Fencing and Swords

ARMA is an educational non-profit organization dedicated to the study and practice of historical fencing and the exploration and promotion of our Western martial heritage. The website has numerous historical resources and photos as well as information on the organization.

Dedicated to the art and spirit of the sword, the magazine covers modern fencing and historical swordsmanship. Site includes membership info, submission guidelines, and some online articles.

Typos aside, this article by Gregory Stauf on rapier weights and specifications is very useful for anyone interested in hard details.

George Silver's fencing manual, a companion to his Paradoxes of Defence, is provided by Greg Lindahl.

Sir William Hope's 1692 manual, abridged and interpreted by Rick Orli.

Incomplete yet extensive transcript of DiGrassi's 1594 fencing book, placed online by Tom Hudson and Jennie Radovsky.

William E. Wilson's online version of G. Antonio Lovino's 16th-century fencing manual, translated by Giovanni Rapisardi.

Excellent source of information for collectors and students by Lee A. Jones includes a comprehensive collector's guide, bibliography, online articles, virtual museum and much more.

An online version of George Silver's sixteenth-century book on fencing, which disparages rapiers and supports the short sword as a superior weapon, is provided by Greg Lindahl.

Extensive article by Braun McAsh at Military History Magazine traces the evolution of the gentleman's weapon of choice.

This article by William E. Wilson provides biographical information on the two fencing masters and their varying styles.

Electronic version of Saviolo's 1598 fencing work, placed online by Tom Hudson and Jennie Radovsky, includes a brief glossary of period terms.

A look at the evolution of the weapon by Braun McAsh at Military History Magazine, online at TheHistoryNet.

Informative look at the weapon's history and use by John F. Murphy, Jr. at Military History Magazine, online at TheHistoryNet.