The following books can all be loosely grouped under the heading of fencing, martial arts or self-defence. In other words they deal with doing violence to someone under various circumstances. Naturally, all forms of combat and combat training can be dangerous. Suitable protective equipment is extremely important, as is an awareness of the hazards involved. No-one should attempt to train in any combat system without either a properly qualified instuctor or at least a solid background in related arts which will enable risks to be properly assessed and managed.
A Modern Manual of Smallsword Fencing
A Modern Manual of Smallsword Fencing came about as the result of a conversation with Pete Jamson. It is intended as an accessible introduction to the complexities of traditional smallsword fencing, and can act as a key to the more abstruse parts of historical manuals.
Contents include a guide to terminology, notes on guards and positions, and comprehensive how-to instructions covering the common (and many less common) actions with the weapon. Historical treatises often dwell on what to do, but not how or why; this book answers those questions.
At present, A Modern Manual of Smallsword Fencing is available only on Kindle. It can be found at:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00TIWMIYM/ref=rdr_kindle_ext_tmb
Contents include a guide to terminology, notes on guards and positions, and comprehensive how-to instructions covering the common (and many less common) actions with the weapon. Historical treatises often dwell on what to do, but not how or why; this book answers those questions.
At present, A Modern Manual of Smallsword Fencing is available only on Kindle. It can be found at:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00TIWMIYM/ref=rdr_kindle_ext_tmb
Cut & Thrust:
European Swords and Swordsmanship
Cut & Thrust was a real challenge to write - each chapter covers a subject that really deserves one or more entire books to do it justice. I managed to cram a lot into not very many pages.
The swords of Rome and Greece, and Celtic peoples of Europe gradually developed into the weapons of what might be called the 'warrior age' and the medieval world. Contrary to persistent myths, these were not the crude tools of clueless oafs but finely made and skillfully wielded weapons of war.
True 'fencing' weapons emerged in the Renaissance and gradually developed into the smallsword; the typical duelling sword in most of Europe after the mid 1650s. At the same time the backsword and broadsword were evolving into new forms and were joined by the sabre as a battlefield weapon.
When the sword fell out of use as a weapon, swordsmanship remained alive in the context of sport, and in today's revival of traditional swordsmanship in the HEMA/WMA community.
Cut & Thrust is available in print and elecronic formats, and can be found at
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cut-Thrust-European-Swords-Swordsmanship/dp/1445639661/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8
(print) or:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cut-Thrust-European-Swords-Swordsmanship-ebook/dp/B00P1QB9G2/ref=dp_kinw_strp_1
(kindle edition)
The swords of Rome and Greece, and Celtic peoples of Europe gradually developed into the weapons of what might be called the 'warrior age' and the medieval world. Contrary to persistent myths, these were not the crude tools of clueless oafs but finely made and skillfully wielded weapons of war.
True 'fencing' weapons emerged in the Renaissance and gradually developed into the smallsword; the typical duelling sword in most of Europe after the mid 1650s. At the same time the backsword and broadsword were evolving into new forms and were joined by the sabre as a battlefield weapon.
When the sword fell out of use as a weapon, swordsmanship remained alive in the context of sport, and in today's revival of traditional swordsmanship in the HEMA/WMA community.
Cut & Thrust is available in print and elecronic formats, and can be found at
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cut-Thrust-European-Swords-Swordsmanship/dp/1445639661/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8
(print) or:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cut-Thrust-European-Swords-Swordsmanship-ebook/dp/B00P1QB9G2/ref=dp_kinw_strp_1
(kindle edition)
Fight to Win
Fight to Win presents a selection of 'bread and butter' techniques aimed at both self-defence and martial-sport applications. Simple but effective takedowns, strikes and submissions are covered in the context not only of how to do them but also how, when and why.
Fight to Win also covers the all-important aspects of psychology that govern a fight, such as why some people try to start fights and what they hope to achieve as well as how and why fights are won and lost. These psychological elements are useful both in ending a fight or sporting bout and in avoiding violence altogether.
Fight to Win is available in print:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fight-Win-Simple-Techniques-That/dp/080484268X/ref=la_B00OPY0K9I_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1444917093&sr=1-8
or for Kindle:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fight-Win-Simple-Techniques-That-ebook/dp/B00EN8P4GA/ref=dp_kinw_strp_1
