Running with swords (Sherraine MacKay) Ref: BM4
Running With Swords, Sherraine Mackay, 2005.
With six World Cup victories and a best world ranking of No. 2, Sherraine MacKay has an impressive international record. In this insightful autobiography, she describes with humour and irony her journey from the Canadian backwoods to the top echelon of women's epee. To improve her ranking, she moved to France where she experienced loneliness, eating disorders and depression, but at the 1999 world championships, she came 6th, missing a medal by one hit.
Following a disappointing Sydney Olympics, she decided to train seriously for the next Games. First the small matter of marriage intervened. With her husband Geordie MacKay she moved to Paris so that she could fence at the Racing Club and benefit from advanced coaching. To make ends meet, they lived like students, she working as an English-language teacher and he as a babysitter.
Despite peaking at just the right time to win the last pre-Olympic World Cup event, she encountered another nightmare in Athens, losing in the first round and was left contemplating her goals. But she determined to buckle down for another Olympiad, moving on to Budapest where the living was cheaper. She is still in the world top 10, so the stage is set for a second instalment of Sherraine MacKay's inspirational memoirs.
Price: $34.76 Including FREE shipping. Epee 2.0 (Johan Harmenberg) Ref: BH4
Epee 2.0: the Birth of the New Fencing Paradigm, Johan Harmenberg, 2007
Classical fencers will hate this book. Johan Harmenberg had no great technical ability, but used a revolutionary approach to training and a brilliant analytical mind to beat the best classical epeeists of the late 1970s, becoming both world and Olympic champion. It is the first book to describe in detail just how a top competitive fencer thinks when on the piste against equally determined opponents.
Forestalling the normal dialogue of classical fencing, Harmenberg forced his opponents to attack him where he was strongest and limited his actions to a few perfectly rehearsed moves. Developed with an innovative coach, this approach effectively neutralised the most talented fencers in the world and forever changed the way epee was fenced. The fascinating story of how it all happened in the face of opposition from the fencing establishment makes compelling reading.
Price: $34.65 Including FREE shipping. Learn'n More About Fencing (Bob Swope) Ref: BS10
handbook for beginners, with tips for strengthening your sword arm, some of the recommended moves would be more appropriate to an 18th or 19th century manual: No. 95 - The Appel - slapping your foot on the floor to confuse your opponent. No. 104 - The Passate Soto - a ducking movement in which the free hand drops to the floor. No. 105 - The Knee Drop - as above with the knee also resting on the floor.
But these bizarre diversions apart, this is a practical guide with numerous illustrations of exercises and positions that will help to explain the basics of fencing to parents and young fencers. Paperback.
Price: $30.89 Including FREE shipping. Fencing Essential Skill Traing (Ed Rogers) Ref: BR2
Paperback edition of a manual by Ed Rogers, a coach at Heriot-Watt University, first published in 2003. It is designed to assist fencers, who may not have access to regular coaching, to work together to develop their own skills at foil, epee and sabre. Explanations of basic skills illustrated by line drawings are followed by exercises identifying actions by fencer 'A' and corresponding actions by partner 'B'.
All the training is stroke-based, usually conducted from engaged blades with both fencers stationary, which will assist fencers who are not coaches to give the correct blade conditions for their partner's practice. But there is little information to develop correct execution of footwork and mobility, a limitation for those studying for coaching awards
Price: $28.88 Including FREE shipping. Strength Training For Fencers Ref: BJ2
Synopsis to Follow.
Price: $30.40 Including FREE shipping. Power Plyometrics The Complete Program (McNeely/Sandler) Ref: BMS2
Synopsis to Follow.
Price: $24.99 Including FREE shipping. The Complete Guide to Fencing (Barth/Beck) 2006 Ref: BB12
The two men who led Germany to its most successful senior world championships in 1993 (3 gold, 2 silver and 6 bronze medals), team manager Berndt Barth and chief coach Emil Beck, have joined forces to produce a comprehensive textbook on German fencing methods. They have edited contributions from experts in all aspects of fencing and there are detailed sections on all three weapons. A special chapter is devoted to Emil Beck's formidable system of lessons, each of which typically includes 12-17 activities performed with seven different forms of footwork in a session lasting 20-40 minutes.
The translators have understandably struggled to turn the densely technical German original into clear and concise English, with the result that the book does not provide easy reading. But coaches will find perseverance rewarding and all fencers should benefit from this guide to international success.
