Fred Hutchinson

Extensive bibliography.

Though long obsolete in organized warfare, the sword id enjoying something of a renaissance among individual practitioners and, according to author Fred Hutchinson, is still a viable weapon for self-defense. With that in mind,Hutchinson enters new territory in this book, moving beyond the how-to of sword manipulation and presenitng the aspiring sword fighter with a complete training program.

Designed to make the aspiring sword fighter proficient with the weapon and truly dangerous to an adversary, Hutchinson's program focuses on practitcal drills and exercises with an emphasis on proper mental attitude and mastery of the body achieved through broad-based physical conditioning.

After a brief discussion of the various options available to the modern sword practitioner, including long and short swords, left-hand weapons, and sword canes, Hutchinson quickly move into drills designed to help the student of the sword cultivate an intense familiarity with his or her weapon of choice. Basic training includes mental conditioning and self-hypnosis, air-cutting drills, slow-motion and exaggerated range of motion practice, extra-heavy sword drills, isometric training, partner-supplied resistance training, point-sensitivity and wrist-strengthening exercises, and fast-drawing techniques. This is followed by aggressiveness and power training, speed and accuracy drills, and weapon-specific strategic advice.

Whatever the weapons your adversary wields, be it a knife, a bludgeon, a spear, a bayonet,or any of a number of improvised weapons, one thing is certain: the training methods outlined in this book will make you and your sword a force to be reckoned with.

'Many masters have said that a frequently handled weapon taks on the soul of its master, I believe there is an element of truth in this, whatever the explanation. Your sword is a partner, not just a tool, and you should respect it as such.'

Contents

Introduction
Chapter One The weapons
Chapter Two Basic training
Chapter Three Aggressiveness and power training
Chapter Four Speed and accuracy drills
Chapter Five Advanced training
Chapter Six Fighting tips
Bibliography and suggestions for further study… (meer)