women's team, which she anchored, finished fourth - the best finish ever by Canadian women in Olympic fencing.Running with Swords, is Sherraine McKay's journal, her own story of her incredible journey from tiny Brooks, Alberta where she was born, to Paris, France where she moved to train for Athens while teaching English as a second language to elite athletes. At once inspiring, thoughtful and brimming with MacKay's sense of humour, it is also the story of young athletes from Canada and around the world, of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of dreams, the friendships forged, and the joy of the game whether on the track, in the field, in the water, on the ice, or on the piste. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

A fencer's point of view
I have been looking forward to this book for a year, when I received it as a gift. I knew of Sherraine's fencing career, but not in great detail. I have fenced recreationally in the past and have kept up with the latest news and events.

This book chronicles the career of Sherraine McKay, from her childhood to the peak of Canadian Women's Epee. We start with Sherraine's introduction into the sport, her high school years, and eventually to the International competitions. She takes us through training, World Cup tournaments, and the Olympics.

I found the book enjoyable, but I think that is in part, due to my background in fencing. For the average person, without a fencing knowledge, this book would not be as interesting. I found some parts of the book to be slow, and at times the story jumped from topic to topic too much and aburptly for my taste. I enjoyed the chapters immediately preceeding the Olympics and also her experiences in the Olympic villages.

I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in the wonderful sport of fencing and also the Olympic experience. However, for the mainstream reader this book may not be as interesting.

Both a personal memoir and a lively insider's account of the Olympic sports world
Any interested in the sport of fencing will find engrossing RUNNING WITH SWORDS: THE ADVENTURES AND MISADVENTURES OF THE IRREPRESSIBLE CANADIAN FENCING CHAMPION. Author Sherraine Mackay's Olympic dreams and efforts to chase them across Europe made her among the top ten women fencers in the world. From her personal upset in Greece to her success in leading her team to fourth place in the Olympics, RUNNING WITH SWORDS is both a personal memoir and a lively insider's account of the Olympic sports world.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

A book of universal appeal
I am the kind of person who would NEVER pick up a book written by an athlete, am rarely interested in biographies and am wary of "inspirational" literature because of the amount of fluff out there.
However, this book crosses so many genres of literature, that it has appeal to all. It was rare to not read a few pages without a smile on my face and even let slip a few guffaws along the way. And i was inspired by her challenge not to let her sport define her and control her sense of value and worth, something we all face whether it be via money, our job or how we look. Overall an honest, humble and candid look inwards at herself and outwards at her environment, all with a great sense of humour that by the end of the book you feel like you have made a friend.

You'll Poke Your Eye Out!
This delightful look at the demanding world of Olympic athlete Sherraine Mackay will provide hours of insight and fun.Written in a fast paced enjoyable witty style this book should prove to be a delight for readers of all ages.Find out about the ups & downs of a dedicatedamateur athlete who pays to compete around the globe. Witnessthe catalogue of sacrifices it takes to reach the top.This book should be an inspiration to all prospective Olympians and athletes of all ages and skill levels....run out and buy it today! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

An important read. Not for learning fencing
This is a tough read, but worth it for the insights into the early seventeenth century masters. Don't expect to learn how to fence from reading this book. It is tough enough to learn a physical skill from a book. Tougher still without pictures. But this would be like learning how to fight by reading Shakespeare. Pay attention to the concepts and patterns of thought exposed. Leave the technical analysis to the experts.

BTW, if you are interested in the scholarly aspects of reconstructing historical martial arts I would expect that this would be a good place for an English speaker to start. If you already know German or Italian there are some potentially more accessible works in those languages.

Three Elizabethan Fencing Manuals
This book is wonderful on so amy levels.First of all, it is a wonderful reference for fencers to see where it all began.It is also a wondeful book of you have a desire to read and want to be able to speak and understand old ELizabethan English.There are also many wonderful woodcuts showing costuming of the period. It is a great book to have in ones library.

THIS is what stage combat tries to be and fails.
This is not a modern re-telling or history book.It's not even re-typed -just a facsimile reprint of three fencing manuals of the Renaissance.Ifyou want to know how it was really done, this is the place.It'sreal.

But don't assume you'll have an easy read.Saviolo is not writingin his native language, and it shows.He doesn't describe motions verywell, and occasionally appears to leave out a foot move in a long sequence. Di Grassi never wrote in English.This manual is a sixteenth centuryEnglish translation of his Italian manual.People who deride the"negative campaigning" of today will get quite a surprise whenthey read Silver's virulent contempt for the rapier and the foreigners whoteach it.

There is also the language issue.Yes, it's written inEnglish, but sixteenth century English doesn't always mean what you thinkit does.Saviolo tells you to come on guard with your right wrist againstyour knee, your right foot against your opponent's right foot, and yourpoint against his face.Obviously, something has been lost in fourcenturies.In this case, it's the fact that "against" meant"opposite or across from", not "touching".You are nowarmed against one problem, but it's still not the language you think it is. (Hint: an Oxford English Dictionary is a very useful companionvolume.)

