Historical Arms & Combat: Books, Videos

Building on the skills he imparted in the first volume of this series, Fuller takes you step-by-step through the creation of the smaller, more detailed pieces that make up a pair of hourglass gauntlets. He teaches you how to weld and sand individual pieces into a strong assembly, anneal and shape brass to make it easy to work, chase fine lines into your piece for historical accuracy and polish even the smallest pieces of steel to a mirror finish consistent with the appearance of 16th century armor. Includes full-scale patterns for the gauntlets and specialized armor-making tools, including the fluting tool.

Peter Fuller is a former curator of the historical arms and armor exhibit at the Glenbow Museum in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Through years of painstaking research of authentic period armor, he rediscovered the skills of traditional armorcraft. As owner of Medieval Reproductions, Fuller has more than 21 years of experience handcrafting the highest quality reproduction arms, armor and period accessories for collectors all over the world. For more information, consult his website.
$59.95
DVD-R 805966 040936 195 minutes 2-Disc Set

The Codex Wallerstein is one of the best known of the late medieval fencing treatises still in existence. Though perhaps not as widely known as Talhoffer 1467 or Flos Duellatorum, it is just as important to students of the Western martial arts. Originally written in Middle High German during the late 14th and early 15th centuries, the Codex Wallerstein has long been available to scholars in microfilm format from Augusburg University. Now with the publication of this book, the text and drawings are available to scholars and martial artists in the original Middle High German, as well as in Modern German and English translations. The translations were provided by Grzegorz Zabinski, with assistance from Bartlomiej Walczak, two of the most esteemed interpreters of medieval combat in the world. The codex offers a series of fundamental counters to common attacks, using the longsword, falchion and dagger, as well as the complete system of wrestling techniques.

In this work the reader will find a great deal of instruction on thrusting at or closing in against an opponent, expanding Master Johannes Liechtenauer's art of longsword combat. For martial artists, medievalists, historians or anyone with an interest in historical arms or self-defense, Codex Wallerstein is sure to become an invaluable reference.

Grzegorz Zabinski is a medievalist from Upper Silesia in Poland. Apart from medieval and early Renaissance military history and martial arts, his fields of interest include problems of medieval social and economic history, with special reference to the Cistercian order. He is currently working on a Ph.D. dissertation on early 16th-century comments on the swordsmanship treatise of Johannes Liechtenauer.

Bartlomiej Walczak is a student of nuclear physics, but his real passion is the study of medieval martial arts, which he has been pursuing since 1997. He is the chief of the Brotherhood of the Eagles' Nests, a member of the Historical European Martial Arts Community and the director of Association for Renaissance Martial Arts in Poland. Currently, he is working on a training curriculum based on Johannes Liechtenauer's teachings.
$45.00
Softcover 978-1-58160-585-3 398 pages 8.5" x 11" illustrations

In this entertaining and informative look at the Highland dirk, author Christopher Thompson examines a number of Scottish historical and oral sources to document the role of the knife in Gaelic society. Although worn by all classes of society, the dirk was the primary weapon of the common clansmen, and since it was worn indoors as well as outdoors, it was the favored weapon for acts of revenge and self-defense.

Highland Knife Fighting traces the historical roots of the dirk, which is believed to be descended from the medieval ballock dagger, and provides step-by-step instructions and photos in how the Highlanders used the knife. Lessons include holding, carrying and using the dirk with a sword and targe; choosing the proper guards; responding to sudden attacks from in and out of distance; using the dirk for the seven principal "bone-breakings"; and executing the throw from Highland wrestling. Also included are exercises and drills, including the advanced quickdraw drill, and combative techniques of the Scottish dirk dance positions.

Christopher Thompson is the author of Lannaireachd:Gaelic Swordsmanship, a training manual on the use of the Highland broadsword. A resident of Portland, Maine, Thompson is the president of the Cateran Society, a national organization that promotes historical fencing with Highland weapons.

In 2000, Louis Pastore began researching martial arts that were practiced throughout Scotland and Europe. In 2004 he was accepted as a pupil of John Wesencraft, the only surviving teacher of the Highland dirk dance, as taught to Tom Flett in the 1950s.
$16.00
Softcover 978-1-58160-566-2 128 pages 5.5" x 8.5" photos

The revival of interest in historical Western martial arts has focused a great deal of attention on the weapons of Scotland, especially of the Highlanders. Yet, despite all this enthusiasm for the martial arts of the Highland, few of those practicing have experienced genuine Gaelic culture – and without a cultural context, no practice of martial arts can be considered complete.

