Fiore dei Liberi's Armizare: The Chivalric Martial Arts System of Il Fior di Battaglia

by Robert N. Charrette

Armizare ("the Art of Arms") was the name the warriors of medieval Italy gave to their martial art, which included the wielding of sword, axe and spear with wrestling, knife-fighting and mounted combat. In the waning years of the 14th century, Fiore dei Liberi was a famed master of this art, whose students included some of the most renowned and dangerous fighting men of his day.



Toward the end of his life, Master Fiore preserved his teachings in a series of illustrated manuscripts, four of which have survived to the present day, and have become the basis of a world-wide effort to reconstruct this lost martial art. However, because medieval books were written for an audience with different expectations than the modern readers "how-to" manuals, today's students often have trouble understanding the old swordsman's choices in including, omitting or organizing information as he did. They may see that fighting art was a system, but lack the background to see the systematic instruction of the book itself.



In The Chivalric Martial Arts System of il Fior di Battaglia, Robert Charrette brings together his experiences as a martial artist and respected 14th century living historian with his skills as a professional author graphic artist to not only take readers on a walking tour of Master Fiore's manuscripts, but into the mindset behind its creation. More than just an interpretation of an old book's contents, this is a tool-kit that reveals Fiore dei Liberi's brilliance as not just a fighter, but as martial arts teacher. Whether a long-time student, a newcomer to the art or a more academic devotΘ of the medieval warrior and his craft, readers will find themselves educated and entertained as a door is opened into another time and place - the training hall of the medieval knight.

253 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2011

About the author

Credited on some German editions as "Robert N. Charette".

Reviews

[Ryan Mishap · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cogent interpretation of a medieval martial art text that not only explains the pedagogy, but shows the student how to practice the art. Now, I'm not saying one can buy this book and self-teach how to fight like a knight, but it is a valuable companion for those studying and/or practicing western martial arts under the tutelage of a sword master. I believe it would be appropriate for a beginner but instruction in the physicality of it would be important.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

A careful and well thought out evaluation of Fiore's techniques as the author sees them. There is a lot to digest here and this is a book that I will come back to again and again. He is able to link the plays up and where he is unsure doesn't seek to make something up but plainly states that he is unsure. A great resource for those HEMA practitioners who are wanting to work with Fiore's sword craft.

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal, hugely helpful in visualizing Armizare, for beginners, middlers and long timers!

[Panu-Petteri Väänänen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aside from some needless repetition, this is a solid book. Could be used as a training tool in addition to, but not substituting, finding a good salle d'armes.

[Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

having examined translations of Fiores text online and once attending a seminar with the Exiles group I would definitely be fascinated to look at this modern interpretation of Fiores great work.i will keep my eyes open for this fascinating book.