Also, don't assume you can do this in modern fencing.Theblades were longer and heavier, and they don't work like modern fencingweapons.Furthermore, these are very basic lessons.We know that theadvanced moves were jealously guarded, and not written in books.

With allthe difficulties, this book remains essential - it's a direct link to thefighting methods of the Elizabethan fencers.Di Grassi is the easiest tofollow.Saviolo is particularly helpful for research, because he spendssome time explaining why he does things differently form others, therebydocumenting both styles and explaining the thinking process of fencingmasters.Silver prefers the short sword to the rapier, and shows us thatthe Renaissance held many different views.

This books stands alone --there is just no commercially available substitute.

Your stage combatwill look better, your re-enactments will be more real, your understandingof the sword will be sharper.

A very important reference on fencing history
This book is a facsimile of three fencing manuals of the XVI centurycovering two major traditions: the rapier techniques, mainly italian butalso used in Spain and Portugal at the time; and the short-swordtechniques, probably british in origin.

The time in which these manualswere published was crucial: there was a gradual transition from themedieval sword techniques to the renaissance rapier ones. At the time (andlong afterwards) the french schools of fencing were not existent and themain flow was latin: two of the manuals were written by italians and theswords used in latin countries were rapidly evolving from medieval swordtowards the rapier. Those were times of frequent wars and of deadly clashesinvolving different cultures and ways of fighting. Very different from thelater "civilized" duels between long-haired make-uped"gentlemen" which originated the french schools of fencing fromwhich our childish fencing appeared.

This work is the real thing! Itshows the experience of three sword masters, in a time where expertise wasgained by fighting often and staying alive doing it, and mastery wasachieved by recognition from a world where everyone was a swordsman readyto challenge such a person just to get fame.

Forget for a moment modernsword-"play" and read this book about real swordsmanship! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Excellent guide to terms
Gaugler's Dictionary is considered to be one of the best accumulations of fencing terminology currently in print.It is an exceptionally good source of information on many of the terms used by fencers, referees and coaches, and is very straight forward and easy to digest.Anyone who's attempted a reading of the USFA's fencing rulebook will find this to be an invaluable source and helpful in explaining some of the terms.

The layout of the book is very straight forward.After the introduction, the book immediately begins presenting all of the terms present in fencing.Gaugler also presents it from several different angles.Specifically, the origin of the term in each of the major fencing styles (whether it be French or Italian, German or Russian) and whether or not the meaning is slightly different.This helps illustrate some of the historical meaning to the terms, as what constitutes a certain action in the French system is not the same as the German system.

Is the book short?Certainly, because it has definitions specific to fencing and nothing more.As such, it is exactly the right length and is very practical and straight forward.Thus making it a good reference book (e.g., a dictionary).Contrary to some reviews, this does not take away from its use as a resource.It simply means that if you go in expecting some kind of treatise on fencing tactics and technique, you won't find it.It is just a dictionary, and since there aren't a huge number of fencing terms (I would say approximately a couple of hundred) it is long enough to address that.Afterall, how many ways do you need a parry to be defined?

Gaugler has an excellent pedigree in fencing, and is considered one of the best historians when it comes to the history of fencing itself.As an expert in the field, his knowledge is very well founded and his books can be considered an excellent source.Admitedly, his focus is primarily on historical fencing, so modern fencers be wary of this.But, unlike other writers, I still find his writing to be very accessible.

Overall, this book is excellent for what it does and the information it provides.It's not an exhaustive source on fencing history or tactics or training technique, it is simply a dictionary of those terms common to fencing.

Helpful when you don't have time to research books
To be truthful, there is little to be said about Maestro William Gaugler's Dictionary of Fencing Terminology since it's just that - a dictionary that no one should expect any more or less from. Though some will complain that Gaugler does not elaborate enough on certain terms, I find this book helpful to look up a quick term whenever I don't have time to skim the pages of fencing literature. It's very quick and easy to look through, and I'm also pleased that Gaugler takes the time to explain both French and Italian terms on a lot of the entries. The book is indeed small but it's sold at a cheap price and the cost should be of no concern to even the stingiest of fencers. I find this book particularly recommendable for those new to fencing who consistently worry that they've forgotten fencing terms.

handy reference for fencers and writers
This is not a how to of fencing, but literally a small pamphlet on fencing that deal with only the terminology.Very well done, and would be a great access for writers dealing with sword play scenes.It is approved by the Joint Board on Accreditation of THe US Fencing Association Coaches and the San Jose State University Fencing Master Program, so you know it is vetted completely.

I find it very valuable for writers reference and highly recommend this concise dictionary of fencing terms.

