My friend and one-time colleague, Phil Carson, wrote a book this year. He asked me to read an early draft and give him some feedback. I wrote a review. He put it as the foreword to his book. It was an honour; and with his permission I’ve reproduced it below. You can buy his book … More Book Review: “The Constraints-Led Fencing Coach: Cultivating a Dynamic Performance Ecology” by Prof Phil Carson

Hi Sydney Sabre, My name is Vik. I am a sabre fencer in the USA. I started when I was around 10, quit for many years and returned to the sport earlier this year as a rookie once again. I fence at my university’s club team. It’s a great environment, but I do not have … More Q&A: On archetypes for shorter fencers

Hey Sydney Sabre, I started a free youth sabre club in the States in XXXX.  Not a lot of parents can afford electric gear so I have been coaching dry. This has the kids fencing clean as I am training them to ref as well. Without electric gear would you say they will be behind … More Q&A: On training without electrics and games to teach right-of-way and gaining priority

John,  I was reading your blog about watching in the 4 meter.  You talked about “Advance Step” prep.  Most Korean fencers use “advance” prep.  Who frequently uses “Advance Step” prep?  Can you elaborate more in detail about advance step prep.  Not much info in book.  Shorter fencer would benefit more than advance prep?. Thank you, … More Q&A On the pros and cons of Advance step preparation

Dear Instructor, Welcome to Week 15, almost halfway through Level 2. We have spent the last few sessions exploring the idea of timing in sabre, focusing on rhythm. Much of this has been on applying timing to the main attack move – the advance-lunge, a 3-count move consisting of two linked actions – the advance … More Week 15: Counterattack Timing