100 Best Fencing Books of All Time (Updated for 2026)

1

The Art of War

Sun Tzu

5.0

For more than two thousand years, The Art of War has stood as a cornerstone of Chinese culture-a lucid epigrammatic text that reveals as much about human psychology, politics, and economics as it does about battlefield strategy. The influence of Sun-tzu's text has grown tremendously in the West in recent years, with military leaders, politicians, and corporate executives alike finding valuable ins

Recommended by Reid Hoffman, Evan Spiegel, Neil deGrasse Tyson, and 14 others.

Reid Hoffman

CEO/LinkedIn

Reid read Carl von Clausewitz and Sun Tzu as a boy, which informed his strategic thinking. [source]

Evan Spiegel

After meeting Mark Zuckerberg, Evan Spiegel immediately bought every Snapchat employee a copy of 'The Art Of War'. [source]

Neil deGrasse Tyson

Astrophysicist, Author & Science Communicator

Which books should be read by every single intelligent person on planet? … The Art of War (Sun Tsu) to learn that the act of killing fellow humans can be raised to an art. If you read all of the above works you will glean profound insight into most of what has driven the history of the western world. [source]

2

The Princess Bride: S. Morgenstern's Classic Tale of True Love and High Adventure

William Goldman

4.6

A Tale of true love and high adventure, pirates, princesses, giants, miracles, fencing, and a frightening assortment of wild beasts - The Princess Bride is a modern storytelling classic.

As Florin and Guilder teeter on the verge of war, the reluctant Princess Buttercup is devastated by the loss of her true love, kidnapped by a mercenary and his henchmen, rescued by a pirate, forced to marry Prince

Recommended by A.r. Moxon (Julius Goat).

A.r. Moxon (Julius Goat)

@TByrne75 I think the book of the Princess bride is pretty great actually [source]

3

The Book of Five Rings

Miyamoto Musashi

4.6

Preview Summary

Written over three centuries ago by a Samurai warrior, the book has been hailed as a limitless source of psychological insight for businessmen-or anyone who relies on strategy and tactics for outwitting the competition.

Recommended by Steve Blank, Ryan Holiday, Bill Liao, and 2 others.

Ryan Holiday

Author

Widely held as a classic, this book is much more than a manifesto and manual on swordsmanship and martial arts. It’s about the mindset, the discipline, and the perception necessary to win in life or death situations. As a swordsman, Musashi fought mostly by himself, for himself. His wisdom, therefore, is mostly internal. He tells you how to out-think and out-move your enemies. He tells you how to fend for yourself and live by a code. And isn’t that precisely what so many of us need help with every day? [source]

Bill Liao

The human world occurs in language so best get good at it! [source]

Stephane Grand

I do not believe there are business and non-business books. Business is life, you do business like the man or woman you excavate from the person you are told you are. Hence, the most potent business books are not about business, in my opinion. What makes a great business book is that it is a book that helps you find a better version of yourself. Therefore, I would say that my favorite business book is Miyamoto Musashi’s Book of Five Rings. It is an amazing inwards look at how to win battles. [source]

4

By the Sword: A History of Gladiators, Musketeers, Samurai, Swashbucklers, and Olympic Champions

Richard Cohen

4.5

Napoleon fenced. So did Shakespeare, Karl Marx, Grace Kelly, and President Truman, who would cross swords with his daughter, Margaret, when she came home from school. Lincoln was a canny dueler. Ignatius Loyola challenged a man to a duel for denying Christ’s divinity (and won). Less successful, but no less enthusiastic, was Mussolini, who would tell his wife he was “off to get spaghetti,” their co

5

The Art and Science of Fencing

Nick Evangelista

4.4

Often thought of as an activity just for actors or an elite few, fencing is actually an ideal sport for people of all ages. Fencing develops dexterity, endurance, flexibility, grace, and overall fitness, while also allowing participants the opportunity to hone the mind's problem-solving abilities. It is easily learned and practiced by both young and old, men and women, boys and girls. It has even

6

Proud: My Fight for an Unlikely American Dream

Ibtihaj Muhammad

4.4

THE FIRST FEMALE MUSLIM AMERICAN TO MEDAL AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES

NAMED ONE OF TIME'S 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE

Growing up in New Jersey as the only African American Muslim at school, Ibtihaj Muhammad always had to find her own way. When she discovered fencing, a sport traditionally reserved for the wealthy, she had to defy expectations and make a place for herself in a sport she grew to love.

Fr

7

The Art and Science of Staff Fighting: A Complete Instructional Guide

Varady

4.4

NINE LEVELS, EASY TO EXPERT

This book stands apart from other staff training manuals. While most titles focus on forms and twirling, The Art and Science of Staff Fighting emphasizes the dynamics of combat. The author draws on thirty years of martial experience, presenting the best of both Eastern and Western traditions.

Joe Varady lays out a comprehensive course of study in nine levels, from beginne

8

The Art and Science of Stick Fighting: Complete Instructional Guide

Joe Varady

4.4

"Simplicity is the shortest distance between two points." ― Bruce Lee, The Tao of Jeet Kune Do

The best of both Eastern and Western stick fighting techniques

The Art and Science of Stick Fighting is a unique, non-style specific, approach to fighting with the short stick. Its curriculum is streamlined and divided into nine logical stages of training that allow the reader to quickly and methodically l

9

Fence, Vol. 3

C.S. Pacat, Joana la Fuente, Johanna the Mad

4.3

Combines Issues #9-12.

