The Fighting Sword: Illustrated Techniques and Concepts

The second in Dwight McLemore's Fighting Weapons series, The Fighting Sword began as a way for the author to chronicle his experience of commissioning a custom-made sword and then designing a training program to use with it. As he developed the sword-fighting concepts, techniques and combat scenarios for use with his sword, however, he realized that they could be adapted and used by anyone with a sword.

McLemore brings the fighting sword to life with his unique style of dynamic drawing, seen also in his books on the Bowie knife and in The Fighting Tomahawk. First he gives a crash course in how to balance form and function in a sword and then focuses on tactical techniques and concepts. He teaches you how to train for a confrontation by using visualization and training partners, as well as how to instantly and accurately evaluate an opponent, his weapon, the terrain and environment, and your advantages or disadvantages in various combat scenarios. Following his precise instructions and skillfully rendered illustrations, you will learn how to master cuts, thrusts, blocks and parries, which you can then use for the more advanced techniques of disruption, working the inner circle and single-hand use.

When it comes to fighting weapons, there is no better instructor than Dwight McLemore.