Highland Martial Culture examines the nature of the Gaelic warrior class and its martial training; the Gaelic duel and how it differed from the duel in continental Europe; the phenomenon of wandering swordsmen in Highland society; the Highland conception of honor; internal aspects of martial arts practice such as mental tricks, traditional charms and spells used in warfare; unusual skills such as the fast draw; and health practices associated with the warrior class.

This is your chance to find out more about the rich cultural heritage associated with the practice of Highland weapons.

Christopher Thompson is the author of Lannaireachd:Gaelic Swordsmanship, a training manual on the use of the Highland broadsword. A resident of Portland, Maine, Thompson is the president of the Cateran Society, a national organization that promotes historical fencing with Highland weapons.

In 2000, Louis Pastore began researching martial arts that were practiced throughout Scotland and Europe. In 2004 he was accepted as a pupil of John Wesencraft, the only surviving teacher of the Highland dirk dance, as taught to Tom Flett in the 1950s.
$13.00
softcover 978-1-58160-692-8 124 pages 5.5" x 8.5" photos

Knightly Dueling is a complete overview of the fighting arts of German chivalric dueling, on horse and on foot, during the late Middle Ages and early Renaissance. Through the words and pictures of original source texts of the great German fight masters of the 14th through 16th centuries – extraordinary works that poetically preserved medieval methods of armed combat – it reveals knightly dueling for what it truly was: mortal combat over some grave matter with battlefield weaponry and armour.

Until now, no single book has encompassed and clarified the scattered existing historical information on German dueling with swords, lances, daggers, pollaxes and other weapons. Knightly Dueling shows the ruthless reality of man-to-man combat of the German Kunst des Fechtens (art of fighting), providing a thorough understanding of Johannes Liechtenauer's Roszfechten (horse fighting) and Kampffechten (duel fighting). It gives Middle High German transcriptions, as well as the first and only modern English translations, of works from various fight books by Liechtenauer's renowned masterly interpreters, including Hanko Döbringer, Peter von Danzig, Hans Talhoffer and Andre Lignitzer. The book also presents an illustrated blow-by-blow account of a deadly duel from a German Fechtbuch (fight book); primary source information regarding specific training of noblemen for duels and the training of noble youth in the combat arts; and a unique glossary of historical German chivalric terms for arms and armour.

Lavishly illustrated with many pieces of period artwork, Knightly Dueling restores the concept of German chivalry to its rightful martial role and is a must for any serious scholar of the dynamic field of European martial arts.

Jeffrey Hull trains in Kunst des Fechtens as both a martial artist and scholar. He previously trained in jujitsu, kung fu, arnis, karate, running, powerlifting and archery. He has experience in hunting, metalsmithing and Western riding. He studies Teutonic and Celtic philology and mythology, researches medieval history and art, and enjoys music.
$30.00
Softcover 978-1-58160-674-4 254 pages 8.5" x 11" illustrations

George Silver's Paradoxes of Defence (1599) and Brief Instructions upon my Paradoxes of Defence (ca. 1605) are probably the most important works ever written on the Western martial tradition. Silver straddles the medieval and Renaissance worlds, summing up the collective experience of centuries of European warcraft, while presenting a fighting style that ensures victory in the urban battlefield of single combat, street brawls and honorable duels. Silver presents a complete integrated fencing system applicable to a wide variety of weapons, but more importantly provides a theoretical framework of universal principles by which to judge any technique, theory or strategy. He teaches how to identify the flaws of any enemy's fighting style, exploit his weaknesses and overcome him while remaining secure and safe, using the traditional "True Fight" of the English knightly class.

In addition to presenting Silver's original works, author Paul Wagner and other scholars examine Silver's contributions, putting the Master and his legacy in context. Master of Defence is a necessity for any student of Western fencing or swordsmanship, Western or Asian martial arts, Shakespearean or Renaissance studies, English military history, medieval reenactment or professional fight choreography.