Scrappy fencer Nicholas Cox comes to the end of his path to prove himself worthy of a father he never knew in the face of surly upperclassmen, nearly impossible odds, and the talent of his rival, sullen fencing prodigy, Seiji Katayama.

Sparks fly white-hot on the pitch as Nicholas and Seiji finally face off once again in the halls of King’s Row. It’s a match that will change K

10

The Three Musketeers (The D'Artagnan Romances, #1)

Alexandre Dumas and William Robso

4.3

Alexandre Dumas’s most famous tale— and possibly the most famous historical novel of all time— in a handsome hardcover volume.

This swashbuckling epic of chivalry, honor, and derring-do, set in France during the 1620s, is richly populated with romantic heroes, unattainable heroines, kings, queens, cavaliers, and criminals in a whirl of adventure, espionage, conspiracy, murder, vengeance, love, scan

11

Fence, Vol. 1

C.S. Pacat, Rebecca Nalty, Johanna the Mad

4.3

An alternate cover edition can be found here.

Combines Issues #1-4.

Nicholas, the illegitimate son of a retired fencing champion, is a scrappy fencing wunderkind, and dreams of getting the chance and the training to actually compete. After getting accepted to the prodigious Kings Row private school, Nicholas is thrust into a cut-throat world, and finds himself facing not only his golden-boy half-

12

Fencing and the Master

Laszlo Szabo

4.3

Fencing and the Master is abeloved, unique classic that 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, Fenci

13

Learning Fencing: A Training and Activity Book for 6- To 10-Year-Olds

Katrin Barth and Berndt Barth

4.3

This book, written in a style easily comprehended by a child and containing motivating illustrations, was written with the youngest of athletes in mind. By inviting kids to complete individual tasks, to solve puzzles, to answer questions and to complete drawings, the book achieves the feel of an activity book. The little cartoon character "Foily accompanies the reader throughout the book, as he of

14

Proud (Young Readers Edition): Living My American Dream

Ibtihaj Muhammad

4.3

The inspiring and critically acclaimed all-American story of faith, family, hard work, and perseverance by Olympic fencer, activist, and Time "100 Most Influential People" honoree Ibtihaj Muhammad

At the 2016 Olympic Games, Ibtihaj Muhammad smashed barriers as the first American to compete wearing hijab, and she made history as the first Muslim American woman to win a medal. But before she was an O

15

The Flower of Battle: MS Ludwig XV13

Colin Hatcher

4.3

Fiore dei Liberi was a weapons-master from Italy who was active in the 14th and early 15th century. After fifty years of training Italy's elite, he put his art to paper and created the Flower of Battle. The Flower of Battle covers unarmed combat, the use of the dagger, sword, spear, axe as well as fighting in armor, without and on horseback as well as other odds and ends. MS Ludwig XV 13 is the mo

16

The Theory and Practice of Historical Martial Arts

Guy Windsor

4.3

Cover unavailable

17

Black Brother, Black Brother

Jewell Parker Rhodes

4.3

From award-winning and bestselling author, Jewell Parker Rhodes comes a powerful coming-of-age story about two brothers, one who presents as white, the other as black, and the complex ways in which they are forced to navigate the world, all while training for a fencing competition.

Donte wishes he were invisible. As one of the few black boys at Middlefield Prep, he feels as if he is constantly

18

Fencing: A Renaissance Treatise

Camillo Agrippa

4.3

Camillo Agrippa's widely influential "Treatise on the Science of Arms" was a turning point in the history of fencing. The author - an engineer by trade and not a professional master of arms - was able to radically re-imagine teaching the art of fencing. Agrippa's treatise is the fundamental text of Western swordsmanship. Just as earlier swordsmanship can be better understood from Agrippa's critiques, so too was his book the starting point for the rapier era. Every other treatise of the early-modern period had to deal explicitly or implicitly with Agrippa's startling transformation of the art and science of self-defense with the sword. Likewise, all of the fundamental ideas that are still used today - distance, time, line, blade opposition, counterattacks and countertime - are expressed in this paradigm-shifting treatise. This is a work that should be on the bookshelf of anyone interested in the history, practice or teaching of fencing. His treatise was also a microcosm of sixteenth-century thought. It examines the art, reduces it to its very principles, and reconstructs it according to a way of thinking that incorporated new concepts of art, science and philosophy. Contained within this handy volume are concrete examples of a new questioning of received wisdom and a turn toward empirical proofs, hallmarks of the Enlightenment. The treatise also presents evidence for a redefinition of elite masculinity in the wake of the military revolution of the sixteenth century. At the same time, is offers suggestive clues to the place of the hermetic tradition in the early-modern intellectual life and its implications for the origins of modern science. Camillo Agrippa's "Treatise on the Science of Arms" was first published in Rome in 1553 by the papal printer Antonio Blado. The original treatise was illustrated with 67 engravings that belong to the peak of Renaissance design. They are reproduced here in full. "Mondschein has at last made available to English-speaking readers one of the most important texts in the history of European martial arts. Agrippa marks a turning point in the intellectual history of these arts.... Mondschein's introduction to his work helps the reader understand Agrippa - and the martial practices themselves - as pivotal agents in the evolving cultural and intellectual systems of the sixteenth century. Above all, Mondschein's translation is refreshingly clean and idiomatic, rendering the systematic clarity of the Italian original into equally clear modern English - evidence of the author's familiarity with modern fencing and understanding of the physical realities that his author is trying to express. Mondschein's contextualization of his topic points the way for future scholarly exploration, and his translation will doubtless be valued by both students of cultural history and practitioners of modern sword arts." - Dr. Jeffrey L. Forgeng, Paul S. Morgan Curator -Higgins Armory Museum, Adj. Assoc. Prof. of Humanities, Worcester Polytechnic Institute First English translation. Paperback, 234 pages, 67 illustrations, introduction, bibliography, glossary, appendix, index."