Price: $28.86 Including FREE shipping. Fencing and the master (Lazlo Szabo) Ref: BS9
A comprehensive model of how to teach foil and Sabre, this book was first published in 1977 and remains the only full-length study of the fencing master's art available in English. Szabo transformed the methods used for individual training to meet the requirements of group instruction. And within its framework he found it was possible to begin the tactical training of fencers. This new edition includes a memoir by Eugene Hamori, a pupil who was a member of the 1956 Olympic gold-medal winning Sabre team.
Price: $38.64 Including FREE shipping. Electric foil fencing (Istvan Lukovich) Ref: BL5
First published in English in 1971, this book is a reprint of a classic work on advanced competitive foil training. It analyses the techniques and tactics needed to exploit the advantages of the electric foil and is illustrated by clear and informative multi-action drawings. Although writing before the development of the flick attack, Lukovich anticipates the ninth parry by advising an action similar to quinte in Sabre against the high cutover. Even after 35 years, this is still an excellent guide to best practice in foil fencing.
Price: $30.91 Including FREE shipping. THE SCHOOL OF FENCING (Domenico Angelo) Ref: BA2
The School of Fencing by Domenico Angelo (Editor: Jared Kirby). 2005. London: Greenhill Books. 144pp, 47 plates. f 17.50.
This photographic hardback reprint of the 1787 edition of Domenico Angelo's famous manual on fencing is enhanced by a useful history of Angelo's life by the editor, Jared Kirby, and by explanatory notes to clarify certain terms by small sword expert Jeannette Acosta-Martinez.
Price: $33.81 Including FREE shipping. Understanding Fencing (Zbigniew Czajkowski) Ref: BC8
Price: $34.78 Including FREE shipping. Epée Fencing: a complete system (Imre Vass) Ref: BV4
Although first translated into English in 1976 from the Hungarian original of 1965, this systematic treatment of epee fencing only became comprehensible to English-speaking fencers when it was completely rewritten by Stephan Khinoy in 1998. Since then the book, with its 400-pages and 83 multiple-action line drawings, has become accepted as the classic work on epee and is used as one of the set texts in the British Fencing coach training system.
Price: $28.98 Including FREE shipping. Fencing is my Life (S Golubitsky) Ref: BG10
In this book Sergei shares the story of his difficult rise to the top, his setbacks and triumphs, the priceless lessons he learned and the solid principles behind his fencing success. Hints, tips and moments of revelation appear on page after page. Sergei Golubitsky has written a book that every fencer will love.
Detailed review to follow in the New Year. Click
here to visit the Golubitsky Fencing Centres web site.
Price: $30.04 Including FREE shipping. Fencing the Modern International Style (I Lukovich) as recommended on BFA coaching courses Ref: BL2
Fencing the Modern International Style is the recommended core text for the BFA's coaching courses.
This book is a thorough introduction to the worlds leading fencing system. Deeper and more systematic than any other text available in English. George Edward Kolombatovich, Head Coach, Columbia University.
Full review to follow in the New Year.
Fencing: the modern international style is a systematic, in-depth introduction to the theory and practice of fencing both the how and the why. Unlike most introductions, its purpose is to give students enough knowledge to teach the sport, not just practice as beginners. But beginners can learn from it, too. The book is clearly and extensively illustrated. The original material has been supplemented with chapters on the history of fencing, a safety checklist, and a worldwide directory of suppliers and federations.
Price: $32.84 Including FREE shipping. One Touch at a Time (A Kogler) Ref: BK4
This book provides a guide for mental preparation techniques to use in critical situations. It reviews the investigative results of other sciences and applies them to fencing. It is rich in easy to understand examples and provides useful support for both athletes and fencers.
Full review to follow in the New Year.
Price: $31.10 Including FREE shipping. Rules F.I.E./B.F.A. in ring binder (B.F.A.) Ref: B4
July 2006 edition this is the very latest translation of the FIE rules. This version includes all of the decisions from the May executive committee and the second change to T86 on the running of competitions. Everything you will ever need to know about the international rules for all weapons. Includes the conventions of fencing, responsibilities of the referee, disciplinary procedures and penalties, organisation of competitions, and specifications for weapons and equipment. Supplied in a ring binder.
Price: $27.05 Including FREE shipping. Rules F.I.E./B.F.A. without binder (B.F.A.) Ref: B4R
July 2006 edition this is the very latest translation of the FIE rules. This version is now more streemlined to help you find rules more easily. Everything you will ever need to know about the international rules for all weapons. Includes the conventions of fencing, responsibilities of the referee, disciplinary procedures and penalties, organisation of competitions, and specifications for weapons and equipment.
Price: $23.18 Including FREE shipping. Foil Fencing (John 'Jes' Smith) Ref: BS8
In this comprehensive guide to the practice and techniques of fencing, John ‘Jes’ Smith, one of Britain’s foremost fencing masters, provides an essential reference work for newcomers to this fascinating sport. Informative and practical, The Fencing Manual covers both basic and more advanced techniques, and offers expert advice on how to get the most out of your fencing training.
Price: $25.10 Including FREE shipping. MAGNUM LIBRE D'ESCRIME Ref: BV2
"Professor Volkmann's Magnum libre d'Escrime is clearly a labour of love. the book is a finereflection of the American experience with fencing. It contains a wealth of fencing information for novice and expert alike and is written in a conversational and entertaining style, something rare in a book on compititive fencing. Magnum Libre d'Escrime deserves a place on evey fencers bookshelf" Robert F. Scranton, President, United States Fencing Coaches Association.
Price: $34.78 Including FREE shipping. Learning Fencing Ref: BB8
This book, written in a style easily comprehensible by a child and containing motivating illustrations, was written for the child. By inviting the child to complete individual tasks, to solve puzzles, to answer questions and to complete drawings, the book achieves the feel of a workbook. The little cartoon character "Foily" accompanies the reader throughout the book, as he offers tips and invites the child to practice independently.
Price: $21.23 Including FREE shipping. Fencing Training Ref: BB10
Building on the book "Learning Fencing", this book explains how to train for the techniques and tactics in the sport of fencing and shows why fencers must improve their endurance, strength, and speed. Young fencers learn to go beyond practice bouts and enrich their training with exercises that may seem to have nothing at all to do with fencing. They discover how important it is to warm up before training and competitions and learn why an athlete gets stiff muscles. The book also includes suggestions about what young athletes can do on their own to improve their skills and to monitor and evaluate their progress.
Price: $21.23 Including FREE shipping. Technique Foil, Epée & Sabre (B. Pitman) Ref: BP4
A well illustrated guide to the basic skills of fencing at all weapons by a former national coach of the UK. Aimed at the aspiring fencer keen to learn more about the strokes taught in lessons and their tactical applications, this is a practical manual in which descriptions are followed by instructions and check lists of what to concentrate on. Coaches confused about the lines and positions of left-handers will find the many photographs of left-hander fencers particularly helpful
Price: $33.81 Including FREE shipping. Handbook Of Foil Fencing (A. Skipp) Ref: BS6
A basic introduction to fencing for teachers wishing to become involved in the sport. Written by the British Fencing Association's director of coaching, it offers ideas for training beginners, including the use of games and fun exercises.
Price: $23.57 Including FREE shipping. Foil, Theory, Method and Exercises (Z. Wojciechowski) Ref: BW4
If you want to identify the four main tactical styles of foil and how to deal with them, this little book is invaluable. Written by Ziemek Wojciechowski, three times Polish foil champion and Britain's national coach for several years, it represents years of observation and experience as a top-class international fencer.
Price: $26.95 Including FREE shipping. A Century of Fencing in Britain (M. Fare) Ref: BF2
This lavishly illustrated hardback looks at how fencing has developed in Britain from the 16th century to the present day. The text highlights the success stories and key changes in the sport during the past century. It is packed with over 300 photographs, including thumbnail portraits of almost every senior British champion.The book is wonderfully visual with some stunning pictures. A must for all British swordsmen and women.
Regards
Price: $40.18 Including FREE shipping. Epee Combat Manual (T. Kingston) Ref: BK2
In preparing this book, Terence Kingston has combined his considerable skills as a graphic designer with his experience and knowledge as coach and fencer for many years. He has produced a unique book from which, those who wish to begin fencing with the Epee, will be able to learn the techniques involved, and these are arranged in sections which provide a progressive course of study.
Price: $26.08 Including FREE shipping. Know The Game (B.F.A.) Ref: B2
An introduction to the basic rules and techniques for each of the three fencing weapons - foil, epee and sabre.
