On Thu, 26 Dec 2002 05:35:57 -0800 (PST)
Jeffry Larson <basslars@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>Here's one: I received a copy of the book "The Inner Game
>of Fencing" by Nick Evangelista for Christmas. I've just
>barely started it but so far it has my interest. Anyone
>else have thoughts about this book that they would like
>to share?
>
>Jeff
Hi Jeff,
That is a very good book you've picked up. Nick
Evangelista is often a controversial subject with other
sports fencing related groups (often on fencing.net's
message board, and on rec.sports.fencing), but as you may
or may not understand, sport and classical fencing is a
lot like apples and oranges in certain ways. As my own
teachers has said of Nick's work - what will be complete
garbage to one, will be a treasure to another. I wish not
to get into the tired argument of sports vs. classical,
but the point I'm stressing is that Nick Evangelista's
work is a very valuable resource written not necessarily
towards a classical fencer, but one who wants to practice
"good fencing." (Nick explains the meaning of this in
Inner Game)
Nick often comes up to St. Louis University for a Master's
Workshop there with the fencing club, and I've had the
privilage to take a private lesson from him in the past. A
very patient man, he is - and a lot of what he says makes
sense.
About his books - considering you say that you're new to
Classical Fencing, I would first recommend Nick's other
book, The Art and Science of Fencing. Like other fencing
books, it's more tailored towards the basics of fencing
and is a good book for beginners to start with. I don't
know if you've actually fenced yet or not, but once you've
learned and have been fencing matches regularly, then
Inner Game of Fencing comes into that point. It focuses on
the dynamics and mindset of fencing itself and is
naturally the next step in progression.
Although I believe that Nick Evangelista's books are the
appropriate step towards modern literature on fencing,
that doesn't mean you should ignore other authors. Maestro
Gaugler and Nadi come to mind, and there are some other
great books out there on fencing. (However, you know that
someone's going to write a "Fencing for Dummies"
someday....) :P
--
Patrick Shannon
Instructor, Baited Blade Classical Fencing
http://www.baitedblade.com
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