19

The Fencing Master

Arturo Perez-Reverte

4.3

In Madrid in 1868, fencing master and man of honor Don Jaime is approached by a mysterious woman who seeks to learn the unstoppable thrust, an arcane technique known only to him. All too soon he finds himself in the vortex of a plot that includes seduction, secret political documents, and more than one murder. Rich with historical detail of a decaying world that agonizes - as does the art of fenci

20

Fence, Vol. 2

C.S. Pacat, Joana la Fuente, Johanna the Mad

4.3

Combines Issues #5-8.

Nicholas Cox is determined to prove himself in the world of competitive fencing, and earn his place on the Kings Row fencing team, alongside sullen fencing prodigy, Seiji Katayama, to win the right to go up against his golden-boy half-brother.

Tryouts are well underway at King’s Row for a spot on the prodigious fencing team, and scrappy fencer Nicholas isn’t sure he’s going to

21

The Master Will Appear (Las Palmas Fencing Club, #1)

L.A. Witt, Michael Ferraiuolo, et al

4.3

Dr. Mikhail “Misha” Budnikov takes one look at fellow fencer Ryan O’Connor and instantly knows his type. The undisciplined hothead is all ego with no finesse and even less control. In short, Misha’s pet peeves personified. To put the arrogant kid in check, Misha challenges him to a sparring match, which he predictably wins.

Not so predictably, Ryan asks him to be a mentor and show him how to fence.

22

The Art of Dueling: 17th Century Rapier as Taught by Salvatore Fabris

Salvator Fabris, Tom Leoni

4.2

The Italian Rapier has held a special place in the history of European swordsmanship. Famous for generations after his death, Salvatore Fabris became the personal fencing master to the equally famous King Christianus of Denmark. Towards the end of his career, and at the king's request, the great master set down the sum of his art in clear in a clear, concise manual of footwork, guards, attacks, de

23

Kendo: A Comprehensive Guide to Japanese Swordsmanship

Geoff Salmon

4.2

Master the art of Kendo—Japanese Swordsmanship with this illustrated and comprehensive martial arts guide.

Kendo or the "Way of the Sword" holds a special place within the martial arts as one of the few practices tracing back directly to Japan's ancient samurai heritage. Modern students flock to kendo for physically—and mentally—challenging activity that combines traditional martial arts values wit

24

The Science Of Fencing: A Comprehensive Training Manual For Master And Student; Including Lesson Plans For Foil, Sabre And Epee Instruction

William M. Gaugler

4.2

The Military Fencing Masters Program, established in 1979, is where aspiring fencers go to earn legitimate degrees as teachers of the art of fencing. This internationally recognized course -- which covers all aspects of fencing -- has produced more than a few accomplished fencing masters since ts inception. It is, to date, the only successful long-term program of its kind in the United States.A co

25

Cold Steel: The Art of Fencing with the Sabre

Alfred Hutton and Ramon Martinez

4.2

A pioneer of modern fencing, Alfred Hutton was the first president of the Amateur Fencing Association and a father of modern research into the Western combat arts. In addition to his lectures about ancient weapons and his demonstrations of their use, Hutton created this 1889 classic, a continuing source of instruction and enlightenment to modern readers.
The techniques associated with the sabre dif

Cover unavailable

26

Girls with Swords: Why Women Need to Fight Spiritual Battles

Lisa Bevere, John Bevere

4.2

What if you discovered you have been entrusted with an invisible, invincible, and incorruptible weapon? Would you use it? Move beyond only study and begin to wield the Word of God!

“If you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one!”
—Jesus

If there ever was a time for women to be armed, it’s now.

Yet the Word of God is a sword we often are more comfortable studying than wielding. It’s time w

27

Ridolfo Capoferro's The Art and Practice of Fencing: A Practical Translation for the Modern Swordsman

Tom Leoni

4.2

In the 1600s, the elegant and deadly Italian rapier was the choice sword of duelists, officers, gentlemen and noblemen: to master the rapier was to be a feared martial artist and a paragon in single combat.

