Medieval Swordsmanship: Illustrated Methods and Techniques

by John Clements

From the author of Renaissance Swordsmanship comes the most comprehensive and historically accurate view ever of the lost fighting arts of Medieval knights, warriors and men-at-arms. Based on years of... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1581600046
• ISBN13: 9781581600049
• Release Date: October 1998
• Publisher: Paladin Press
• Length: 344 Pages
• Weight: 2.16 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 8.5" x 11.1"

Customer Reviews

If you don't want the opinions, stop reading at page 270.

I became interested in fencing a few months ago. After reading some literature on the subject, it became clear that sport fencing is a few steps removed from swordplay. Participants must skip up and down a narrow lane and flick their flexible blades at each other in an attempt to depress an electric button. I want to learn how to use a sword, not a fencing foil. Several trips to libraries (university and public) bore little fruit. I did, however, find copy of John Silver's work (which is 400 years old). I enjoyed reading it, but gleaning techniques from unfamiliar Elizabethan terms proved too much for my poor little brain. Enter "Medieval Swordsmanship" by John Clements.The author spends fully 270 pages discussing the history, characteristics, and proper use of swords. The illustrations are excellent. Simple figures demonstrate Mr. Clement's techniques clearly and effectively. They are as instructive as 2D pictures can be. Most important, the methods outlined in the work are drawn from REAL fighting manuals, written by masters who practiced their art 500 years ago. Pages 271-324 contain the author's "rants" about modern swordsmanship. Mr. Clements feels that the sort of swordplay found in live action role play groups and historical reenacting societies does not reflect how medieval warriors actually fought. He makes some good points, but take it or leave it as you choose. If you rip this section out you still have 270 pages of well-documented instruction on how to fight with swords. A final note to Mr. Clements' critics: write a book! I'd buy it! Research the masters' antique fighting manuals, put them into practice, and publish! To my knowledge, Medieval Swordsmanship is the only book of its kind to be published since "Old Swordplay," written before Teddy Roosevelt was President.

interesting about time jc,s medieval swordsmanship .

Untill recently most practitioners of martial arts have never really taken medieval swordsmanship seriously, considering those who practise the skills a little odd . Unfortunitly the only represention of this art that martial artist have been able to view has been by way of re- enactment, stage combat and sca groups who,s combative approach is questionable at best . So it is with a welcome relief to find a book on the subject that is both well written aqnd informative .Medieval swordsmanship by John Clements offers comments ,manouevers and strategies that have for the most part been lacking in other modern text relating to the older skills . What i found especially intersting was the appendix sections covering subjects relating to sparring , these incude the pros and cons to various fighting approaches , steel blunt and plate armor sparring , the importance of full leg target and contact sparring with a variety of weapons . John Clements medieval swordsmanship book is comprehensive and will assist to make readers their own trainers in countries where very few qualified trainers are to be found teaching swordsmanship as a martial art and complete combat discipline . Craig Gemeiner

Far advances the knowledge of European martial arts

It's customary for a reviewer to tell some of their experience so I'll just say I am a fencer with an interest in sword history. Nuff said there. Until discovering this book all I could find about European fencing other than the sport kind was fantasy stories and choreography lessons. This book is an enormous store of information that just can't be found anywhere else. The book is not perfect but it doesn't pretend to be and says clearly its directed at many different audiences so not all the material will be relevant to everyone. The book states clearly it is not a how to work or a practice guide (although it practically is!). There is no question that in offering such a range of information and stating what has long been needed to say, John Clemens has done an invaluable service to all of us seriously studying their Western European martial heritage. Beginning with an introduction what is and isn't included in the book, it goes on to give a good overview of medieval warfare and the source material for the subject. Then sword themselves are describe din great detail in a way not previously done, that of a warrior or rather a modern student. The book then goes into the use of the medieval shield and sword with hundreds of lifelike drawings that are better than photos in relaying movement clearly. The same is done for the long swords with even more material presented. There are dozens of terms provided and historical background for almost everything discussed. Not much is less unanswered or uncovered. After about 200 pages it becomes overwhelmingly clear that this is a sophisticated martial art being described and that in spite of all the information included it has only begun to be address. The books rounds out with appendixes on various editorial matters (and gets a little dull here unless you look at the larger context, hardly "controversial").As for historical references, the book is full of them and it gives constant advice to go and study them. In a general-audience work nothing except a basic bibliography is usually required (and the book provides much more than just that). The fighting material refers back repeatedly to the source manuals and does not bother with trying to footnote every single techniques suggested or every single action a sword can make in combat (which is the same style oriental martial arts books follow in describing their styles).To make the point about how it was historically done you can't help but talk about the faults of how it's done by some people today. About 20 pages out of 340 or so detail the differences in the various styles and approaches to medieval swordsmanship followed today and he offers comments on how they affect the resurrection of western martial arts. He shares his beliefs about how while in the context of each organization their methods and beliefs are sound, they are not necessarily conducive to the study of a real martial art. In doing so he s

John Clemonts Delivers!

An unparalleled book on Western Martial Arts. After reading this book and applying the techniques and principles therein, my ability with the sword increased radically. Mr. Clemonts Practices what he preaches: I have seen him in action. There's a lot of people talking, but not many delivering. John Clemonts delivers.

A Long Overdue and Welcome Title

Midieval Swordsmanship presents to martial-arts students and instructors, historians, and anyone interested in European culture an overview of European armed combat techniques from appx. 1100 to 1500. It is a work of impressive scholarship and helps to fill the gap in knowledge which exists concerning Western fighting styles. Mr. Clements demonstrates how to use the midieval longsword and also presents the use of the sword and shield combination, spear useage, and the use of the shield as a weapon. As with his first book, Renaissance Swordsmanship, the author's excellent illustrations clearly demonstrate how to use these weapons. The illustrations are actually better than the photos which are used in most martial-arts books. In addition, the author also provides a historical background and setting for the weapons which are demonstrated. He also addresses the various types of midieval combat systems which are currently practiced by different groups around the world as well as describing the basics of evaluating a sword. All of these "extras" help to make this book a most worthwhile purchase. The author clearly takes this subject seriously and sets high standards for himself and for other practitioners of armed combat arts. This seriousness, and the demand for exacting historical accuracy which the author demands for those who wish to practice midieval combat, will probobly cause controversy. Mr. Clements is clearly willing to back up his historical claims, however, and also presents powerful arguments for his theories in the text of the book. This helps to make the book a valuable resource in and of itself. The reader will not only find a blueprint for studying midieval weaponry, but also solid historical research which shows how these weapons were used. The book is a welcome addition to the libraries of martial-arts practitioners worldwide. It is also one which is long overdue. Many myths and pseudo-histories exist as to the history of European martial-arts. Mr. Clements helps to dispel those myths and invites others to do so as well.