The Beginner's Guide to the Long Sword: European Martial Arts Weaponry Techniques

Great book.Great value.

This book only covers the most basic aspects of Italian longsword (guards, stances, cuts.) It seems to be a hodgepodge of Fiore and Vadi with some modern anachronisms, but it doesn’t include any plays or drills. Overall I t’s an okay book for absolute newbies but it’s not the first book I’d recommend on the subject. I personally think the Fiorian tradition is too complicated with its 12+ guards.

The coverage of this book reminds me of my first four class introduction to (German) longsword combat at the Higgins Armory, condensed to book form for the Italian Style. I assume that is what Stephen Fick has done here, and based on his class work. I picked this book up for a less expensive look at some of the basics of the Italian style to complement the studies into the German style that I have participated in at Sword in the Scroll in Connecticut. I got a look at the Italian guards, cutting style, some drills and Italian theory.There is a good amount of discussion about the theory and underlying basics of longsword, such has time and foot work. This is a good and often forgotten part if introducing the sword. I don't agree with all of his assertions, for example where to look, but nothing came out as horribly bad.The book is not with out problems. The photos have been mentioned by another reviewer. They seem to be two students or assistant instructors grabbed before or after class for quick shots before a wall (NBA sweats, really?). The wall contrast is good, but the models do not look professional. More importantly, in my 2009 printing the photos of two different guards (posta di donna & posta falcone) are duplicated. Also the posta di donna sinestra photograph is described in the text as incorrect. A reshot even if slightly inconsistent photograph would be preferable. Finally, there is an entire chapter concerning gripping the blade. However the pictures of the demonstrators do not show the same hand grips as the close ups.The Appendixes, are also problematic. Appendix A Head & Face Protection. "You must wear full head and face protection during any sword drill involving another person." Really? Why do none of the pictures in the entire book have a demonstrator wearing face protection? Nor wearing gorgets nor gloves. Some sort of explanation would have been nice. Appendix B discusses types of practice weapons. It gives the majority of space to steel swords, but I think short shrifts wooden practice swords with only one paragraph. This is the least expensive option and the way most beginners start. A high quality pair starts at $120+ while quality steel swords are several hundred each.For the established practitioner the book is of interest for how another views the art. I would have liked to see more references to differentiate what comes from Fick's experence and what come form the manuals. However I understand that this is an basic beginners book and is beyond its scope.If you are a beginner, you best option, which the author also states, is to join an established group. If you cannot find one in your area, then at a $17 MSRP this is not a bad book to get a taste of longsword. You'll need at least one friend, and one of you should read through the entire book before you start. (At 144 pages with pictures it goes fast) While there is a logic to the layout, some important information about cutting does not come until late in the book. If you enjoy these basics then you can explore further some of the more in depth books that are available.

Great to understand and get started

This book is well written, informative and well organized. I enjoyed it so much that I bought two more to give as gifts to several close friends that share my interest in European Martial Arts.Looking for a solid introduction the Long Sword?Then look no further...Stephen Fick has hit the mark.