Epee Fencing: A Complete System
by Imre Vass
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Book Summary Information
Author: Imre VassEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2003-01-14
ISBN: 096594686X
Number of pages: 413
Publisher: S K a Swordplay Books
Book Reviews of Epee Fencing: A Complete System
Book Review: Exhaustive
Summary: 4 Stars
I agree, generally, with the three previous reviewers of this book. However, I strongly disagree with the author's statements in the Introduction concerning foil as being the basis for epee fencing. Vass insists that the fencer should have a solid grounding in foil before beginning to fence with the epee. He goes on to state that it should take about five years before the fencer has shifted over only 50% from foil to epee. Absurd; it does not make sense first to learn foil and then to spend years unlearning it while converting to epee. There are essential differences between epee and foil: in epee fencing the entire body is fair target, while in foil it is only the torso, and while foil is governed by the right-of-way convention (fencers will know what I mean), in epee the first hit counts, with no regard for convention.
Epee fencing has changed over the years. Vass concentrates on technique, and techniques have changed since he wrote his book. The classical styles and schools of the past have been replaced almost completely by a much more athletic game in which speed, strength, movement, and opportunism count as much or more than sophisticated technique. The great change began in about 1960, when the hemispherical barbed point, which would catch on the opponent's sleeve even if the attacker's blade was almost parallel to his opponent's arm, was replaced by the flat point, modified a couple of years later to have a chamfered edge. The old point made touches easier, and it was the cautious, patient, accurate fencer who often prevailed. The newer point, introduced for safety reasons, usually requires that the hit be at a greater angle. While in the past most touches were made on the arm, now a greater proportion are made on the body. Of course basic technique and point accuracy still count, but even the stance of today's epee fencers, quite different from, and looser than, the classical style is indicative of the changes in the game.
Vass's treatment of the weapon is the most comprehensive that I have encountered in a book, but the best fundamental understanding of epee fencing and how it differs from foil is to be found in "Modern Fencing", by Clovis Deladrier. Even though that book was written half a century ago, Deladrier's insights still apply. Deladrier correctly understood the epee to be completely different from foil and saber, with its own action and reaction. To aspiring epee fencers, I say do not waste too much time on foil; it will be detrimental to your epee game.
Vass's exhaustive explication of technique, with so many combinations and permutations, can be daunting even to the experienced epee fencer, but there is always more to learn, and so I recommend it.
Summary of Epee Fencing: A Complete System
If you're a fencer, this book will take your epée game to the next level! It's a must if you're a coach!From simple moves to a masterful repertory of dazzling strokes and counterstrokes -- technique, tactics, and strategy. This is the definitive book on épée fencing for decades to come.
Epee Fencing: a complete system is an encyclopedia of epee techniques which add up to a treasury of actions and ideas to select from. Every attack, every preparation, is carefully described; then the parries used against that attack are analyzed, then the counterattacks. Numerous lessons and drills are included, and the book is copiously illustrated. The new translation has been acclaimed, and the original materials supplemented with a discussion of fencing terminology.
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