Among the original treatises on the use of this weapon, the most prized by historical fencing revivalists in the last 150 year has been the Great Representation of the Art and Practice of Fencin

28

American Fencer: Modern Lessons from an Ancient Sport

Tim Morehouse

4.2

In his fast-paced memoir, written with best-selling author Garth Sundem, Olympic silver medalist Tim Morehouse describes his life’s inspiring trajectory from a rough neighborhood in New York City to fencing halls around the world and eventually the Olympic podium. Using the Italian adage Maestro di scherma, maestro di vita (Master fencing, master life] as his compass, Tim shows us the hidden and s

29

The 'Lost' Second Book of Nicoletto Giganti(1608): A Rapier Fencing Treatise

Nicoletto Giganti, Piermarco Terminiello, et al.

4.2

30

Girls with Swords Fencing Manual Workbook

Lisa Bevere

4.2

31

The Unfettered Mind: Writings from a Zen Master to a Master Swordsman

Takuan Soho

4.2

The Japanese have always closely associated the sword and the spirit, but it was in the 1600s during the Tokugawa shogunate when the techniques of swordsmanship became forever associated with the spirit of Zen. The Unfettered Mind is a book of advice on swordsmanship and the cultivation of right mind and intention, written by the 17th-century Zen master Takuan Soho (1573-1645). Takuan was a garden

32

Self-Defense for Gentlemen and Ladies: A Nineteenth-Century Treatise on Boxing, Kicking, Grappling, and Fencing with the Cane and Quarterstaff

Colonel Thomas Hoyer Monstery

4.2

Self-Defense for Gentlemen and Ladies is the treatise of Colonel Thomas Hoyer Monstery, a master swordsman who participated in more than fifty duels, fought under twelve flags, battled gangsters, and was constantly involved in the great conflicts and upheavals of his time. This book is the magnum opus of this remarkable and colorful character, originally published in the 1870s as a series of newsp

33

Understanding Fencing

Zbigniew Czajkowski

4.2

The world-famous coach who has produced world champions and Olympic gold medalists- in all three weapons- has finally distilled his teachings in English! An in-depth look at the coach's work, starting with basic theory and progressing through 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 pres

34

The Speed of Dark

Elizabeth Moon

4.2

In the near future, disease will be a condition of the past. Most genetic defects will be removed at birth; the remaining during infancy. Unfortunately, there will be a generation left behind. For members of that missed generation, small advances will be made. Through various programs, they will be taught to get along in the world despite their differences. They will be made active and contributin

35

Lessons of the Broadsword Masters: Essential Skills of Broadsword Fencing

Christopher Scott Thompson

4.2

36

Dragonfly Summer (Smith Mountain Lake #2)

Inglath Cooper

4.2

Just when you think you'll never find the real thing. . .

When she realizes she's to blame for her nineteen-year-old daughter's disappearance, Keegan Monroe leaves behind a successful career in L.A. for a quieter life on Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia. Raised in the foster care system, Keegan had been determined that her children would live a different life. And so, while she fully met their ph

37

Lessons on the Thrust

Reinier van Noort, Jean Daniel L'Ange, et al

4.2

In 1664, Jéann Daniel L'Ange published the Deutliche und gründliche Erklärung der adelichen und ritterlichen freyen Fecht-Kunst in Heidelberg, Germany. This was one of the first concise and systematic treatises on the typically German style of rapier fencing that evolved from the teachings of Fabris and his German students. L'Ange presents his personal point of view on this fencing style, which in

38

On Fencing

Aldo Nadi

4.2

One the greatest of modern swordsmen and an Olympic champion, Nadi instructed men, women, and children in the art and science of fencing. His comprehensive and accessible manual covers fundamental and advanced foil techniques and offers philosophical and psychological evaluations of every facet of the sport.

39

I33 Fencing in the Style of the Walpurgis Manuscript 2nd edition

Andrew Kenner

4.2

The Walpurgis Manuscript (Royal Armouries I.33) is the world's oldest known personal fencing manual, having been written in early 14th century Germany. This fascinating document offers a unique window into a style of sword and buckler fencing that appears to have been both a popular sport and a means of waging war in Western Europe for more than a century. This extensively revised and extended Sec

40

The Swordman's Companion: A Modern Training Manual for the Medieval Longsword

Guy Windsor

4.2

How was the medieval sword used? Although many books have been released detailing techniques of the medieval swordmasters, none of them can really be termed easily interpreted manuals of technique. For the beginner, they are hard to decipher and interpret.The well-respected founder of the prestigious Helsinki School of European Swordsmanship, Mr. Windsor has offered a nuts-and-bolts approach to te

41

Saber Exercise 1914

Lt. George S. Patton Jr.

4.2

A true reproduction of the U.S. Army 1914 Saber Exercise written by Lt. George S. Patton, Jr. while he was "Master of the Sword" at Fort Riley, Kansas.

