Luís Preto just released a new book on fencing with sword, staff, and baton.
A great opportunity to learn more about jogo do pau or fencing with weapons in general.
DEVELOPING FUNCTIONAL PARRYING SKILL
By Luís Franco Preto
MSc in Sport Sciences
JdP International Instructor (Jogo do Pau)
Why this topic?
Because this was always the most emphasized topic by my instructors and, over the years, I’ve been realizing that the fencing community was in need of an objective, useful and easy to understand document of the subject.
Better or worse anyone can strike,
but parrying, that’s a different story!
Why this title?
I chose this title because I feel that students who are taught parries with the focus being on developing a correct (perfect) motion, aren’t capable of having that skill transfer to live scenarios (combat).
Before biomechanics come into play one must develop the ability to intercept the strikes by:
• identifying the strikes,
• choosing the correct parry,
• place it at the correct height, distance and with precise timing.
Is the book solely on parrying?
It is on parrying related issues, which means that the different waiting guards available (forward and backward pointing guards) are also broken down for students to understand the processes which originated them, their strong points and, ultimately, how to choose between them.
Is the book for beginners or advanced students?
It is a detailed manual on developing parrying skill, from the basics to the more advanced topics, allowing everyone to enhance their skill.
Additionally, the information is organized so as to enable students how to sequence the training of the variables which make up this skill.
How can it incorporate three distinct weapons?
I will never state that the parrying system presented is the only possible for either of these weapons. However I do guaranty two things, which are that this system works and that it allows one to implement it to all three weapons, which simplifies training for those wishing to master different weapons, while having little time to pursue that.
How to use this book?
Simply read it and try out the exercises with your training partners.
It’s so simple yet functional that everyone will be able to improve their martial skill. But if some doubts do happen to rise, I’ll be more than happy to try to lend a helping hand through the email address preto.martialarts@gmail.com and, very soon, also through the website www.pretomartialarts.com, which will be dedicated to the analysis of training systems for Martial Arts.
buy at amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/Developing-functional-parrying-fencing-Martial/dp/1461171105/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1307299712&sr=8-12
Versão portuguesa também disponível.
Versão portuguesa também disponível.
