Fencing With the Smallsword
The Art of Swordsmanship for the Beginner
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Meyer & Meyer Sport (UK) Ltd
Publishing:20th Nov '25
£16.95
This title is due to be published on 20th November, and will be despatched as soon as possible.
This is a practical guide to smallsword fencing intended for beginners, foilists who wish to try a dueling weapon, and coaches looking for practical exercises for their students. The exercises provided were used in fencing academies centuries ago and are still applicable today. They are easily incorporated into practice sessions. Also included are fight sequences designed to guide the fencer in employing good swordplay when sparring.
This book offers a bit of everything. Fencing expert Michael Stevens outlines for the reader how fencing with a smallsword differs from modern competitive sports fencing, focusing on scoring points and on avoiding injury. He briefly examines the history of the smallsword and has included a section on fencing theory, explaining how to hold the sword and outlining the various thrusts and parries. He provides advice on how to best spar with the smallsword and how to cope with fencers who present different challen"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.
ISBN: 9781782552871
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
200 pages