In recent years, more and more fencers have been suggesting to introduce more "realism" to the sport of fencing: stiffer blades, harder hits, less esoteric rules. I used to agree -- until I realized that the requirements of agonistic competition are incompatible with those of antagonistic combat for dominion or survival.

Antagonistic combat requires a warrior's ruthlessness and single-minded will to eliminate his opponent as quickly and efficiently as possible. It's a job for the fighter rather than the fencer, the warrior rather than the martial artist.

HF contributor John Clements recaptures the way of the Renaissance warrior in his recent book Renaissance Swordsmanship. He does not concern himself with the folkloristic elements that permeate most re-enactment swordplay efforts today. His focus is the reality of fighting rather than that fleet phantom of "authenticity".

Accordingly, he cares less about postures and choreography than about the effect and the effectiveness of techniques -- providing an illustrated manual of practical, shop-tested and sparring-approved skills that bring home how live steel is to be used for superior results in antagonistic combat scenarios.

Renaissance Swordmanship incorporates well-researched historical segments on the practical history of the rapier and the cut-and-thrust sword in their social and hoplological contexts. Its instructive segments are well illustrated with the author's own computer-generated line images.

John Clement's trailblazing work could provide the cornestone for a wider pro-active and progressive movement to adopt the rapier as a usable and useful competitive weapon in its own right. It is a must-read for every serious student of historical swordfighting.