High Performance Fencing

Legendary fencing instructor Maitre Bac H. Tau described what he called the 'six essentials that are in a fencer's mind': 'The first is called spirit; the second, rhythm; the third, thought; the fourth, technique; the fifth, tactic, and the last is strategy.' As a fencer you can fight with spirit, experience rhythm, think your way around problems, and develop technique, tactic and strategy by training with top-flight fencing masters. But there is more. Modern fencing is a highly competitive speed and endurance sport and the 'seventh essential' in a high-performance fencer's mind is how to prepare themselves physically and mentally to fence. In High Performance Fencing: The Seventh Essential, Ed Rogers covers every aspect of the preparation required by a fencer competing at the highest level. The book provides sound practical advice and is based on tried-and-tested training principles that have repeatedly proved successful. Aimed at intermediate to advanced level fencers, coaches, teachers and all those involved in competition fencing, and fully illustrated with 148 colour images and diagrams.

Ed Rogers is on the board of Scottish Fencing and on the list of examiners for the British Academy of Fencing in Scotland. His first book Fencing - Essential Skills Training (Crowood) was placed on British Fencing's recommended reading list. He is a veteran Scottish international, retired architect and town planner, who now spends much of his time coaching and writing about fencing.