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The Art and Science of Sword Fighting: A Complete Instructional Guide
The best of both Eastern and Western Sword Fighting Techniques
Sword fighting is a vigorous activity that develops strength, speed, and overall physical fitness. It also promotes mental acuity and quick thinking. Once you have developed the requisite skills to the point where you no longer have to think about them to perform them properly, you can focus your attention on out-witting your opponent in an exciting game of physical chess.
The Art and Science of Sword Fighting takes an innovative, progressive approach to swordsmanship. Consisting of an eclectic collection of high-percentage sword fighting techniques borrowed from many diverse sources, these universal concepts can easily be applied to fighting with a wide variety of swords.
The Art and Science of Sword Fighting is aimed at creating a formidable general practitioner, someone who is comfortable fighting with a variety of swords. This approach provides a solid foundation in the general art of sword fighting, a necessity for beginners and experts alike. Later, once you have determined what your strengths are and where your personal interests lie, you may choose to go on to specialize in a particular brand of swordsmanship. Regardless of what that style may be, this strong foundation will serve you well.
By not focusing on the historical context of any particular style, advanced practitioners, regardless of personal style or affiliation, might transcend stylistic differences to come together as a swordsman or a swordswoman in order to discover the universal concepts that underlie all styles. Such collaborations serve to improve the collective understanding of sword fighting.
The Art and Science of Sword Fighting is divided into two main sections.
This book takes a bold, progressive approach to the topic of next generation fencing. The condensed course of study is designed to teach you how to use just about any sword; an eclectic approach to the art of swordsmanship aimed at ferreting out the universal concepts common to wielding a sword. By taking this fresh, methodical approach to the topic, any student can quickly learn the Art and Science of Sword Fighting.
Sword fighting is a vigorous activity that develops strength, speed, and overall physical fitness. It also promotes mental acuity and quick thinking. Once you have developed the requisite skills to the point where you no longer have to think about them to perform them properly, you can focus your attention on out-witting your opponent in an exciting game of physical chess.
The Art and Science of Sword Fighting takes an innovative, progressive approach to swordsmanship. Consisting of an eclectic collection of high-percentage sword fighting techniques borrowed from many diverse sources, these universal concepts can easily be applied to fighting with a wide variety of swords.
The Art and Science of Sword Fighting is aimed at creating a formidable general practitioner, someone who is comfortable fighting with a variety of swords. This approach provides a solid foundation in the general art of sword fighting, a necessity for beginners and experts alike. Later, once you have determined what your strengths are and where your personal interests lie, you may choose to go on to specialize in a particular brand of swordsmanship. Regardless of what that style may be, this strong foundation will serve you well.
By not focusing on the historical context of any particular style, advanced practitioners, regardless of personal style or affiliation, might transcend stylistic differences to come together as a swordsman or a swordswoman in order to discover the universal concepts that underlie all styles. Such collaborations serve to improve the collective understanding of sword fighting.
The Art and Science of Sword Fighting is divided into two main sections.
This book takes a bold, progressive approach to the topic of next generation fencing. The condensed course of study is designed to teach you how to use just about any sword; an eclectic approach to the art of swordsmanship aimed at ferreting out the universal concepts common to wielding a sword. By taking this fresh, methodical approach to the topic, any student can quickly learn the Art and Science of Sword Fighting.
282 pages, Paperback
Published July 15, 2024
2 people are currently reading
5 people want to read
About the author
Joe Varady
5 books10 followersMaster Joe Varady began his martial arts training in 1985. Over the past three decades, he has cross trained in eastern martial arts including karate, tae kwon do, judo, wing chun, and eskrima (to name a few), and various western martial arts, such as boxing, fencing, long sword, sword and shield, and various methods of armored fighting.
Joe currently shares his martial arts knowledge as the head instructor of two programs: traditional martial arts through Satori Dojo and eclectic weapons systems through Modern Gladiatorial Arts, both located in Phoenixville PA. He was inducted into the Philadelphia Historic Martial Arts Society Hall of Fame in 2016.
