Customer Reviews

Foil, Saber, and Epee Fencing: Skills, Safety, Operations, and Responsibilities

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

 

 

And this book is one of them. (The other is Fencing and the Master, by Laszlo Szabo)

I have read many of the different fencing books on the market, and these two are the only that provide both logical structure and useful content. As one other reviewer has astutely pointed out, the authors have themselves produced many national champions, team champions, and olympic team members.

This book may be a bit pricey, but it is worth the money compared with the other books out there. The old saying holds true: "you get what you pay for."

As an epee fencer, I have to say that the section on epee is very well written. I have noticed that, in many fencing books, the author will only spend a page or two describing epee tactics/technique/theory. Usually, the theory consists of a few rambling paragraphs. Epee is given a much better treatment here. For one thing, the description of epee footwork put into words what I had trying to describe to begining epee fencers for years.

Good photographs too, especially the one of my friend Michael Feldschuh (with an astonished George Kolombotovich in the background) at the begining of the chapter on officiating. Also, the "models" demonstrating fencing actions do not look awkward (as those in other books often do).

In short, if you are a competitor, borrow it. If you want to become a coach, buy it and memorize it.

This book is a good general overview of the "sport" of fencing (as opposed to the "art" of classical fencing) that any beginner would do well to read. There are many classical fencers out there (myself included) that can find several faults in this work, such as pictures displaying bad fencing form, diagrams showing inefficient parries, etc. This book, however, does not really concentrate on this area of fencing; instead, it covers all of the basics that every sport fencer should know. As a past competitive fencer myself, I would recommend this book to any present or aspiring competitive fencer who desires to attain a broad knowledge of the sport itself, the varying techniques involved, the conventions involved in a fencing tournament, and other assorted general knowledge that every fencer really should know. This book would also be considerably helpful to newer or not-yet-begun fencing clubs (especially college fencing clubs), as it provides not only helpful lesson plans for many of the techniques it covers, but also chapters on officiating, hosting and running fencing tournaments, and legal matters that must be considered by clubs and hosts of tournaments. These chapters in particular can help a club to start off well, keep running smoothly, and avoid later problems (especially legal problems) that all-too-often occur because they were not a consideration in the beginning. All in all, this is a good start-up book for beginning individuals and clubs, and as long as you can ignore many of the (unfortunately) misleading pictures and diagrams, the text is quite accurate and well thought out.

A while back I gave this book only a so-so review, but, on reflection, have since changed my mind. This book will appeal to many in the fencing world today, those with a mindset geared specifically toward the active competitive arena, and therefore should be considered a valuable source of information for that purpose. While I happen to lean toward a more classical approach to fencing than this book professes, that is not important to this review. I recognize that many do not share my opinions about fencing (I am the author of "The Art and Science of Fencing" and "The Inner Game of Fencing"), and that's fine. There should, of course, be books detailing all aspects of fencing. This book is the best of its kind.

I've always been intrigued by the sport of fencing, and wanting to fill in the gaps of the classical education I always wanted (but never had), this seemed like a logical place to begin. As a novice, I found _Foil, Saber, and Epee Fencing_ a treasure-trove of information - at times, it was almost too much.

I was particularly impressed with the way in which the authors broke down the sport: beginning with a bit of history, the equipment, scoring and rules of fencing are then introduced. In a similar manner, every detail of learning to fence is presented, from how to hold the foil to proper body positioning, to the skills and movements basic to fencing. Photos and diagrams further clarify the proper way to stand, lunge, attack, defend and disengage.

Of course, there is a vast difference between "theory" and "practice" - hence the four stars. While the authors do a remarkable job of illustrating and explaining the art of fencing, it simply isn't the same as being personally instructed by a fencing master. The more "advanced" techniques and strategy included in the book were frankly above my head at this point; one assumes that with time and practice their utility will be better appreciated. The final chapters on officiating and conducting tournaments were similarly of little practical use to me as a novice. Nonetheless, it does serve to bring the lesson full circle from absolute neophyte to master instructing others.

For those seeking an solid and helpful guide in addition to formal instruction, I highly recommend this book. As a stand-alone guide, I wouldn't recommend. Those with previous experience in the sport will undoubtedly find it less useful (unless, of course, advice is sought on coaching or officiating.)

The famous Italian fencer, Aldo Nadi, gave the following advice (paraphrased) to those looking for a fencing master: "Ask him how many national champions and how many Olympic champions he has taught."

The authors of this book have long, distinguished records of training American individual and team champions--something that cannot be said for most other authors of fencing books--especially those who claim connection with "classical" or "traditional" schools.

No book can replace a great master, but this book offers sound background on modern fencing, and provides varied, directed drills that will improve anyone's fencing. It is long on practice, and short on the tiresome, windy opinions one finds in the books of those who do not like contemporary fencing.

This is an excellent teaching and learning tool for fencing with the different weapons, foil, epee, and sabre. This helps learn the rules and right of ways for the sport.

Good reference guide, provides many drills. Explains concepts about as well as a book could...no replacement for actual experience, but a good book to have.

A good introduction to fencing, but some sections are presented hapahzardly. Almost every photograph show fencers covering the target area with the off-hand, a crtical no-no. The saber chapter was the best of the three main section. A nice reference for people picking up the sword, but it falls short as a coaches or fencer's textbook.

This is a very rudimentary book. I prefer something with more depth and detail. This was definitely not worth the money

This book is of the dry, technical school of fencing books. Making fencing seem like some sort of mechanical, robot activity, it demonstrates none of the excitement or color of the game. I like a fencing book to have some of the writer's personality and love of fencing captured within the text. You'll find none of that here. It's as sterile as an operating room. Also, the photos included display the usual bad form to be found on the modern fencing strip. Nothing classical, where true control comes from. In the end, there is nothing in this book that makes it any better or different than a hundred other fencing books