On Fencing

by Aldo Nadi

Sharp black and white cover. Stylish cover photo.

Genres: Nonfiction, Martial Arts

Paperback

First published January 1, 1943

Reviews

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aldo Nadi's ego bleeds through into this technical treatise on fencing. If the reader can set that aside, there is a great deal to be learned here.

Postmodern USFA fencers tend to discount this book, but I think this is an error on their part. If nothing else, his writing on tactics alone is worth taking the time to read.

For fans of history, Nadi's account of the duel he fought in 1926 is excellent, providing a chilling perspective on a practice that very few living people have experienced.

[Skallagrimsen]

I read On Fencing, by Aldo Nadi, in my early twenties, in the early nineties, when I was still both an active fencer and obsessed with swords and sword fighting. The Italian foilist Aldo Nadi was a legendary competitor, as much for the mystique he wove about himself as for dominating the world stage in his prime. If you know anything about the history of fencing, you've heard of Nadi. He might be the closest thing to a Babe Ruth or a Pele that we fencers ever got. I remember thinking the man came across as an arrogant prick. But I rather liked that about him. It was the phase of life I was in. The best part of the book, by far, was Nadi's account of the one real duel he ever fought, a hair raising description of an affair of honor in which an outcome of death was a serious possibility. I read that harrowing chapter over and over. I found it fascinating to consider that Italian men were still fighting formal duels, with swords, at least as late as the nineteen twenties.

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The fencer is bound to develop a personal style which is the result of, and in direct relation to, the psychological training of his mind and the technical training of his hand and legs. The thrill and enjoyment of fencing can therefore be ascribed in great part to the individualism it affords in combat." (p. 219. Chapter XII - Free Will in Defense)

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maestro Nadi was my first fencing coach. Everytime I pick this up I am transported back to West LA. He was not a nice man but he was a great fencing teacher. The book is comprehensive and explains his method. A must read for every fencer's library.

[Dorum · Rating 3 out of 5]

Most of these are much better explained in person. It is somewhat difficult to follow, from the book, but generally this is the level of understanding of a world class champion. (It is not always that one is as articulate as Aldo Nadi though). I guess this book would be much different with modern technology. And of course, with modern rules perhaps it would be different as well.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

A standard. I'd rate it higher, but it's sort of arrogant and not the same style of weapon that I use.

[Richard Novak · Rating 4 out of 5]

More of a text on fencing and does a great job at that.

[Roger Barnstead]

greatness