Virtue and Steel (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781913066079)

Nothing conjures our idea of strength and skill in the age of knighthood and chivalry quite like the longsword.

The fighting art of Maestro Fiore dei Liberi is at once graceful and appropriately brutal for the age in which he lived. A master-of-arms, mercenary, and knight of the Holy Roman Empire, Fiore's skill with a sword was sought after by nobles and the fighting class of the time - and also today, by many of us who want to learn historical martial arts. His is a holistic and accessible fighting system that can be applied practically in training or in tournaments by even the newest of fencers.

Within this book is an exploration of Fiore's system by examining the Four Virtues of his art: Fortitude, Speed, Prudence, and Audacity. These are cardinal assets for any martial artist, but what do they truly mean?

This book not only outlines the fundamentals of Fiore's techniques (cuts, thrusts, body mechanics, footwork, covers, measure, and timing), but also explores some of the more complex of his plays (grappling, joint locks, trips, takedowns, and disarms) in clear detail, with some humorous stories from the author's own journey with this martial art.