The brand-new Rapier Beginners’ workbook is now available for pre-order from my distribution partner Fallen Rook Press. The books are in layout now, and should be shipping within a few weeks. Leaving extra time for hitches, you should get the book by the end of November, but probably earlier.
The key innovation in this new format is the inclusion of QR code links to video clips, in lieu of the more traditional static photographs. There is also plenty of space for notes, and the books are coil bound to lay flat.
With this first volume, “Beginners” you can learn the basics of rapier fencing. The book is illustrated with extracts from historical sources, primarily Capoferro, and supported by over twenty video clips, linked to in the text. All you need is the book, a training partner, a smartphone, tablet, or computer, and a couple of practice rapiers and fencing masks.
The book is organised in four sessions or classes, which covers all this and more:
- footwork
- sword handling
- stringering
- attack by disengage
- parry riposte in one tempo
- feints
- parry riposte in two tempi
- thrusts
- cuts
- beat attack.
As you can see from the covers, the book comes in two versions, optimised for right-handers or left-handers. Make sure you pick the correct one! It also includes a 50% discount voucher for the Essential Rapier Course, worth about $150.
Volume two (Completing the Basics) is already written, and I’m going to Helsinki next week to shoot more video for volume three. I’m also getting started on a Longsword series too…
I think this new format is the best pedagogical idea I've had in a long time. What do you think?
I'm sure you have an opinion: do share!