The Swordsman's Quick Guide is a series of short (4,000-7,000 word) articles that I am writing on specific aspects of training swordsmanship. (The gorgeous covers are by Eleonora Rebecchi.)
The instalments are intended to put my key ideas about a single subject together in one place for easy reference, and so they are not specific to one weapon, style, or system. As such, they should also be useful to most other martial artists. The fundamental question of how to strike without being struck is common to almost all arts!
In many cases, I go into these topics in more detail in the context of a specific system in one or another of my books. For “Fiore longsword”-specific freeplay preparation, you will probably find my The Medieval Longsword useful; for “Capoferro rapier,” The Duellist's Companion. In this series, I will do my best to stay general, so that the fundamental principles are not hidden behind system-specific jargon and examples.
If you'd like to suggest a topic for future instalments, please contact me through this handy link, or by email.
This compilation volume includes the first four instalments, saving you over 35% on the cost of all four bought separately.
1: The Seven Principles of Mastery: seven core principles for training, or indeed, for life. They are grouped into three internal principles: Mindfulness, Flow, Hold Useful Beliefs; and four external principles: No Injuries, the Pareto Principle, Run a Diagnostic, and Distinguish between Knowledge and Skill.
2: Choosing a Sword: most beginners at some stage need a clear set of guidelines for choosing a sword. Here they are.
3: Preparing for Freeplay: for many students, freeplay is a daunting prospect, especially with heavier weapons like longswords. This instalment is all about how to bridge the gap from gentle, safe beginners drills, to more advanced training like freeplay.
4: Ethics: This instalment asks seven key questions regarding the ethics of swordsmanship, duelling, and life; and includes answers given by people from all over the world. Plus my own views, naturally.
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AMAZING BOOK!