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Summary: Go get your long sword... it's time to learn how to use it.
Review: This book covers a great deal of old-fashioned sword-play (inlcuding swords versus polearms, etc). The way it "shadows" in every diagram showing whatever is undefended, is also a great way to show what is vulnerable. It also covers guard positions, the use of a shield, two-handed swords, some interesting quotes from old warriors and an excellent reference on what to look for when buying a sword in this modern age (where the author feels we should catch up to the old forgers in maybe the next generation or so... because our swords are still not as good as the old ones). I have to admit that the author does compare to the silver screen/ theatrical a great deal, but I think it is more in the spirit of "if your trying to learn how to sword-fight from movies like "Excaliber"... this is why it isn't going to work. Also, just because you've studied fencing with your theatre group... don't think you're going to be able to take on a kenjutsu student. I've studied into several styles and forms of sword-fighting... this book still offers something new. I just wish there would have been a section on double-sword styles (which was mentioned... but never really illistrated) and more on short swords.
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Summary: Rare Find of True Experience
Review: This book is a rare find. It shows many aspects of swordsmanship that any one but a true master cannot. THe forms were labled as correct or incorrect, but not only that, but the captions told what, and why it was wrong. The book is a product of a person who has learned from experience and experimentation, and not just research.
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Summary: A Place to Start
Review: Medieval Swordsmanship is a milestone document in a field long dominated by fencing myths and historical inaccuracy. Solid text and simplistic terms....Clements' work reads like a military field manual that provides both novice and veteran with the essentials. Excellent illustrations and detailed descriptions of techniques make the book a very valuable training support package for martial arts instruction of that period. Clements' aggressive criticism of other methods and systems is a bit bold, but reflects an honesty of purpose normally ommited by the "politicaly correct". His intent is to teach not impress reminiscent of some of the earlier work of the late Bruce Lee. Rennaissance Swordsmanship and Medieval Swordmanship hit the market at a time when the Western Martial Arts was in need of "How-To" instruction. Clements filled this need and agree with him or not these books are a headland for all students.
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Summary: interesting about time jc,s medieval swordsmanship .
Review: 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
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Summary: Far advances the knowledge of European martial arts
Review: 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 seems to have has garnered the anger of a host of enemies. Seems like the ones crying the loudest at Clement's dead-on critiques and in your face style are the same ones who all this time have done little to nothing in the first place. No wonder they attack the man and not the power of his message. Part of the problem may be that for years we heard only from theatrical fight arrangers and SCA "fighters" about how they were the only ones who had the ancient skills of medieval swordsmen. If the book comes across as too critical about reenactment sports, it could just be the backlash against all the earlier confusion created by the role-players and sportsmen themselves. Having seen the kind of things first hand what for so long has passed for medieval swordplay movies, renaissance festivals, SCA, and fantasy games, perhaps these things needed saying in a blistering manner to make up for it. At the least these popular practices needed to be placed in the context of what the book is conveying, namely the nature of real swords and their historical style of use. Readers need to just open up and learn from this excellent book and knowledgeable author-martial artist. Finally, given the controversy surrounding the range of the reviews above, I feel the need to offer the following. There are disgruntled critics out there who've gotten emotional and personal with their reviews rather than addressing the content or value of the book; Why? Maybe because: 1. the book contained information the id not know (-which made them feel inadequate) 2. the book contained information that contradicted or invalidated the popular ideas they believed )-which makes them feel ignorant) 3. The book contained information which they disagree (but given the first two items above, they now are unsure of and so feel insecure) I've talked to stage performs, role-players and re-enactors who all agreed with the book's characterization of what they saw in the others, but then when it came to their own group or practices they declared it was way off. That's ironic. In summary, this is a powerful and extremely useful book that does what no other comes close to doing. While I would have liked more of some areas and less of others, there is simply no other book that has ever done what this detailed and impressive book has for the subject of medieval swordplay. The author and his work should be congratulated not insulted. It will be hard to surpass.
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Summary: John Clemonts Delivers!
Review: 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.