42

One Touch At A Time: Psychological Aspects Of Fencing

Aladar Kogler

4.2

A complete revision and substantial expansion of the first edition of Aladar Kogler's instant classic. This unique book looks at the key attributes that make elite fencers into world champions. Then it shows how you can develop these traits in yourself-- how you can strengthen yourself mentally to meet fencing's unique demands. Specific recommendations for your sense of distance, sense of tempo, b

43

Storey's Guide to Raising Dairy Goats: Breed Selection, Feeding, Fencing, Health Care, Dairying, Marketing

Jerry Belanger

4.2

This best-selling handbook is packed with detailed information on housing, feeding, and fencing dairy goats. It’s been the trusted resource on the topic for farmers and homesteaders since it was originally published in 1975, and the new edition — completely updated and redesigned — makes Storey’s Guide to Raising Dairy Goats more comprehensive and accessible than ever. In-depth sections explain ev

44

The Life-Giving Sword: Secret Teachings from the House of the Shogun

Yagyu Munenori, William Scott Wilson

4.2

This is a translation of an important classic on Zen swordfighting. Yagyu Munenori was so widely renowned that he was appointed official sword instructor to two Tokugawa shoguns. (The position was always coveted by Miyamoto Musashi, but he never succeeded in gaining the post). Yagyu's style is known as the Shinkage-ryu style, for centuries the official style of the Tokugawa dynasty. His spiritual

45

Samurai: An Illustrated History

Mitsuo Kure

4.2

Samurai: An Illustrated History brings the violent, tumultuous, and, at the same time, elegant world of the medieval Japanese samurai to life.

This Japanese history book traces the story of a unique historical phenomenon: a period of 700 years—equivalent to the entire stretch of Western history between the reigns of the Crusader king Richard the Lionhearted and of Queen Victoria at the height of th

46

Foiled (Foiled, #1)

Jane Yolen, Mike Cavallaro

4.2

Aliera Carstairs just doesn't fit in.

She's invisible at high school.

She's too visible at the fencing gym.

Aliera's starting to wonder...where does she belong?

47

Fencing Is My Life

Sergei Golubitsky

4.2

The best fencing autobiography since Nadi's, with inspiration and instruction for every fencer-a great gift for young fencers and an important story for coaches. In this book, a great champion tells his story and teaches his secrets! Golubitsky, a four-time overall World Cup Champion, three-time World Champion, and winner of nineteen World Cups, recounts his difficult rise to the top, his triumphs

48

Japanese Swordsmanship: Technique And Practice

Donn F. Draeger

4.2

This book offers a wonderful introduction to the martial artist who has been exposed to limited swordplay in a martial arts class and wants to continue learning separately. Illustrations and explanations of the moves and forms help readers fully learn each lesson.

49

Duellists Companion: A Training Manual for 17th Century Italian Rapier

Guy Windsor

4.2

A modern training manual for the 17th century rapier, lavishly illustrated with over 400 photographs, the Duellist's Companion is a complete training system for rapier, the Queen of Weapons. Guy Windsor, author of the popular longsword text The Swordsmans' Companion, has triumphed in this work, which guides the beginner through the rapier, based on the world of Capo Ferro's 1610 masterpiece, Gran

50

Venetian Rapier: The School, or Salle: Nicoletto Giganti's 1606 Rapier Fencing Curriculum

Tom Leoni

4.2

Perhaps no other weapon represents Renaissance Italian fencing like the rapier. But do we know how it was used and how it was taught? This book takes you to the fencing School, or Salle of celebrated renaissance rapier Master Nicoletto Giganti of Venice, one among the period teachers leaving instructions on the use of this weapon. More uniquely, his 1606 text The School, or Salle is a veritable tr

51

Fencing: A Know the Game Handbook

Amateur Fencing Association

4.2

52

Fighting with the German Longsword

Christian Tobler

4.2

Recorded over six centuries ago, the teachings of the 14th-century Master-at-Arms Johannes Liechtenauer have been given new life by a world-wide community of modern swordsmen and women, fascinated by the elegance, efficiency and depth of his unique martial art. Christian Henry Tobler was one of the pioneers in reviving the medieval Master's art, creating the first, published syllabus for training

53

Vietnamese Instant Pot Cookbook: Popular Vietnamese recipes for Pressure Cooker, Instant Pot, Multicooker, Crock Pot Express. Quick and Easy Vietnamese Meals for Any Taste!

Henry Wilson

4.1

54

Raising Animals for Fiber

Chris McLaughlin

4.1

Fiber Animals for the Backyard and Hobby Farm

Raising backyard fiber animals is rising in popularity, as more and more people seek traditional textiles for yarn-focused crafts like knitting, crocheting, and weaving, as well as spinning, embroidery, needlepoint, needle felting, wet felting, and fiber dying. This book offers an essential reference for anyone who is considering their own production of

Cover unavailable

55

The Spirit of the Sword: Iaido, Kendo, and Test Cutting with the Japanese Sword

Nakamura Taisaburo

4.1

Nakamura Taisaburo's landmark book on the art of the sword includes technical information, thoughtful analysis, and fascinating recollections of his own training and teaching. One of the most famous Japanese swordsmen of the twentieth century, Nakamura sensei is widely acknowledged as the preeminent reinvigorator of the practice of tameshigiri (test cutting) as a test of technical and spiritual ma

56

The Revised Foil

Charles A. Selberg

4.1

57

The Art of Sword Combat: A 1568 German Treatise on Swordmanship

Joachim Meyer

4.1

Following the success of Jeffrey L. Forgeng's translation of Joachim Meyer's The Art of Sword Combat the author was alerted to an earlier recension of the work which was discovered in Lund University Library in Sweden.

The manuscript, produced in Strassburg around 1568, is illustrated with thirty watercolor images and seven ink diagrams.

The text covers combat with the long sword (hand-and-a-half sw

58

Fencing with the Foil

Roger Crosnier

4.1

59

The Medieval Art of Swordsmanship: Royal Armouries MS I.33

Jeffrey L. Forgeng

4.1

Royal Armouries Manuscript I.33, also known as the Tower Fechtbuch or the Walpurgis Manuscript, is the oldest known manual of swordsmanship in the Western canon. Dated to c. 1310, it is a stunning work of late medieval art and the Armouries’ most treasured manuscript, one so famous it has become known simply by its shelf number: I.33. This new edition includes a critical introduction, transcriptio

60

How to Defend Yourself: Cane - Fists - Dirty Tricks

Georges DuBois

4.1

61

Epee 2.0: The Birth of the New Fencing Paradigm

Johan Harmenberg

4.1

Johan Harmenberg had left his native Sweden because he had "given up" on serious competitive fencing. But when he came to MIT, he met an innovative coach - the late Eric Sollee. Scribbling on a napkin in a Cambridge bar, Eric, Johan, and the other MIT fencers sketched the "Three Conjectures" of a new fencing paradigm" - a way to force a more skillful opponent to play your game. On his return to Sw

62

SPADA 2: Anthology of Swordsmanship

Stephen Hand

4.1

An exciting new anthology of articles on the history of swordsmanship. It includes works from some of the most important names in the field, as well as some new faces. The articles cover a wide range of topics, from ancient and medieval sword and shield combat to Italian and Spanish rapier fencing. Articles include:Medical Reality of Historical WoundsDispelling Myths About the Early History of Rap

63

Essence of Ninjutsu

Masaaki Hatsumi

4.1

Looking back almost 1,000 years, the mists of Japan's chaotic past shroud the development of a way of life, an ancient struggle waged against fierce feudal lords who ruled the island nation with swords of steel and a code of death before dishonor. The people of the mountainous regions of what is now Iga prefecture wanted to live in peace, but their lords had other plans-so the people learned the m

64

The Electric Fencing Handbook: How to Choose and Install the Best Fence to Protect Your Crops and Livestock

Ann Larkin Hansen

4.1

Use electric fencing to protect your livestock, poultry, beehives, and garden. Portable electric fencing is key to successful rotational grazing, while permanent electric fencing effectively protects gardens and orchards and secures large pastures. Through clear instructions accessible to everyone, you’ll learn when to use these methods or a combination of the two, plus how to plan for, build, and

65

The Clue of the Broken Blade (Hardy Boys, #21)

Franklin W. Dixon

4.1

Frank and Joe Hardy become involved in an intriguing mystery which revolves around their fencing master, Ettore Russo. Proof that Russo is the rightful heir to his grandfather's estate hinges on retrieving the guard end of a broken saber lost many years ago in California. The young investigators' quest is complicated by a bank robbery during which some of their father's important records are stole

66

Tai Chi Sword Classical Yang Style: The Complete Form, Qigong, and Applications

Dr. Jwing-Ming Yang Ph.D.

4.1

Beyond the Barehand Form, beyond the Qigong, lies the elegant and effective Sword of Taijiquan! Learn to extend your Qi, enhance your art and refine your self. This comprehensive guide contains not only the complete Taiji Sword Form and Taiji Sword Qigong Set, but also seldom taught sword fighting applications and matching exercises.

More than just a "how-to", this book also contains theory, histor

67

Scottish Fencing: Five 18th Century Texts on the Use of the Small-sword, Broadsword, Spadroon, Cavalry Sword, and Highland Battlefield Tactics

Ben Miller

4.1

The martial heritage of Scotland and its legendary swordsmen have captured the imagination of readers worldwide for centuries. Likewise, enthusiasts of swordsmanship have cherished classic Scottish fencing treatises by those such as William Hope and Donald McBane. However, up until now, a number of obscure Scottish treatises on the use of the sword have evaded the notice of authors, scholars and r

68

Harnessing Anger: The Inner Discipline of Athletic Excellence

Peter Westbrook, Tej Hazarika

4.1

69

Rapier: The Art And Use Of Fencing By Ridolfo Capo Ferro

Nick S. Thomas

4.1

70

Fencing: The Modern International Style

Istvan Lukovich

4.1

71

The Demon's Sermon on the Martial Arts: And Other Tales

William Scott Wilson and Issai Chozanshi

4.1

72

Samurai Mind: Lessons from Japan's Master Warriors (Classic texts on cultivating mental discipline and achieving victory)

Christopher Hellman

4.1

The Samurai Mind is a collection of five seminal Japanese texts that convey the essence of traditional samurai philosophy and ethics from very different, but complementary points of view.

These texts range from the ferocious to the esoteric—with their common thread being the importance of mastering one's own mind as the key to overcoming opponents. They were written from the mid-18th to early 19th

73

Fence #1 (Fence, #1)

C.S. Pacat and Johanna the Mad

4.1

Sixteen-year-old Nicholas Cox is an outsider to the competitive fencing world. Filled with raw talent but lacking proper training, he signs up for a competition that puts him head-to-head with fencing prodigy Seiji Katayama...and on the road to the elite all-boys school Kings Row. A chance at a real team and a place to belong awaits him—if he can make the cut!

74

T'ai Chi: The "Supreme Ultimate" Exercise for Health, Sport, and Self-Defense

Cheng Man-Ch'ing

4.1

Master the Chinese martial art of T'ai Chi with this accessible, illustrated guide.

T'ai-chi (Tai Chi) is an effortless and rhythmical art that stresses slow breathing, balanced and relaxed postures, and absolute calmness of mind. It requires no special equipment or place to practice and takes no more than ten minutes a day.

This book, from renowned Tai Chi master, Cheng Man-Ch'ing, introduces T'ai-

75

Fences for Pasture Garden

Gail Damerow

4.1

Whether you’re trying to protect your garden from wildlife predators or want to keep your livestock from wandering too far, effective fencing can bring welcome peace of mind. Covering the pros and cons of a variety of fencing types, Gail Damerow shows you how to build a fence that works for your needs. With clearly illustrated instructions for building wire fences, rail fences, electric fences, wo

76

Electric Fencing: A Storey Basics Title. Design, Installation, Use

Ann Larkin Hansen

4.1

This practical guide covers everything you need to know about the types of electric fencing available, how to choose the type that is right for your needs, how electric fencing works, how to put an electric fencing system together, and even how to use portable electric fencing for rotational grazing. Whether you need to keep livestock in or predators out, you'll find the information you need in th

77

Deer-Resistant Design: Fence-free Gardens that Thrive Despite the Deer

Karen Chapman

4.1

“Fear deer no more! The best source I’ve seen on the topic!” —Tracy DiSabato-Aust, award-winning garden designer and best-selling author

Deer are one of the most common problems a gardener can face. These cute but pesky animals can quickly devour hundreds of dollars’ worth of plants. And common solutions include the use of unattractive fencing and chemicals.

In Deer-Resistant Design, Karen Chapman

78

Schools and Masters of Fencing: From the Middle Ages to the Eighteenth Century

Egerton Castle

4.1

The standard reference on historical swordsmanship since its 1885 publication, this volume is still widely considered the definitive work on fencing history and the art of European swordsmanship. The author, Egerton Castle, traces fencing from its roots in the unschooled brawling of the Middle Ages to its latter-day precision and refinement, focusing particularly on the 16th-century development of

79

Steel

Carrie Vaughn

4.0

It was a slender length of rusted steel, tapered to a point at one end and jagged at the other, as if it had broken. A thousand people would step over it and think it trash, but not her.

This was the tip of a rapier.

Sixteen-year-old Jill has fought in dozens of fencing tournaments, but she has never held a sharpened blade. When she finds a corroded sword piece on a Caribbean beach, she is instantly

Cover unavailable

80

Fencing: Ancient Art and Modern Sport

Charles Louis De Beaumont

4.0

This book is designed as an encyclopedic text book for the modern fencer. The beginner as well as the established fencer will find it of enormous value for a better understanding of this 'ancient art and modern sport'.

The technique and tactics for foil, épée and sabre are in full detail related t the different schools and methods, and the advantages and disadvantages of each are discussed as by a

81

Modern Fencing: A Comprehensive Manual For The Foil, The Epee, The Sabre

Deladrier. Clovis

4.0

First published in 1948, Modern Fencing 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 weapons - the foil, epee and sabre - rather 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 maste

82

Curses! Foiled Again (Foiled, #2)

Jane Yolen, Mike Cavallaro

4.0

Defender of the Seelie Courts, Aliera Carstairs, is back!

This time her cousin and best friend, Caroline joins her in both the human and the faerie realms--where the stakes are higher than ever.

And then there's the Unseelie-defector-troll Avery tagging along, Baba Yaga herself, and much, much more that is rarely what it seems.

83

Practice Drills for Japanese Swordsmanship

Nicklaus Suino

4.0

To become an expert swordsman, one must pay close attention to detail, be highly self-critical, and practice diligently every day under the guidance of a good teacher. Unfortunately, contact time with a worthy mentor is limited for most. Practice Drills for Japanese Swordsmanship fills this obvious gap in the training of the modern swordsman by providing bokuto (wooden sword) drills to supplement

84

Swordspoint (Riverside, #1)

Ellen Kushner

4.0

The classic forerunner to The Fall of the Kings now with three bonus stories.

Hailed by critics as "a bravura performance" (Locus) and "witty, sharp-eyed, [and] full of interesting people" (Newsday), this classic melodrama of manners, filled with remarkable plot twists and unexpected humor, takes fantasy to an unprecedented level of elegant writing and scintillating wit. Award-winning author Ell

85

Tai Chi Sword Classical Yang Style: The Complete Form, Qigong, And Applications, Revised

Jwing-Ming Yang

4.0

86

Filipino Martial Culture (Martial Culture Series)

Mark V. Wiley

4.0

Widely practiced but little understood, the Filipino martial arts have a rich history and distinctive character that until now, has not been fully documented. Written in the context of Philippine history and culture, Filipino Martial Culture uncovers the esoteric components of the Filipino martial arts and the life-histories of the men who perpetuate them.