Paul Wagner is a founding member of the Stoccata School of Defence (www.stoccata.org), where he teaches classes and courses on various English weapons – shortsword, sword and buckler, longsword, quarterstaff, backsword and rapier – as well as German sword and buckler and medieval sword and big shield.
$39.00
Hardcover 978-1-58160-424-5 352 pages 8.5" x 11" photos, illust.

More than a dozen of the most respected names in medieval and Renaissance scholarship have come together to present a variety of fighting lore from the rich heritage of the European fight masters, circa 1350 to 1675.

The list of legendary fighters and instructors contained within these pages reads like a combat honor roll and includes Johannes Liechtenauer, Fiore dei Liberi, Giacomo di Grassi, Henry de Sainct Didier, Joseph Swetnam and Hugues Wittenwiller. Historical documents translated and analyzed include Das Solothurner Fechtbuch, Le Jeu de la Hache, and the Gladiatoria.

Because study of this martial literature requires one to be both scholar and fighter, the translators and interpreters featured in this book are all researchers and/or martial artists – thus serious students of the emerging field of historical fencing studies. These contributions from Dr. Sydney Anglo, John Clements, David Lindholm, Brian Hunt, Grzegorz Zabinski, Gene Tausk, Stacy Clifford and other modern scholars bring to life the words and fighting techniques of the masters of long ago.

This rediscovery of combat skills that have been proven over the centuries will breathe new life into the study of medieval and Renaissance martial arts and preserve this knowledge for generations to come.

John Clements has practiced cut-and-thrust swordsmanship for almost 20 years and trains regularly in long-sword, sword and shield, sword and buckler, sword and dagger, Medieval spear, and rapier and dagger methods. He lectures on historical weaponry and is an ardent promoter of contact-weapon sparring with historical replica swords.
$50.00
Softcover 978-1-58160-668-3 396 pages 8.5" x 11" illustrations

Daggers are mentioned in many modern books about medieval and Renaissance swordplay, but until now none described how daggers were used in combat. Drawing from sources written from 1409–1600 (including the works of Hans Talhoffer, Fiore dei Liberi, Filippo Vadi, Joachim Meyer and more), this book uses step-by-step photos and historic illustrations to demonstrate the deadly and effective techniques of European dagger fighting. Talhoffer and the others were men with real fighting experience, not self-promoted "grand masters" or denizens of the training hall, and they wrote the manuals that form the basis for Medieval and Renaissance Dagger Combat. The dynamics of the knife fight have not changed over the centuries, and the masters' lessons are as useful against an attacker with today's tactical folder as they were against the first dagger.

Jason Vail began his study of martial arts with judo at age 12, and at 18 he began a lifelong study of karate. He began his weapons training with iaido and bojutsu in the late 1970s, shortly afterward turning to Vietnamese staff and spear. He has been studying and interpreting medieval and Renaissance fighting manuals, focusing primarily on unarmed and armed dagger techniques, since 2001.
$30.00
Softcover 978-1-58160-517-4 234 pages 8.5" x 11" photos, illust.

From the author of Renaissance Swordsmanship comes the most comprehensive and historically accurate view ever of the lost fighting arts of medieval knights, warriors and men-at-arms. Based on years of extensive training and research in the use of European swords, it contains highly effective fighting techniques for the sword, sword and shield, long-sword, great-sword, pole-arm and more. And with more than 200 illustrations and rare historical documents, it is a scholarly reference as well as a hands-on training guide for martial artists of all levels.

John Clements has practiced cut-and-thrust swordsmanship for almost 20 years and trains regularly in long-sword, sword and shield, sword and buckler, sword and dagger, medieval spear, and rapier and dagger methods. He lectures on historical weaponry and is an ardent promoter of contact-weapon sparring with historical replica swords.
$40.00
Softcover 978-1-58160-004-9 344 pages 8.5" x 11" illustrations

Paulus Hector Mair was perhaps the most intriguing figure in the Liechtenauer tradition of German Renaissance martial arts. An enthusiastic practitioner of fencing, wrestling and other martial arts, he was determined to preserve the knowledge of the combat arts of his time. His dream is realized in this remarkable book by authors David James Knight and Brian Hunt.

