Gripping History: The Handshake in Fencing
byI was recently contacted by American National Public Radio to comment on the incident where Olga Kharlan declined to shake hands with her Russian…
Historical Fencing culture
The Untold Story: How Prague shaped the German fencing tradition
byThe art of fencing in Europe has had a connection to urban life throughout its history. It’s primarily in cities that the guilds operated…
The Cardinal virtues in historical fencing: exploring the past, understanding the present
byIt’s a relevant question. Why do we even engage in historical fencing in the first place? It’s not to become the most efficient fighter in…
Four tips to help make your sword sing
byI am going to be so bold as to say that the best kind of music when fencing is the sound of steel ringing…
When Hollywood gets it right – The best fencing scenes
byThe silver screen has made many pick up the blade and pursue the childhood dream of becoming a fencer. I’m no different and my…
How to hang your swords – our indispensable guide to home decoration
byFor most historical fencers, swords are practical tools, not something used to decorate the walls. Still, a lot of fencers give it a go,…
Stick with it – How I keep training even on bad days
byStepping out of a packed tram, I am ever mindful not to smash some poor, defenceless person with my fencing bag. Outside the wind…
Don’t stop cutting the enemy! A look at Frequens Motus
byIn knife, firearm and self-defence training, it’s a fairly common practice that the fighters never stop fighting until the coach calls halt, even though…
Eight things that will make you a better fencer
byDo you have a dream of becoming a great fencer? Or just a better fencer than you are today? You are not alone. So…
How to train and learn swordsmanship without a local group
byI often get the question if it is possible to learn historical fencing without a group. It’s usually followed by the statement that there…