87

The School of Fencing: With a General Explanation of the Principal Attitudes and Positions Peculiar to the Art

Domenico Angelo

4.0

The School of Fencing was first presented in 1763 by Domenico Angelo in French as L'Ecole des armes. It remained the most popular book on fencing for more than fifty years, being translated and republished five times in two decades. Before taking the throne as King George III, a young Edward, Duke of York and his brother, George the Prince of Wales, were both students of Domenico Angelo. His text

88

The Book of the Sword: With 293 Illustrations

Sir Richard F. Burton

4.0

"The history of the sword is the history of humanity." With these words, British author, Victorian scholar, and world traveler Richard Burton begins his eloquent and exceptionally erudite history of the "Queen of Weapons."
Spanning the centuries and a wide range of cultures, Burton's rich and elegant prose illuminates the sword as both armament and potent symbol. For nearly all peoples of the worl

89

Epee Fencing: A Complete System

Imre Vass

4.0

90

English Swordsmanship: The True Fight of George Silver; Volume 1: Single Sword

Stephen Hand

4.0

One of the most important teachers of historical swordsmanship, Stephen Hand has delivered what may well be his Magnum Opus, a detailed study in text and photographs of his best form, the swordsmanship of the 16th century English swordmaster, George Silver. In nearly 800 photographs, Mr. Hand explores the depth of Silver's technique, presenting for the student a clear and concise path to fighting

91

Hungarian Hussar Sabre and Fokos Fencing

Russ Mitchell and Kat Laurange

4.0

Hungarian Hussar Sabre and Fokos Fencing provides a heavily-illustrated, step-by-step guide for how to fence—and how to teach!—Hungarian sabre fencing, as well as how to use the "fokos," or long-handled axe traditional to Hungary and East-Central Europe. It covers everything from basic stance work and tactics to complete synoptic tables and how to troubleshoot students who are having difficulty wi

92

Training Fencing

Berndt Barth, Katrin Barth, et al.

4.0

This guide shows how to train for technique 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.

93

Pool Cues, Beer Bottles, and Baseball Bats: Animal's Guide to Improvised Weapons for Self-defense and Survival

Marc MacYoung

4.0

Growing up in the streets of Los Angeles Marc "Animal" MacYoung learned a harsh – and usually ignored – reality about weapons. That is: you're more likely to be attacked by one than you are to attack with one.

Being attacked by an improvised weapon is a game changer. It's not all about offense, you have stop the incoming attack, or you'll never get the chance to stop the attacker. This also means

94

The Demon's Sermon on the Martial Arts: A Graphic Novel

Sean Michael Wilson

4.0

A graphic novel version of this classic collection of martial arts parables, written by Issai Chozanshi, an 18-century samurai, brings these tales alive in a captivating and immediately accessible way. The stories, which feature demons, insects, birds, cats, and numerous other creatures, may seem whimsical, but they contain essential teachings that offer insight into the fundamental principles of

95

Aikido Weapons Techniques: The Wooden Sword, Stick and Knife of Aikido

Phong Thong Dang

4.0

Master the wooden weapons used in Aikido with this comprehensive martial arts training manual.

Although aikido is often thought of as a nonviolent, noncompetitive martial art, the use of weapons was introduced by the art's founder O'Sensei Morihei Ueshiba. In fact, aikido techniques that use wooden weapons can enrich all aspects of your practice, helping you to understand both basic and advanced ai

Cover unavailable

96

Notebook: Rocket space rocketship spacecraft navigation space station earth space solar system

Wild Pages Press

4.0

-Notebook measurements 5" x 8"(12.7cm x 20.32cm)-Heaps of Space with 150 Ruled Pages-Perfect distance between lines allowing plenty of room to write-Stunning softcovers, sturdy enough for everyday use -Wild Pages Press are creators of unique notebooks, journals, composition books, school exercise books, college pads, university lecture pads, memo books and travel journals. -Our range of over 18,00

Cover unavailable

97

Basic Wing Chun Training: Wing Chun For Street Fighting and Self Defense

Sam Fury

4.0

Discover the Martial Arts Training that Made the Legends Bruce Lee and IP Man: Wing Chun Kung Fu!

Basic Wing Chun Training: Wing Chun Kung Fu Training for Street Fighting and Self Defense is a Wing Chun Kung Fu training manual designed to progressively teach basic Wing Chun techniques and principles and shows how to adapt the Wing Chun techniques learnt for use in street fighting and self defense.

98

Fencing the Sky: A Novel

James Galvin

4.0

From critically acclaimed author of The Meadow comes a haunting novel of the American West.

Circumstances spiral out of control when an accidental murder springs from the best intentions. With one man dead and another on the run, this is a story about violence and how it destroys lives when the land is at stake. This lyrical first novel--long-awaited by the many admirers of James Galvin's The Meado

99

Old Sword Play: Techniques of the Great Masters

Alfred Hutton

4.0

100

The Academy of the Sword

Gerard Thibault

4.0