Mair collected a vast combat library, including works by Jörg Wilhalm, Antonius Rast, Gregor Erhart and Sigmund Ringeck, as well as copies of both the Codex Wallerstein and the Königsegg-Talhoffe manuscript. Circa 1540, Mair produced the Opus Amplissimum de Arte Athletica, or Ultimate Book of the Art of Athletics, a massive compendium heavily influenced by the earlier works in his library but surpassing them in content and depth. Today only three complete manuscripts of his Opus survive in German and Austrian collections.

In Polearms of Paulus Hector Mair, authors Knight and Hunt make their contribution to the endeavor that Mair began so many centuries ago. Working from both the German and Latin versions of Mair's Opus, they present chapters on combat with the poleax, halberd, spear and shortstaff, and lance and longstaff, with text in the original German and Latin, along with the English translation. The illustrations, taken from the Dresden codices, C93 and C94, have been meticulously restored to give a clear view of the techniques.

This amazing volume, a labor of love of the arts of combat, belongs in the library of everyone with an interest in Renaissance martial arts.

David James Knight is an Association of Renaissance Martial Arts Free Scholar and lifelong martial artist. He has trained in goju ryu, no-gi Brazilian jiu-jitsu, American folkstyle wrestling, US military combatives, in addition to European longsword, dagger, grappling and polearms techniques.

Brian Hunt taught himself Latin, German and Italian and has translated the MS I.33 and Hans Talhoffer's 1459 manuscript. An ARMA Free Scholar, he has cross-trained in Okinawan karate, kung fu, aikido, kenjutsu and America boxing, as well as European longsword, sword and buckler, sword and shield, cut-and-thrust sword, rapier, dagger, grappling and polearm techniques.
$40.00
Softcover 978-1-58160-644-7 292 pages 8.5" x 11" illustrations

This is the most thorough work ever about historical swordsmanship. It is both a general reference and an instructional guide for advanced and beginning sword enthusiasts, students of military history and martial artists. Includes rare historical info and 100 original drawings.

John Clements has practiced cut-and-thrust swordsmanship for almost 20 years and trains regularly in long-sword, sword and shield, sword and buckler, sword and dagger, medieval spear, and rapier and dagger methods. He lectures on historical weaponry and is an ardent promoter of contact-weapon sparring with historical replica swords.
$25.00
Softcover 978-0-87364-919-3 152 pages 8.5" x 11" illustrations

In the history of the martial arts of Western Europe, there are a few individuals whose contributions have been instrumental in shaping the generations that followed them. Sigmund Ringeck is such a person thanks to his efforts as an interpreter of the teachings of the grand master Johannes Liechtenauer, whose works would constitute the German longsword school up to the 17th century.

In the first half of the 15th century, fencing master Sigmund Ringeck compiled a book with comments based on the fencing lessons from Liechtenauer's verses first written down in ca.1389. Ringeck's original handwritten manuscript, which contains no illustrations, is of great importance due to its detailed instruction on longsword, wrestling, sword and buckler, armored combat and mounted combat. Ringeck's greatness is that he starts with the basics and then teaches the student the secrets of the longsword step-by-step. He offers clear and precise instructions in the actual handling of the sword and how to use it to win a fight. And herein lies Ringeck's claim to posterity: he gives instruction in the true understanding of the longsword as a weapon.

Today, the longsword instruction found in Ringeck's manual has been given new life by two modern students of the arts. Author David Lindholm has translated Ringeck's text and added extensive interpretations and comments. Illustrator and sword aficionado Peter Svärd has created hundreds of instructive drawings capturing every nuance of the medieval swordsman's art. Also included in this impressive volume is advice for modern practitioners, such as physical training, evaluation of historical resources and the importance of test cutting. Finally, master swordsmith Peter Johnsson shows how to sharpen a sword and describes how the shape of the blade dictates its function.

David Lindholm has an MA in medieval archaeology and history from the University of Lund and works as a writer and archaeologist. He has been training in European swordsmanship since 1986 and has some experience in Western fencing, iaido and kenjutsu. He is a member of ARMA (the Association for Renaissance Martial Arts) and directs the ARMA study group in Malmö, Sweden.

