Fencing: Steps to Success (Steps to Success Activity) [Paperback]

Elaine Cheris (Author)

Book Description

Series: Steps to Success Activity | Publication Date: November 12, 2001

Fencing: Steps to Success covers all of the essential skills of the epee and foil forms of fencing. This book will serve as the perfect training guide for less experienced fencers and students of fencing, as well as a valuable reference for instructors of this highly technical sport.

One of the most recognized fencing figures in the United States, author Elaine Cheris shares her expertise as both a fencer and instructor. In each progressive learning step, she carefully describes each major skill, presents sequential illustrations (approximately 150 in all) to show how to perform the skill, and then provides a series of drills to refine the skills through practice. The book's step-by-step teaching method is both challenging and fun for the student, promoting skills development and motivation to learn more. It's the perfect technique-development guide and a valuable reference.

Having made the U.S. Olympic team in both epee and foil, Cheris covers both forms in this book, giving you a well-rounded introduction to the sport. A highly accomplished instructor, Cheris owns and operates the Cheyenne Fencing Society and has been the chairperson for two World Championships. She has instructed many notable students, including pop music stars Neil Diamond and Jimmy Buffett.

See all the titles available in the Steps to Success Series.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"I am very impressed. This is a very good do-it-yourself book for beginners who lack the assistance of a coach. The basics are sound; the training program should improve even an experienced fencer. I am going to use a few of the training tips myself!"
Abrahamson Goran
Member of the technical commission, International Fencing Federation
Vice President, Swedish Fencing Federation
Silver and bronze world championship veteran (1997, 1998)

"A valuable manual both for the individual learning fencing and to stimulate and help coaches. Elaine Cheris draws on her experience as both a coach and Olympic competitor. The combination encourages this book will be of great service to those seriously wanting to fence."
Peter Jacobs
Secretary/ Treasurer and member of Executive Committee of the International Fencing Federation

"A refreshing introduction to the sport and pastime of fencing. The book compares fencing with various sports and activities to help understand the exercises. It will help young instructors willing to embark on a unique form of coaching, teaching, and training. It stresses mobility of hands and feet and points to the importance of balance at all times. Generally, I would say we look at a democratization of fencing."
Carl Schwende
Vice President of Honor and member of Executive Committee of the International Fencing Federation

Review

“I am very impressed. This is a very good do-it-yourself book for beginners who lack the assistance of a coach. The basics are sound; the training program should improve even an experienced fencer. I am going to use a few of the training tips myself!”

Abrahamson Gôran
Member of the technical commission, International Fencing Federation
Vice President, Swedish Fencing Federation
Silver and bronze world championship veteran (1997, 1998)

“A valuable manual both for the individual learning fencing and to stimulate and help coaches. Elaine Cheris draws on her experience as both a coach and Olympic competitor. The combination results in a book that will be of great service to those seriously wanting to fence.”

Peter Jacobs
Secretary/ Treasurer and member of Executive Committee of the International Fencing Federation

“A refreshing introduction to the sport and pastime of fencing. The book compares fencing with various sports and activities to help understand the exercises. It will help young instructors willing to embark on a unique form of coaching, teaching, and training. It stresses mobility of hands and feet and points to the importance of balance at all times. Generally, I would say we look at a democratization of fencing.”

Carl Schwende
Vice President of Honor and member of Executive Committee of the International Fencing Federation

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Human Kinetics (November 12, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 087322972X
• ISBN-13: 978-0873229722
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #376,459 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #30 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Individual Sports > Fencing

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good book on fencing, January 18, 2002

By 

F. D Sims (cleveland, ohio United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Fencing: Steps to Success (Steps to Success Activity) (Paperback)

This is one of the best books on fencing writen by an American. It's major weakness is that it often attempts to teach both foil and epee and the same time . The author does address modern fencing , a subject often ingored. This book is good for the person that knows how to fence and wants some pointers; not a good read for beginners . A good book but kept me wanting more, for example the author tells nothing of how she took up the sport and what it's done for her. Close only 4 of 5 stars.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars best instructional book out there for beginners, January 25, 2009

By 

Alyssa Larson (iowa city) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Fencing: Steps to Success (Steps to Success Activity) (Paperback)

breaks down each move and explains exactly what each part of the body should (and should not) be doing, how your weight should be distributed, etc. also lists common mistakes made and how to avoid or fix them. best of all, it's filled with tons of drills for practice, both solo and with a partner. working my way through the book has gotten me through my first semester of fencing with excellent results. so much more helpful than any other book out there, by far.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A very good book for beginning and intermediate fencing students, November 27, 2007

By 

J. Farmer - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fencing: Steps to Success (Steps to Success Activity) (Paperback)

I came across this book as part of the USFCA (United States Fencing Coaches Association) reading list in preparation for taking my Moniteur certification. After reading it, I've made a number of changes in my Introductory classes and list this book as the recommended text. Like any such text, there are points I disagree with, but they are few in number.

Without hesitation, I would recommend this book for any first year fencer.

J Farmer
Coach, Oak Ridge Fencers Club