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
Some fencers approach fencing only from a physical level, but there are others among us who believe that thinking is the most important fencing skill you will ever develop. Anyone can learn to lunge, to parry, to perform a disengage. But thinking on the fencing strip is a hard-won ability, exercized by relatively few fencers today. The "anything-for-a-touch" school of fencing, which hangs its consciousness proudly on the tip of its foil, will poo-poo the necessity for the academic approach, but it is a fact that the real game of fencing goes on between your brain and your sword hand. Fencing is a highly abstract activity, and having workable, understandable definitions is a vital part of mastering the real process. This is what has made fencing a readily teachable activity for the past four hundred years. Maestro William Gaugler gives us a volume that provides many answers to the questions of "what is what" in fencing. Every fencing student should read this book. As the author of "THE ART AND SCIENCE OF FENCING" and "THE INNER GAME OF FENCING," and the editor/publisher of "FENCERS QUARTERLY MAGAZINE," I recommend this book highly.

worthless
The word "dictionary" brings to mind an image of a weighty tome filled with definitive facts and indispensible information...This "book" is actually a pamphlet listing some of the terms used in fencing and is by no means a complete listing as its title suggests.I find the terms and definitions therein to be of little help interpreting fencing actions and of no value in dissecting the movements associated with this sport.

As a fencer I would advise any other fencer or person interested in the sport to look elsewhere for information ... This leaflet would be best suited as a handout rather than something to be pruchased. ... Read more

Book Description
The purpose of this work is to elucidate for the student or any practitioner of fencing or other combative art that there is more than mere technique. One would agree that there is cunning, vigor, intuition, and raw personality behind the execution of technique by an individual. This document aims to address the need to reinforce that a dedicated artist must not stop at the mastery of technique. One has to be alive. And it is through the artist that artistic skills come to life. This concept is essential to the growth of all fencers and artists alike. ... Read more

Book Description
Fencing and the Master is abeloved, unique classic tat distills the fencing wisdom of the twentieth century.

Of great and lasting value. -- Robert Scranton, President, USFCA The most complete book on the teaching and learning of fencing I have ever read. -- Dick Oles, Head Coach, Johns Hopkins. More great coaches have stolen ideas from this book than any other!George Edward Kolombatovich, Fencing Coach, Columbia University.

Szabo's book lays out the tools and techniques of coaching, but more than that, it opens up the heart and spirit of a maestro. Copiously illustrated. Supplemented with a discussion of fencing terminology and with a new memoir of Szabo by his student Eugene Hamori, Olympic medalist, US sabre champion, and distinguished coach. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Must have for fencing coaches
Anybody who wants to learn fencing, as well as people who are looking for ways to become a coach should have this book in their library. It gives basic training techniques as well as tactics for combat situations.
Consider this "the bible" of fencing.

A complete guide for both master and fencer alike
My Hungarian master Laszlo Jakab, a personal friend of Laszlo Szabo, introduced this book to me as "The fencer's Bible". He continued telling me that within its pages were common faults that Masters shouldlook for and how to fix them. Master Szabo has in his book endeavoured toput in to writing his method of teaching. It a very thorough treatment ofthe subject matter. Within the scope of subjects covered is immense.Ranging from the master's obligations to his pupils, techniques forbuilding the correct fencing mussels, giving individual and group lessons(where to stand, how to give signals etc), a complete tactical system allthe way down to the basics of a correct guard stance.

My master can notspeak highly enough of this book and has integrated many parts of thecontents in to his own method of teaching and fencing. I myself feel thateven though some of the methods explained are now outdated (e.g. trainingwithout masks) the book offers great insight in to fencing at all levelsand should you wish to become a good coach this is the only book you willneed.

A distillation of a lifetime of wisdom
There are faults in this book, but they are mostly of production, illustrations in the wrong place and some clumsiness in the translation.

However, the content is excellent. Each topic is consideredin detail and there is a pleasing flow in development.

If you areintending to be a coach then this book is an essential adjunct to yourcoaching course. If you already are a coach then it offers a wealth ofmaterial to improve your coaching.

The best sabre drills you will ever find
This book has quite possibly the best and most comprehensive collection of sabre drills that I've ever come across in print. Also the discussions on the mental preparedness of both the student AND the master are extremelyworthwhile. If you are going to teach anyone how to fence, read andunderstand this book. If you are going to teach anyone to fence sabre,read, understand and constantly refer to this book!

Aspiring Coaches: THIS IS THE BOOK TO OWN
As an aspiring coach, I have read through many different books on fencing and fencing instruction.Only one other book (Foil, Sabre and Epee Fencing, by Garret et. al.) approaches the breadth, detail and clarity ofthis remarkable work.

Szabo not only describes exercises, drills andlesson plans for the fencing instructor -- he describes *how* to teachthem.His section on fencing theory, specifically the "tacticalwheel" and "tactical tree," is indispensible -- it is simplynot found in any other fencing book.Finally, the book is superblyillustrated: both with represenations of proper technique(and improper --so that coaches can recognize common errors in their students) and diagramsshowing the position of feet relative to the torso during footwork.

$30may be kinda steep, but it is cheaper than taking a plane flight to Hungaryfor participation in a week-long fencing instruction seminar (the next bestthing)

I did notice that a large portion of the book was dedicated tosabre, but then again, the author was primarily a sabre coach.

I could goon, but I think that if is suffice to say that any serious coach (i.e.hoping to have students with national results) should buy this book andcommit it to memory.You won't be sorry.

The book is also available frommajor fencing equipment suppliers (e.g. blade)

My opinions do not reflectin anyway those of my employer, Vault Reports ... Read more