English Martial Arts
Terry Brown
A handbook of English martial arts with instruction in many English
fighting techniques.
Sixteenth century
English martial artists had their own governing body, the Company of
Maisters, which taught and practised a fighting system that ranks as
high in terms of effectiveness and pedigree as any in the world. Experienced
martial artists, irrespective of the style they practice, will recognise
that the techniques and methods of this system are based on principles
that are as valid as those that underlie the system that they practice.
I found the historical accounts of these martial artists amazing...If
you have any interest in martial arts at all, be it weapons or empty
hand combat, then this book is a must, not only for the practical depiction
of the techniques but for the in-depth historical facts surrounding
our own island's martial discipline.
Pat O'Malley, Martial Arts Illustrated, U.K.
It is very well done, with very valuable material. It is a welcomed
study, smoothly written. John Clements, Historical Armed Combat Association
U.S.A. I highly recommend this book; I particularly like the fighting
terminology he has researched, which provides documented period names
(in English, no less) for many of the fighting stances and guards we
in the SCA currently use under a bewildering number of different names.
…Techniques from English Martial Arts can also provide the basis for
a very good training program for newer fighters, or for experienced
fighters learning a new weapon style.
Michael Lacy, Flame Journal, (Society for Creative
Anachronisms)
Techniques included in this book are: bare-fist fighting; broadsword;
quarterstaff; bill; sword and buckler; sword and dagger.
220 photographs
£18·95 240 pages
