Hello everyone, I was wondering if someone could direct me to some essential reading about Rapier fencing as a martial art. Finding a group or organization involved in this practice would be pretty much non-existent for me, in my area. I WOULD have a training partner but need at least a basic introduction to the art. Are there any in english, that are also accurate and thorough? translations maybe...

Check out Chivalry Bookshelf, they have a couple of titles that are exactly the kind of thing you are after.

I highly recommend Tom Leoni’s translation of Salvatore Fabris 1606 treatise “The Art of Dueling” this is an incredible work that will give the average practitioner a lifetime of study. Also visit the Order of the Seven Hearts website, visit the forum ask questions.

http://www.salvatorfabris.com/Home.shtml

Also you might want to take a look at Jared Kirby’s Capo Ferro translation “Italian Rapier Combat” It’s not as comprehensive as Mr. Leoni’s work, but still very good.

You might also want to get a copy of Maestro Martinez’s instructional videos “La Scherma Italiana” as well they are a big help when trying to understand some of the interpretations within the translated treatises.

http://www.martinez-destreza.com/

For a basic primer, please check out our article: Call to Arms: Italian Rapier.

I really want to second James Holczer's suggestion of Tom Leoni's translation of Fabris, as well as the Martinez DVDs. Fabris is one of (if not THE) most comprehensive period treatises on the subject. The theory excellent, and you can apply it to any other Renaissance Italian fencing treatise.

The Martinez DVD's are a nice supplement. They aren't laid out in the most logical progression, and alone they can be a little confusing, but they demonstrate techniques in a helpful way when combined with a text like Fabris. If you don't have the option of learning from someone in person, they will make it easier to visualize what you are attempting to practice.

Thanks guys, more info than I thought I'd recieve. I'll check out all the sources you guys mentioned, Tom Leoni's book looks very interesting, just written in '05 eh. Good thing I'm just getting into it now ;). Thanks again.

Hey man, Look not to disrespect Arma or anything however I've been doing fencing for a while and I wouldn't go to Arma for it. I mean their other sword play is great I think it is amazing how they do much of their longsword work however their rapier work doesn't have the right direction. You see they use much of their long sword body technique which works great for longsword, and put it into the rapier which really doesn't work. Their foot work with a rapier resembles much of sport fencing rather than historical fencing. Ramon Martinez isn't my favourite instructor because I tend to do more of the Italian style and his forte is in the spanish, however I would recommend his works for the instruction of fencing over Clements'. If you wish search for Clements' books of rapier online and you can see that there are alot of negative reviews for it. I have fenced member's in Arma before and they are great guys however their technique left much to be desired. Hopefully you'll find what you need for a good base.

Guy, I’ve never met you or heard of you, and I am quite sure you have never faced any senior ARMA members. Our unmatched skills are viewable online and challengeable in person. They speak for themselves. Where's yours?

If I had a dollar for every time some stranger who has claimed to have fenced my students…

BTW, we have nothing but novices in the entire NJ/NY area who have no had major instruction in 4 years.

John Clements
ARMA Director

Hi Jason,

You might want to check out Tom Leoni's excellent article "Getting started in Italian Rapier" in issue 2 of the new magazine Western Martial Arts Illustrated.

Cheers
Stephen

Mr. Clements, you are correct, you have not heard of me nor have you met me. In all honesty I would say that I doubt that I did face any senior members in your respectable organization. The people I did meet were very talented and friendly and I'm sure that their skills would have made you proud as a teacher. I have seen your videos and found them very educational on the nature of your esteemed group sir. I merely hold and practise a different interpretation of the various fencing sources than you and your group have. As such sir I feel obligated to promote what I feel is a more suitable method than others that are taught, and dare I say not only your methods. But such it would seem is the re-perfectioning of this extinct art and science, of which people such as yourself and myself and others are trying to revitalize. Would not you do the same in a situation, nay sir have you not done already such a thing as I? Is not deferring opionions what caused much of the old texts to be written. That each man had a different view of what should go on with a sword in one's hand? Truly you are proud of your pupils as you ought to be, an honorable man such as yourself. You have inspired others to study and pour over old texts if only because they disagree with you. You are a benefit to this community of historical fencers and whether our views are the same is not nearly as important as the headway we make into the study of this art. Now sir I stand by my assertion of learning a method different than that which I have seen in the videos and from your students, I have no organization comparable to your legacy of ARMA, however I ask you is my opinion a fallacy or do you see my right to view the same art from a standing different than your own.

I was going to ask if there was an SCA group in the area, but I do not wish to get into any "Who's better" discussion.

The SCA is a friendly group and have their own fencing groups. May not be historical, but it is fun.

Nathan,
You hit it on the head. Thank you.

This IS your forum and we do need to follow the rules. I believe that most of us here support you in this matter.

Not mentioned is also Guy Windsor's "Duelist's Companion". Not sure if this is the best "intro" book, but it is what my fiancee's small study group is going through. De-constructs Cappo Ferro (if what I heard half-paying attention is correct).