Peter Svärd is an art director and illustrator for a Swedish Internet consultancy firm. He has been active in various medieval/fantasy societies since the late 1980s, training with swords on and off for about 10 years.
$39.95
Softcover 978-1-58160-688-1 248 pages 11" x 8.5" 15 photos, 449 illust.

The lessons of influential 15th-century fencing master Sigmund Ringeck are brought to life once again by David Lindholm and Peter Svärd, the duo behind Sigmund Ringeck's Knightly Art of the Longsword. This lavishly illustrated companion to Longsword examines Ringeck's instruction on fighting with the sword and buckler, fighting in armor with longsword and spear, and wrestling. These disciplines and more are fully explained both by Ringeck's text (offered in the original old German as well as the authors' English translation) and detailed captions for the step-by-step illustrations. The timeless works of Ringeck, who is best known for his interpretations of the teachings of grand master Johannes Liechtenauer, offer a rare opportunity to experience a firsthand account of this important period in the development of the Western martial arts. This book will be treasured by aficionados of the medieval arts of combat for generations to come.

David Lindholm has an MA in medieval archaeology and history from the University of Lund and works as a writer and archaeologist. He has been training in European swordsmanship since 1986 and has some experience in Western fencing, iaido and kenjutsu. He is a member of ARMA (the Association for Renaissance Martial Arts) and directs the ARMA study group in Malmö, Sweden.

Peter Svärd is an art director and illustrator for a Swedish Internet consultancy firm. He has been active in various medieval/fantasy societies since the late 1980s, training with swords on and off for about 10 years.

John Clements has practiced cut-and-thrust swordsmanship for almost 20 years and trains regularly in long-sword, sword and shield, sword and buckler, sword and dagger, Medieval spear, and rapier and dagger methods. He lectures on historical weaponry and is an ardent promoter of contact-weapon sparring with historical replica swords.
$35.00
Softcover 978-1-58160-499-3 294 pages 8.5" x 11" photos, illust.

Before there was Iron Man, there were iron men - medieval knights who forged metal suits in preparation for warfare.

Few historical icons can match the evocative power of the medieval suit of armour, and this epic new book is a complete course in the tools and techniques of the modern armourer's art. Through more than 1,000 detailed photos and clear instruction, Brian Price presents a working handbook for aspiring and active armourers who want to develop their skills in the production of medieval armour in the style of the 14th century.

The book is divided into four sections: a sweeping history of armour and its production from its medieval roots to its modern revival; a practical introduction to all the tools and supplies necessary to equip a modern workshop; a thorough review of key techniques; and a series of actual courses in constructing armoured defenses for the head, body, arm, hand and leg. Taking the reader through the construction of an authentic medieval harness from conception to completion, Techniques of Medieval Armour Reproduction is a vital addition to the libraries of serious craftsmen, historians, collectors and researchers.
$60.00
Softcover 978-1-58160-536-5 526 pages 8.5" x 11" photos, illus.

Learn the lost art of armor making from one of the few modern masters of the craft. Every step of this project is covered in meticulous detail, including cutting the pieces, shaping, riveting, polishing, and much, much more. The skills taught in this video will not only enable you to make your own historically accurate, battle-worthy helmet, they represent a comprehensive apprenticeship in the armorer's craft.

Peter Fuller is a former curator of the historical arms and armor exhibit at the Glenbow Museum in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Through years of painstaking research of authentic period armor, he rediscovered the skills of traditional armorcraft. As owner of Medieval Reproductions, Fuller has more than 21 years of experience handcrafting the highest quality reproduction arms, armor and period accessories for collectors all over the world. For more information, consult his website.
$59.95
DVD-R 805966 029139 180 minutes 2-Disc Set

Picture yourself in a full set of shining mail armor at your next reenactment, fair or costume party. And the best part is that you can say you made it yourself. The Art of Mail Armor shows you how to start with a piece of wire and end with a finished garment that costs a fraction of what it would ready-made and fits perfectly because it was custom made just for you. The book features seven original patterns from the author and step-by-step diagrams and instructions for attractive coifs (head coverings), hauberks (shirts), gauntlets, (gloves) and bishop's collars, as well as juggling balls, necklaces, belts, crosses and other jewelry. Find out how easy it is to assemble your tool kit and materials; acquire the best wire for specific items; measure for a perfect fit; join, enlarge, round, angle and fit sleeves; and incorporate decorative trimmings and inlays to make your designs truly unique.

