Fencing With the Smallsword

Michael J. Stevens startedfencing in the late 1960s. He practiced fencing with foil, sabre, and epee,gained a reputation for adopting a classical style, and assisted with teachingnovices. Growing disappointment with the way modern competitive fencing hasdiverged from its classical origins led to his recent interest in smallswordfencing which is more like dueling and where all the old fencing theories arestill relevant. He has also published books on schooling horses, which isanother of his major interests.

"This book is avaluable resource for anyone looking to master the art of swordmanship,offering a comprehensive guide to both technique and etiquette. It providesclear, step-by-step instructions on the essential movements and stances,ensuring that novices can quickly gain confidence in their skills. For anyonewishing to start navigating the complexities of swordplay with equal finesse,this book proves to be an indispensable guide."Predrag Agatonovic. President of FEATHER - School ofHistorical Fencing. CEO of FEATHER SMALLSWORDS'Michael J. Stevens's Fencing with the Smallsword laysout an elegantly paced curriculum, starting with a concise historical survey ofthe 17th-18th-century smallsword and moving through clear, modernized theorybefore diving into progressively challenging drills and realistic sparringadvice. The structure makes it equally accessible to complete beginners and toseasoned HEMA practitioners seeking a historically informed syllabus.As a Master of Arms I appreciate howStevens grounds his drills in period practice-his blade-feel exercise feltimmediately useful on the salle floor. He balances historical context withhands-on advice so well that both beginners and HEMA vets will find themselvestraining from day one. Overall, Fencing with the Smallsword is that rare guideyou'll reach for and actually use every session.Fencing with the Smallsword is a must-have for any fencing coach or HEMAenthusiast-a concise, enjoyable, and deeply informed guide that you'll actuallyuse on the practice strip.' TobyManley, Master of Arms at MAHSAcademy 'Michael has pushed forward theunderstanding of the small sword in this excellent book which is usefulfor all Olympic Sport Fencers to understand some of the lineage ofhistorical fencing (which may help their own modern fencing). Alsofor actors, stunt people and stage combat practitioners to help understand amodern take on an ancient weapon'. NickPayne, Sword Fighting International. Former British and Australian number1 in Men's Foil Fencing, 2012 LondonOlympic Referee.