On Fencing

Rating:
Summary: This book should be read by every fencer.
Review: If you have ever participated in the magnificent art of fencing at any point in your life, you should read this book. If you are a serious student of fencing, no matter what style or school of fence you practice, you should own this book. Even if you have not fenced before, despite the highly technical nature of much of this book, it can give you an excellent insight into the fencer's world and, in particular, into the mind and life of one of the greatest fencers who ever lived. On Fencing contains a wealth of knowledge that only a true master could possibly hope to attain, and Aldo Nadi does an excellent job of not only explaining his fencing style, but also telling a story of honor, danger and romance that is, in a word, fencing. This work superbly illustrates to anyone who reads it the pure passion that many fencers actually (or at least hopefully) feel for their art. True, this book was written many years ago. True, Aldo Nadi was of a different build than many of the fencers now out there who may read this book. Also true, fencing in Nadi's time was quite different from what we now call "fencing." These truths, however often they and other "faults" are pointed out by some of Nadi's critics, are in fact irrelevant to the true art of fencing; any serious fencer with good training and enough experience can tell you that size, age, build, etc. are not a consideration in an art that relies more on mental alertness and skill than it ever will on size or strength. What Nadi does in this book is to point out exactly this fact, and to engulf the reader in a world where there is still honor, where fencing is still given the respect it deserves, and where anybody, man, woman or child can learn an art in which everyone has an equal chance of success. If nothing else, this book is a fascinating read from a time long gone, in which the teachings given are as useful and true now as they were then. This book should be cherished by every true fencer. Note: Aldo Nadi was a classically trained Italian fencer. To those not familiar with the Italian style of fence, it is highly recomended that you read The Science of Fencing by Maestro William M. Gaugler for better understanding.

Rating:
Summary: This book should be read by every fencer.
Review: If you have ever participated in the magnificent art of fencing at any point in your life, you should read this book. If you are a serious student of fencing, no matter what style or school of fence you practice, you should own this book. Even if you have not fenced before, despite the highly technical nature of much of this book, it can give you an excellent insight into the fencer's world and, in particular, into the mind and life of one of the greatest fencers who ever lived. On Fencing contains a wealth of knowledge that only a true master could possibly hope to attain, and Aldo Nadi does an excellent job of not only explaining his fencing style, but also telling a story of honor, danger and romance that is, in a word, fencing. This work superbly illustrates to anyone who reads it the pure passion that many fencers actually (or at least hopefully) feel for their art. True, this book was written many years ago. True, Aldo Nadi was of a different build than many of the fencers now out there who may read this book. Also true, fencing in Nadi's time was quite different from what we now call "fencing." These truths, however often they and other "faults" are pointed out by some of Nadi's critics, are in fact irrelevant to the true art of fencing; any serious fencer with good training and enough experience can tell you that size, age, build, etc. are not a consideration in an art that relies more on mental alertness and skill than it ever will on size or strength. What Nadi does in this book is to point out exactly this fact, and to engulf the reader in a world where there is still honor, where fencing is still given the respect it deserves, and where anybody, man, woman or child can learn an art in which everyone has an equal chance of success. If nothing else, this book is a fascinating read from a time long gone, in which the teachings given are as useful and true now as they were then. This book should be cherished by every true fencer. Note: Aldo Nadi was a classically trained Italian fencer. To those not familiar with the Italian style of fence, it is highly recomended that you read The Science of Fencing by Maestro William M. Gaugler for better understanding.

Rating:
Summary: Over rated
Review: Keep in mind several things. #1.The Nadi book is over fifty years old. #2. Nadi was not built like 90% of the people in the modern day United States. After all, if you are 5' 6", it is impossible to play basketball in the same style as Wilt Chamberlain. #3. Nadi did not have the advantage of hundreds of different modern types and sizes of grips, shoes, ect, . . ect, . . Master Nadi's book is so hard to ignore because he was THE best fencer AND had such a black and white view of technique. It will always make you wonder if you are doing it right and will make you question anything else that may work for you. You could also argue that this is a good thing. In my opinion,the Master's book should be used as a valuable supplement,but not as a substitute for modern methods.

Rating:
Summary: Over rated
Review: Keep in mind several things. #1.The Nadi book is over fifty years old. #2. Nadi was not built like 90% of the people in the modern day United States. After all, if you are 5' 6", it is impossible to play basketball in the same style as Wilt Chamberlain. #3. Nadi did not have the advantage of hundreds of different modern types and sizes of grips, shoes, ect, . . ect, . . Master Nadi's book is so hard to ignore because he was THE best fencer AND had such a black and white view of technique. It will always make you wonder if you are doing it right and will make you question anything else that may work for you. You could also argue that this is a good thing. In my opinion,the Master's book should be used as a valuable supplement,but not as a substitute for modern methods.

Rating:
Summary: The magic of fencing rediscovered.
Review: The current trend in fencing puts much emphasis on winning rather on the form. It is disheartening to watch fencers fence witout respect accorded to tradition. It even seems that fencing today is not fencing at all. How fascinating it is to read about the beauty of fencing from someone who knows what he is talking about. Aldo Nadi has given his insights on the art and science of fencing backed by years of experience as a competitive fencer and as a fencing master. This book is a must. For me personally, I have rediscovered the magic of fencing, not fencing to win at all costs but of fencing with respect to a tradition that binds us. P.S. His account of a real duel he fought should not be missed.

Rating:
Summary: Loaded with excellent information!
Review: This book has enough instruction in it for an entire lifetime of fencing study. Nadi is well known as a master of foil, epee and sabre. I will never give up my copy