Customer Reviews

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

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As a long-time researcher and historical fencer, I can say that this is simply the best non-monographical book on the longsword out there. Guy Windsor is a first-rate teacher, and this comes across plainly in his writing and in the organization of this book.

The book provides enough historical material to demonstrate where the original concepts and techniques can be found, then expands into clearly-defined lessons from a teacher with considerable experience. Many of the common mistakes are identified and advice is given on how to avoid them or correct them. Actions are explained in terms of martial soundness and correct body-mechanics. Illustrations are numerous, clear and relevant.

Furthermore, Guy's writing style is dynamic and interesting, making the Companion a good read as well as a useful training tool.

A high-quality, informative and well-written book that I heartily recommend to all serious students of the late-Medieval sword-arts.

Guy Windsor's book on Italian Longsword (a light two handed sword) is the perfect starting place for anyone wanting to study this weapon. Guy's understanding of basic body mechanics is extraordinary and these are rightfully emphasised. Based firmly in historical Italian sources, Swordsman's Companion contains a sequence of drills, logically ordered and clearly illustrated and explained.

The best way to learn the Italian Longsword is to train with an expert teacher, like Bob Charron or Guy himself. Failing that, Guy's book is a great place to start your studies.

With the recent release of Christian Tobler's excellent "Fighting with the German Longsword", both major systems of medieval longsword play are the subject of well researched, excellently written books. It's a great time to be studying medieval swordsmanship.

Stephen Hand
Author of Medieval Sword and Shield:
The Combat System of Royal Armouries MS. I.33

I just got my copy of this book, and I am suitably impressed. This book is mainly based on the Italian masters, notably Fiore di Liberi's work. And as such, the terms given here for the guards and cuts are in italian. Initially described in english as well, but italian after that. Now, this may be confusing for those who are beginners or non-italian speakers. More on this in a minute.

I like the fact that this book contains plenty of one and two person exercises to work through, illustrated with actual photos that are clear and easy to follow. This book also includes warm ups that should be done before practice begins, and some great exercises on body mechanics. You may wonder what being able to keep your balance on one foot has to do with swordsmanship, especially doing this with your eyes closed (Harder than it sounds!). Nothing, and yet, everything. Proper balance, footwork, and body mechanics are essential to good technique, and to avoiding injury. Many training books forget this. This one makes you think about it.

For those needing ideas for a training regimen, there are several sample class/training session outlines provided that can be borrowed or modified to suit the practicioner's needs. There's also some interesting stuff here that some of the other swordsmanship books don't get into, such as offensive use of the sword's pommel and handguard at close range, and some basic throws and grapples.

Now, about that italian language thing- It can be a bit confusing to be reading through the training exercises, and not knowing the italian terminology offhand. And constantly flipping back to the section where it's explained can be awkward. What I've found helps for those who are new to this form of swordsmanship, is to write a little cheat sheet with the italian names for the various guards and cuts, and their english translations, and keep this with the book. When you're reading the instructions, it's easier to refer to your little sheet of notes than to lose the flow of the exercise by flipping back and forth. And this little trick will help you to learn the historical italian terminology too. It's only been a few days, and it's working for me. As with anything, your milage may vary.

Overall, I highly reccomend this book to anyone looking to learn medieval swordsmanship, or to seperate real medieval fighting from hollywood fantasy.

I am not primarily a longsword practitioner (the Italian rapier is my focus), so this book won't get as much use from me as it will from a serious student of the longsword. However, I feel that as an introduction and training guide to the longsword, that this is by far the best book out there. Mr. Windsor obviously put a lot of time and energy into this book, and it shows. The photographs are first rate, and the drawings are very clear and informative. The writing is very good--an enjoyable and informative read, even for someone who is just curious about the general use of the longsword. Along with terminology, techniques and drills, this book also covers what equipment you'll need and how to practice safely. An excellent effort at a low price.

If you're interested in western swordsmanship, buy this book!

This book is one of my best purchases toward swordsmanship.It takes you step-by-step through everything(it even has training plans).It has many wonder drills to help you master all of the basics.My training was greatly assisted by this book and following it I have made serious improvment.I highly doubt you would regret this purchase.In fact, I think you will treasure this book,I know I do.

bridge the gap

Great supplemental information and a well structured book
Practical advice and clear and understandable photographs.
I primarily study and work with in the realm of the German Fechtbuch manuscripts, so in truth transferring the terminology was a bit bothersome, but not a detrimental problem. The book is great; I learned a good bit from it and enjoyed the style it was written in.
And you can not beat it's cost with a stick, or a waster for that matter.

When I saw this book advertised on Amazon, I said to myself...oh no!!! not another one of those books written by these whackos who think they can swordfight, just because they played with metal bars in their backyard !!!! Then as I looked through it I said .....Finalmente ....Finally....a well researched book written by an intelligent man who has studied the period manuals and presented his theory on the subject!! What is great about Guy Windsor is that even on his discussion forum he admits that he is learning everyday, and that he feels no shame in changing something that he might be wrong on. Great book written by a great author !!! If you want to learn to fight with the Longsword by this book !!!!!!

Although I read this a few years ago, it remains for me the best book on the subject of swordplay that I've ever picked up. Although I may disagree with some of his interpretations (and that may simply be the result of his models handling blades too long to accurately demonstrate some of Fiore's guards), his decriptions of the fundamental principles of swordfighting are both elegant and insightful. This book was a pivotal experience in the evolution of my understanding of medieval swordplay.

This is an excellent book. The demonstrations of the techniques are clear, and easy to understand. Guy Windsor intended for this to be a workbook for the Historical Western Swordsman, and this is. He does an excellent job at conveying the subtlety of the Italian longsword tradition. I look forward to other works by Windsor on the Longsword and other weapons used on the battlefields of medieval Europe.

The broadsword in s good place to start for anyone interested in learning Historic Swordsmanship. This book is well written for those who want to learn the basics. I personally found many new drills and new ways to teach my students.
Personally I have been in the martial arts for over 20 years and have been doing Western Martial Arts for about 8 and I really liked this book. It is always good to return to the basics and make sure they are solid.
I would recomend this book to anyone who is starting or thinking about getting into Historic Swordsmanship, also and well equiped sword library should have this book.