Customer Reviews

Fencing: Steps to Success (Steps to Success Activity)

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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

We use this as a textbook for our beginner fencers. The illustrations are very clear, with multiple viewpoints, and the directions are very clear. It also is great for my assistant instructors to use for the tips on what to look for when a fencer is doing something wrong! A great book! I reccommend it for all the salles!

Another classic. Good pictures and easy to understand text. Full of drills to perform alone or with another person. Quite simply one of the best American texts available.

Unfortunately, I bought this after I bought The Art and Science of Fencing; this was what I was looking for! Several chapters worth of drills, exercises and illustrations for establishing a solid basic fencing skill-set. Each chapter includes common mistakes and how to fix them. No book is a substitute for training under a master, but if you can't find an instructor, this is the next best thing.

Having not fenced since my college days in the 60s, but still having a set of foils and masques, I wanted to obtain a book to remind me of what I once knew...the basics
While there were a few defensive moves not discussed in this book, nor a discussion of the advantages/disadvantages of various grips, I found the book helpful and believe a newbie would benefit from its illustrations.

I purchased this book as a gift for my son. He was very pleased. He said that it contained all the information that he had hoped for, but didn't receive, when he purchased a different book.

Ms. Cheris' "Fencing: Steps to Success" is a worthwhile purchase for new fencers. (My 5 star rating presumes that the reader is a novice fencer.) As a new fencer myself (1 year), I've read several books on fencing in addition to taking weekly lessons. Ms. Cheris' book provides clear, concise instructions and excellent diagrams; and includes numerous recommended drills that help beginners properly form their technique. While no substitute for lessons, the book is great as a companion to live instruction. For beginners, I strongly recommned this book over Nick Evangelista's "The Art and Science of Fencing". (Although Mr. Evangelista's book does do a better job in giving the reader the historical context of today's modern sport fencing.) "Fencing: Steps to Success" is a valuable learning aid for those new to the sport.

After returning from Nationals, our Coach recommended this book to the fencers at our club looking to improve our overall performance next year. Although coming back with a 2nd in Sabre isn't too shabby! I bought 2 copies, one for my son who is going into his 3rd year of fencing and 1 for myself, a beginning fencer. We are both finding it very useful. My son likes the review of the basics and we both like the drills in each section.
I would suggest this book to any fencer looking to perfect form and skill. I think experienced fencers even need a look back to the basics sometimes. The only reason I gave it 4 stars out of 5 was because I had a hard time giving 5 stars to a book that makes me break out a sweat!

L