Description
Fencing With the Smallsword: The Art of Swordsmanship for the Beginner 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 the same 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 challenges.
Reviews
FORWARD REVIEWS
“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.
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.
“This book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to master the art of swordsmanship, 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
About the Author
Michael J. Stevens started fencing in the late 1960s. He practiced fencing with foil, sabre, and épée, gained a reputation for adopting a classical style, and assisted with teaching novices. Growing disappointment with the way modern competitive fencing has diverged from its classical origins led to his recent interest in smallsword fencing which is more like dueling and where all the old fencing theories are still relevant. He has also published books on schooling horses, which is another of his major interests.