Also learn some quick and easy tricks for keeping your pieces clean and shiny – with no scrubbing or expensive commercial cleaners. Whether you are a Renaissance or medieval enthusiast, reenactor, historian, martial artist, jewelry designer or just someone with an interest in armor, you'll want to add this book to your library. Even experienced mail makers will find new ideas and techniques.

Mary Brewer is a member of the Society of Creative Anachronism and Ampguard. She sells mail, jewelry and swords at local fairs and offers classes in mail construction.
$29.00
Softcover 978-1-58160-586-0 168 pages 8.5" x 11" 450 photos, illust.

Since the dawn of civilization every culture has used the sword as a tool in warfare, a defender of honor or a means of self-protection. Yet few have uncovered its mysteries to get at the truth of its history, purpose and use ... until now. In this original Paladin production, world-renowned sword expert Hank Reinhardt pulls aside the veil of myth and fantasy to expose the realities of swords and sword combat. Often controversial, sometimes provocative, but never boring, Reinhardt presents a detailed history of swords, their evolution and their use in both warfare and individual combat around the globe. Reinhardt also answers the most commonly asked questions on dueling, ancient and medieval warfare and modern-day care of swords. Finally, through dramatic cutting demonstrations on armored and unarmored targets, he demonstrates the proper use and awesome power of a variety of swords, from Japanese katanas to medieval broadswords. If you've ever seen or handled a sword and felt an indefinable thrill that sent your spirit singing back to the days of yore, this video is a must-see. For information purposes only.

The late Julius "Hank" Reinhardt was one of the world's foremost experts on sword history and ancient warfare, with more than 50 years of experience in medieval reenactment, practical research and antique arms collecting. He was the founding father and former director of Museum Replicas Limited, perhaps the largest purveyor of period weapons and garb in existence today.
$39.95
DVD-R 805966 001135 90 minutes

Written in 1573 by fencing master Henry de Sainct-Didier, this is believed to be the first French sword manual ever written. Noting that he "lived his whole life learning to fight with the single sword," de Sainct-Didier says that his reason for writing this book was to "further serve his king." During his 25-year career in the French army, de Sainct-Didier participated in the "Italian Wars," and the influence of Italian swordplay is evident in this manual.

In addition to being the earliest surviving French sword-fighting manual, The Single Sword of Henry de Sainct-Didier is important in a couple of other ways. Its author was the first to institute geometrical ground plans and numbered footprints to indicate the correct sequence of movements. Also unique is the way de Sainct-Didier used his woodcut illustrations in a "coherent plan designed to elucidate, and not merely to illustrate, the text." Both life-long sword enthusiasts, Robert Hyatt and Devin Wilson took on the onerous task of translating and interpreting this French classic so that modern swordsmen could adapt Renaissance singlesword fighting techniques to their current fighting systems. To make it easier for today's fighting students and Renaissance scholars, they include an opening chapter explaining the general fighting principles espoused by Didier and others of that period.
$29.95
Softcover 978-1-58160-704-8 204 pages 8.5" x 11" Illustrations

The Vikings were among the most feared warriors in the history of mankind. In this extraordinary video, renowned historian and sword expert Hank Reinhardt provides a rare insight into the sword fighting tactics of the Viking raiders. Reinhardt spent decades analyzing archeological relics, the Icelandic sagas and other historical materials to develop a theoretical blueprint of the Vikings' fearsome style of sword combat. He then put his theory to the test through countless hours of full-contact sparring with reproduction weapons. Through dramatic fights featuring swordsmen in authentic period costume, this video presents a graphic analysis of all four major styles of Viking sword combat (sword vs. sword, sword and shield without armor, sword and shield with minimal armor, and sword and shield with full armor) and teaches you the most reliable, combat-proven tactics of each. A landmark accomplishment in the history of armed combat, this video is destined to become a classic.

The late Julius "Hank" Reinhardt was one of the world's foremost experts on sword history and ancient warfare, with more than 50 years of experience in medieval reenactment, practical research and antique arms collecting. He was the founding father and former director of Museum Replicas Limited, perhaps the largest purveyor of period weapons and garb in existence today.
$39.95
DVD-R 805966 052731 45 minutes