Understanding Fencing

by Zbigniew Czajkowski

The world-famous coach who has produced world champions and Olympic gold medalists- in all three weapons- has finally distilled his teachings in English! An in-depth look at the coach's work, starting with basic theory and progressing through fencing psychology, how to conduct lessons at every level, how to prepare for top-level competitions and what to do at them...and so much more. It's all presented with the wit, charm, and depth for which Professor Czajkowski is known around the world.

Genres: Nonfiction

Paperback

First published November 30, 2005

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written for sport/olympic fencing, not HEMA, but with much that's applicable to HEMA, even as a student.

In fact I would argue that this is a manual for coaches of any combat sport, or teachers of a competitive martial art. There is a ton here to digest, and I'll probably be returning to this, but on the whole an excellent read and fantastic recommendation.

[Taro Yamashita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dense, but tremendously useful.

[Allison Thurman]

Update 12/20/2011: Taking a long time reading this as there's a lot to take in. So far one of my most important take-aways are the concepts of "warrior" vs. "scholar" fencers. This has to do with motivation: warriors are aggressive and motivated by wanting to win; scholars are more tentative and just want to see what's going on. Most people are a mixture of both but tend one way or the other, and the motivation affects learning style and taking that into account when coaching (this book's target audience seems to be primarily coaches).

[Sasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like Fencing for the Master, but relevant to modern fencing. Unfortunately, I quit coaching when this book was finally published.

[Dylan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had to read it a couple of times to really get the intricacies of what he is writing about.