Price: $8.02 Including FREE shipping. Secrets Of The Sword (Baron César de Bazancourt) Ref: BB4
Originally published in France in 1862, this reprint of the 1900 English translation is no technical manual but rather more philosophical in tone and amusing to read. Consisting of a series of after-dinner discussions, the book describes three types of assault: a graceful athletic exercise, fencing as an exact science and finally the practical task of self-defence in a duel.
Price: $24.79 Including FREE shipping. Dictionary Of Fencing Terminology (W. Gaugler) Ref: BG2
This slim volume of universally used fencing terms has been compiled by a fencing historian fluent in French, Italian and German. Professor William Gaugler, Director of the Fencing Masters Program at San José State University, California, has an unrivalled knowledge of ancient swordplay and his book provides coaches with a common guide to definitions of fencing actions. Beginning with a helpful outline of the origins of modern fencing terminology, the dictionary clearly defines commonly accepted terms as used in the main schools of fencing.
Price: $11.40 Including FREE shipping. The History Of Fencing (W. Gaugler) Ref: BG4
For anyone interested in the development of fencing since the 16th century, this book is a must. Written by the world's foremost authority on the fencing schools of Italy, France and Germany, it describes the evolution of fencing technique clearly and precisely. The author has updated the previous standard work on the subject and expanded it. His expert and concise summaries make many of the sources quoted available in English for the first time.
Price: $43.38 Including FREE shipping. Science Of Fencing (W. Gaugler) Ref: BG6
If you've ever wanted to know about the Italian system of instruction, this is the book to read. Written by a qualified master from the national academy of fencing in Naples, it is the definitive work in English on the classical Italian school.
Price: $31.05 Including FREE shipping. Modern British Fencing (E. Gray) Ref: BG8
The fourth and last volume in the series begun by Charles de Beaumont on the development of fencing in Britain during the 20th century. For those fencers active in the 60s and 70s this book is essential reading as it mentions practically everyone who achieved anything during that period. Painstakingly researched, it records all the main events, with thumb-nail sketches of individual fencers and clubs.
The book opens with a fascinating biography by Richard Cohen of Charles de Beaumont, Britain's 'Mr Fencing' for so many years.
Price: $38.64 Including FREE shipping. On Fencing (A. Nadi) Ref: BN2
First published in 1943, this book contains a wealth of technical and tactical advice from a man whose record of achievement enables him to write with complete authority. This is a comprehensive guide to foil fencing, suitable for teaching both the beginner and advanced fencer who will benefit from sections on combat training and competition. Also included are Nadi's vivid recollections of his duel with an Italian journalist.
Price: $25.12 Including FREE shipping. The Living Sword (A. Nadi) Ref: BN4
A stimulating and controversial autobiography by arguably the greatest fencer of all time. Before the war, Aldo Nadi led the sort of life as a professional fencer that is inconceivable today, earning a good living by giving three or four exhibition matches a year watched by thousands of paying spectators. For 12 years he challenged and defeated every world and Olympic champion at foil, epee and sabre. In 1923 the great French fencer, Lucien Gaudin, who went on to win both foil and epee titles at the 1928 Olympics, said "No one will defeat Aldo Nadi in the next 20 years." But for the war, he would probably have been right.
In his autobiography Nadi eloquently describes his fencing and amorous encounters as he gambled his way across Europe with a succession of beautiful women. The war destroyed this playboy lifestyle and he spent the last 30 years of his life teaching fencing in America. Although unpublished at his death in 1965, the book was rescued by William Gaugler so that modern fencers can read about Nadi's extraordinary exploits and a way of life that has vanished for ever.
Price: $22.51 Including FREE shipping. Skill Of The Game (H. De Silva) Ref: BS2
Second edition of a teaching manual that has proved popular with beginners. Its author's idiosyncratic approach has also made this a collector's item.
Price: $18.35 Including FREE shipping. Fencing To Win (A. Simmons & E. Morton) Ref: BS4
Intended for the advanced classical fencer, this book is written in a clear common-sense style by two experienced fencing masters. If not exactly at the cutting edge of modern fencing practice, it nevertheless offers much sound advice and includes separate tactical sections for all weapons.
Price: $25.95 Including FREE shipping. The Sword In Bath (Gerald Christie) Ref: BC2
A history of Bath Sword Club and of fencing in the city. This handsome illustrated hardback about fencers in Bath traces the development of fencing and swordplay from the 18th century to the present day.
Price: $17.89 Including FREE shipping.