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Summary: good sourcebook for the medieval enthusiaist
Review: This is a good sourcebook for someone interested in medieval swordsmanship. It is of course the only sourcebook available that truly deals with the subject by someone who actually has studied and taught it. There is some good material for the beginner, but you must be able to get past his demeaning comments, which are way too often, regarding other societies which practice it. If you want a book on the subject, this is it. On the other hand, if you just want to learn a little from people who practice and test medieval swords, I would suggest looking up the discussion forum at www.netsword.com. I personally hope Clements comes out with a more detailed book on this subject that leaves the attacks on other groups out in the future.
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Summary: And now John takes on Hollywood (again)
Review: First off, I believe that "Medieval Swordsmanship" will serve as a valuable source of inspiration and technical advice for many people involved in the recreation of historical European martial arts. Unfortunately, I'm forced to agree with the many other reviewers here who are tired of John's constant disparagements of the practices of other groups and individuals who share his passion for the subject, but not his methodology. In particular, his chapter on "the Problem of Stage Combat" is an object lesson in how to set up a straw man target and cut it down with maximum efficiency. None but the most naive practitioners could possibly confuse the performing art of stage combat with the martial art of historical fencing, and yet John persists in criticising theatrical and cinematic fight scenes on the grounds that they do not resemble his version of ancient European swordplay. He is emphatic many times over in pointing out that learning stage combat will not improve one's ability as a fighter. The fact that it is not SUPPOSED to, that actors learn stage combat in order to tell stories, not to educate their audiences nor master sparring techniques, seems to elude him. In short, John persists in attacking the practice of stage combat on the grounds that it is not a martial art, when it never has been, is not supposed to be, and really has no interest in being used for any purpose other than dramatic entertainment. These constant attacks are unjustifiable and frankly, a waste of energy and space. His other major critique, on the grounds of historical accuracy, is somewhat more justified, though as John himself does (grudgingly) admit, fight directors are increasingly gaining access to the same resources as historical fencers and the cliches of early Hollywood screen fencing are being replaced by more authentic techniques. The fact remains that fight directors work in an industry that frequently demands sacrifice of authenticity (in many areas, not just combat) for safety, aesthetics, and other concerns. The opportunity to create a realistic, historically accurate fight sequence is relished by many modern fight directors, but as yet these opportunities are rare. First and foremost, the fight director is concerned with the safety of his/her performers and with the art of crafting an exciting action sequence. John labours under a misapprehension common to many people who are passionate about their avocations and then see them represented in theatre or on the screen, in that he believes that performance combats misrepresent "his" art to the public. I think that he is missing the point entirely, and I'm growing tired of debating it. John C. has a lot to offer; the sooner he jumps off this particular hobby horse, the better.
Rating: 
Summary: A lost chance
Review: The idea was great and this could have been a really good book for beginners in medieval fencing. Unfortunately with the bad editing, the boring blundering about what other people are doing, the unfounded knowledge in the historic circumstances and largescale warfare and with complete disregard of naming sources it proves to be not very worthy for someone who wants to do meore historic than hitting each other with buffer-weapons. It might be a good idea to work the whole thing over (maybe with one of the shunned historians), get some reasonable lector and put the text down to half of its length by throwing away all emotional and non helping ranterings and filling the gaps with naming the sources. THEN it maybe would do, what it's intended to and gets more than an anti-everything pamphlet of his martial arts group. There are enough rivalries in the asian martial arts. Please try not to start the same, enerving stuff with the "medieval" martial arts.
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Summary: An enlightening and informative look at REAL swordsmanship.
Review: I found that even though John does spend a lot of time criticizing other methods, this is a necessary exhibition of misconception in the world of swordsmanship today. Not only is this a great book for those who seek to start on the path of combat the way it was done hundreds of years ago, it is an awakening to those of us that think we have been doing it all along. Don't expect this book to teach you how to fight. But do expect it to give you basic stances, cuts, attack routines and terrific illustrations. No book can teach you to fight, but John does an exceptional job of presenting a template that can be used to learn swordsmanship through training. If you are on the fence...buy it. You will be pleased with your purchase. I was.
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