Joe currently shares his martial arts knowledge as the head instructor of two programs: traditional martial arts through Satori Dojo and eclectic weapons systems through Modern Gladiatorial Arts, both located in Phoenixville PA. He was inducted into the Philadelphia Historic Martial Arts Society Hall of Fame in 2016.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
October 1, 2024
I’m giving this book a well-earned 5-star review, drawing from my own extensive experience, knowledge, and years of sword practice. Joe Varady has crafted a well-written guide that is packed with valuable insights and practical knowledge. His expertise is evident throughout the book, especially in how he guides readers to achieve their goals through dedicated training. One of the standout elements for me is Varady's emphasis on practicing with a partner, which is essential. Without it, you'll never fully understand how an opponent might react or move, a key lesson in any serious sword training.
There are crucial elements to Western Martial Arts (sword fighting) that Varady explains with exceptional clarity. He touches on all the right points, providing a detailed and comprehensive understanding of what it takes to succeed in this discipline.
Here are my key takeaways, along with some additional thoughts from my own experience:
-Weapons (wooden or steel) are not toys. They must be treated with respect as dangerous tools, a principle Varady emphasizes from the start.
-Footwork is fundamental. After years of practice, I’ve learned that everything comes back to how well you move your feet. As I like to say, it’s all about “getting off the rails.”
-Soft focus on the center of the body is essential because it allows you to read your opponent’s intentions and helps you break through their defenses.
-Baiting: Offering your opponent something they can’t resist—like an exposed extremity or even your head—can dictate the fight. A flinch or lowering your sword can also be highly effective.
-Angles are crucial. Understanding angles can give you a major advantage in combat.
-Varying speeds with training partners is one of the best ways to improve. You can’t execute a technique quickly unless you first master it slowly.
-Speed and strength have limits. They won’t always guarantee victory. I’ve trained with many skilled women who are just as formidable as any male fighter.
Overall, this book is an indispensable resource for anyone serious about learning or advancing in swordsmanship. Joe Varady not only teaches the mechanics but also provides the philosophical depth that makes this martial art so powerful.
There are crucial elements to Western Martial Arts (sword fighting) that Varady explains with exceptional clarity. He touches on all the right points, providing a detailed and comprehensive understanding of what it takes to succeed in this discipline.
Here are my key takeaways, along with some additional thoughts from my own experience:
-Weapons (wooden or steel) are not toys. They must be treated with respect as dangerous tools, a principle Varady emphasizes from the start.
-Footwork is fundamental. After years of practice, I’ve learned that everything comes back to how well you move your feet. As I like to say, it’s all about “getting off the rails.”
-Soft focus on the center of the body is essential because it allows you to read your opponent’s intentions and helps you break through their defenses.
-Baiting: Offering your opponent something they can’t resist—like an exposed extremity or even your head—can dictate the fight. A flinch or lowering your sword can also be highly effective.
-Angles are crucial. Understanding angles can give you a major advantage in combat.
-Varying speeds with training partners is one of the best ways to improve. You can’t execute a technique quickly unless you first master it slowly.
-Speed and strength have limits. They won’t always guarantee victory. I’ve trained with many skilled women who are just as formidable as any male fighter.
Overall, this book is an indispensable resource for anyone serious about learning or advancing in swordsmanship. Joe Varady not only teaches the mechanics but also provides the philosophical depth that makes this martial art so powerful.
August 31, 2024
Joe Varady has created a comprehensive and insightful guide that is ideal for anyone interested in sword martial arts, whether you're a beginner or have some experience in a specific area of swordsmanship and want to expand your knowledge. Free from the constraints of any one style or tradition, Mr. Varady draws from a wide range of sources to distill the fundamental skills necessary for effectively handling large and small (and colossal) blades. He presents the training steps in a progressive manner, enabling dedicated students to develop their skills based on prior training. Ultimately, this book serves as an excellent resource for anyone interested in swords, providing a thorough overview of martial training that allows readers to choose whether to pursue a specific style or continue as a sword universalist.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews