Cohen, Richard. By the Sword: Gladiators, Musketeers, Samurai Warriors, Swashbucklers, and Olympians. London: Pocket, 2003. I recall starting this book when I was much younger, driven by my desire to take and ingest all things sword and samurai. I remember my younger self being disappointed that though in the subtitle mentioned samurai, the book wasn’t … Continue reading Reflecting on By the Sword
Recently, I had the opportunity to watch a local fencing tournament. The participants were beginners of the sport who had just finished their ten-week introductory course. Being beginners, the fencers competed with the foil, where only the torso was the valid scoring area. Throughout the experience, being new to the sport, both the newly inducted … Continue reading Fencing and Kendo: A Layman’s Observation
Tony Alvarez began intensively training in fencing in 1999 and soon became certified in saber, epee, and foil. In 2010, Alvarez founded his Carlisle Fencing Club, where he currently teaches. Today, Alvarez joins us in discussing Olympic-style fencing. All images provided by Tony Alvarez. Martial Arts of Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow: Hello and welcome Mr. … Continue reading Interview with Fencing Coach Tony Alvarez: Fencing in Middle Pennsylvania
Martial Arts of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow 