Rating: 
Summary: Another of Evangelista's super works!
Review: The Art and Science of Fencing should be the first step for people interested in the topic, beginner, fencers and writers wanting a good feel for the subject. However, Evangelista builds on that solid foundation of the first book, by moving into the practical mentality needed to do well in the sport. This book is dedicated to excellence in form, technique, mindset and the fencer's élan. Evangelista gives such a rich in-depth look at the sport, how to succeed, how to adjusting your mind to winning.This a must for fencers looking to win and improve in all aspects of the sport.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Book
Review: The Inner Game of Fencing is a very good book. It explains the hows and whys of fencing. There is also quite a bit of humor in the book, making it fun to read. Evangelista writes in a clear, understandable way.
Rating: 
Summary: ABOUT THE FENCER'S BRAIN.
Review: There are two games that take place on the fencing strip, two warring points of view that will never be reconciled. One is a game of racking up touches. It is a game of anything-for-a-point, a game of aggression, of strength, of speed, and especially ego. It focuses on the tip of a fencer's weapon, and bridging the gap between it and an opponent's chest. It's only purpose is to make the light flash on on the electric scoring machine. Anyone with competitive drive can do this. Ultimately, though, it is a dead-end approach to fencing. The other is a more subtle endeavor, a game of thought, of deliberation, of judgement, of self-discipline, and artistic skill. It concerns what goes on between the fencer's head and his sword hand. This is where the true game of fencing takes place. This second game is what "The Inner Game of Fencing" is about. My first book for Masters Press, "The Art and Science of Fencing," concerned itself mainly with the basics of fencing methodology, the ins and outs of the physical side of fencing. I barely had time to touch on the inner game. But, more and more these days, I find myself contemplating this process, this mindset that turns everday thoughts into fencing thoughts. It strikes me that no matter how good a fencer's technical skill is, if he doesn't know how to apply it effectively and efficiently, he'll never grow beyond being a simple poker. The mind of the fencer is his most important tool. This is what really fascinates me now. So, how does one develop this inner game? How do you turn that "everyday" brain into a "fencer" brain? How can you tell if a teacher/fencer really knows what he is talking about? How is strategy formed on the fencing strip? How important is winning to the learning prowess? Is a fencing philosophy necessary? Why is self-discipline important? Why is form vital to the fencing process? Why does emotional input ruin a fencer's game? How do you take an opponent's strong points and turn them against him? When is anticipation a problem? Why does electrical fencing produce "robot" fencers? Why are pistol grips a poor choice for the new fencer? These are all questions "The Inner Game of Fencing" addresses. We'll also be discussing the value of classical style, developing a strong offensive repetoire, unpleasant behavior, long term goals versus short term, how to view your early lessons, the true nature and purpose of foil fencing, ways to enhance the thought process, and the future of modern fencing. A fencer needs to be able to connect mentally to his opponent on the fencing strip, to observe, to work in conjunction with, to blend strategy and technique into what he sees in front of him. This is what fencing is about, this is the game that has captivated men and women for hundreds of years, the game that keeps them participating for their entire lives. For those who find the inner game, only death interupts the connection. "The Inner Game of Fencing" is for the fencer who wants to participate in, and guide, the fencing process, not have fencing just happen to him.
Rating:
Summary: A ONE-OF-KIND GREAT FENCING BOOK!
Review: There is no other fencing book on the market like this one, and there probably never has been. Who else but Nick Evangelista, the author of the great "ART AND SCIENCE OF FENCING," would think of writing a book dealing with the mental processes of fencing? He has attempted to create a world-view, a mind-set, for the fencer, and he has succeeded admirably. In a game that has otherwise been reduced to running, whipping blades, bad tempers, and staring at a scoring box for vindication of one's actions, he has given us a wonderful alternative. He has reminded us of what fencing once was and can be again for anyone who is willing to look beyond any-thing-for-a-touch and elitism. Thank you Maitre Evangelista!
Rating: 
Summary: The Wine of Sour Grapes
Review: There's a mind-set I like to call the Incredible Dancing Act. It's a way for someone totally wedded to a viewpoint never to have to reexamine it, let alone change it, no matter HOW much evidence and solid reasoning is thrown at them. Nick Evangelista is fencing's premiere Incredible Dancing Act. First there's sour grapes about the sport. Evangelista can't handle the raw fact that "his type" of fencers are not dominating. Yet Evangelista ignores actual history too when it doesn't fit him. He whines about the lack of the French grip although, while it's true that the pistol grip per se is modern, an "orthopedic" approach goes way back to the finger-around-ricasso technique of rapier, retained even in smallswords with finger-rings in the guard! Let's not even go into grips, seizures, disarms, grappling, etc.--or does Evangelista want to re-introduce them into competition? I wish I had about 10,000 words to point out all the mistakes in this book! In short, Evangelista is a niche player who doesn't want to leave his niche--or be reminded of just how small it is.
Rating:
Summary: A Wonderful Book Difficult to Catagorize
Review: This book is neither instruction in technique nor history of fencing (both areas which were nicely covered in Nick Evangelista's previous book, The Art and Science of Fencing). Instead, this book focuses on the philosophy of fencing, and helps the reader explore what the art and sport offers, beyond just "the touch". The author always presented examples and arguments to support his "bias" (contrary to some reviewer's remarks), and clearly feels strongly about the direction fencing has taken. It will be interesting to see the book find it's audience...those with enough experience to appreciate the message but not so locked into their view that they won't listen. For those that get angry with it (and there WILL be those), I'm reminded of the saying "when you throw a rock into a pack of dogs, the one that gets hit yelps". Only that which touches you upsets you. As I read the book I was also struck by the parallels to our present society...demands for immediate gratification, lack of personal responsiblity, and the loss of a sense of honor. And all these are addressed wonderfully in this book through the philosophy of fencing. Forgive MY waxing philosophical....STRONGLY recommended reading for anyone that considers themselves a "fencer", or has an interest in the art.
Rating:
Summary: A "must read" for any type of fencer
Review: This book is written by someone who lives and breathes fencing. The insights from cover to cover have helped me to overcome the greatest obstacle to my bouting.... myself. The inner game is about mastering the fencer within you.
My first tournament was a loss before I even started to fence. Nick teaches that there are two games going on simultaneously when bouting. One, fencing against your opponent, and two, keeping your mind so free of clutter and doubt and so focused on the game at hand that the next touch is the only one that ever matters. At my next tournament I won the game within myself and made it to the final round.
This book is very well rounded and covers every aspect of fencing. It may come across as negative to modern fencers, but that's because modern fencing is veering far away from fencing as a game of skill and strategy and turning into an electronic game with ever-changing rules made to suit the moment. I would rather learn the same lessons that have been taught to fencers for 350 years from someone like Nick who has the deepest respect for this most honorable sport.
I fence with a rapier and found the techniques presented in 'The Inner Game' to be just as beneficial as if I were a classical fencer. The aspect of honor in the sport of fencing can be applied to everyday life. This book can read over and over again as you improve your fencing skills.
This book and 'The Art and Science of Fencing' are the first two books that I highly recommend to any type of fencer or anyone simply interested in fencing.
Rating:
Summary: Classical Fencers may enjoy this; Sport Fencers, pass.
Review: This book was structured like that of a Larry King USA Today column...random thoughts are written scattershot through the book, and this encourages it to be read in the same manner. Just about every page or two, a new header appears...this takes up half a page, not counting the extra space at the end-so the deceptive 300-page total is really closer to 125. Substance-wise: the author is blatantly biased towards Classical Fencing and against Sport Fencing, and feels the need to reinforce this fact every page or so. Fencers are sometimes refferred to as 'swordsmen' in this book, though the weapons a modern fencer uses are not swords by definition. He doesn't like pistol grips, chooses aesthetics as the primary goal of fencing and looks down on those who have achieved results simply because he doesn't like their style. He goes so far as to predict that fencing will one day implode on itself and return to the old-fashioned, French-grip-toting, slowed-down, methodic days of old. Mr. Evangelista is obviously very set in his ways, and isn't interested in changing his ways or adapting to the times. If that also describes you, maybe this book will interest you. Otherwise, your money would be better spent on a different book (or perhaps an extra fencing lesson...).
Rating:
Summary: THE MOST UNIQUE FENCING BOOK EVER WRITTEN!!!
Review: This book will be a treat for anyone who wants to THINK about fencing. A strange concept for many fencers these days. "The Inner Game of Fencing" is both eloquent and exciting to read. Buy this book!
Rating:
Summary: ONE OF THE GREAT FENCING BOOKS OF ALL TIME!
Review: This is my second review. The other one I wrote was for Nick Evangelista's THE ART AND SCIENCE OF FENCING. I love this book, too. It makes fencing come alive. It is, in fact, the most original fencing book of all time. Strangely, I read one review, just before the one I am submitting, where the writer, who admits to being new to fencing, goes on to criticize Maestro Evangelista's book. I guess in America anyone has the right to publically display their ignorance! As my grandad used to say when we heard questionable remarks, "Consider the source!" If you want to read a book that will both inform and entertain you, buy a copy of THE INNER GAME OF FENCING. You'll be rereading it for years to come.
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