Books published by FreeLance Academy Press

A true, modern fencing manual for training in the tradition of the southern Italian school of the late Renaissance, written by a modern master of the art. The texts of the 17th- and 18th-century masters are broken-down, synthesized and arranged into a concise, modern pedagogy; a complete course under one cover.

Murder, Rape and Treason: Judicial Combats in the Late Middle Ages contains accounts of some of the most sanguine, unusual or controversial judicial duels of the late Middle Ages. These duels-formal, limited combats-are among the best-known medieval deeds of arms, and were an important part of late medieval warrior culture.

Joachim Meyer (ca. 1537 - 1571) was one of the most influential fencing masters of the Renaissance-a prolific writer of fencing manuals. In Art and Practice of 16th-Century German Fencing Robert Rutherfoord unpacks the complex and elegant art of Meyer's rapier in word and image, including over 200 "first person perspective" illustrations.

Internationally renowned swordsman and instructor Devon Boorman demonstrates the fundamentals of Renaissance rapier combat. Practical guide for students from an expert author. Over 500 illustrations. Accompanying DVD to be published December 2018 (ISBN 9781937439071), also available from UEP.

First published in 1804, intended for civilians wanting to learn to fence with the sabre, broadsword or spadroon. Illustrated - 21 digitally enhanced originals. Original text is reproduced in a modern typesetting, aimed at current students and enthusiasts of Historical Martial Arts.

If there were an "e;ordinary martial arts book"e;, this would be its evil twin. Unflinchingly honest, writing from an unique, insider-turned-outsider's perspective, Ellis explores aspects of budA its philosophies and dilemmas through the lens of aikido, a modern martial art whose founder is discussed in reverential tones and wrapped in quasi-religious mystique. Looking at the idea of budAas-way-of-life and a path to personal perfection, Ellis confronts the real-world complexities and contradictions behind these simplified stereotypes, revealing insights which hold value for any martial artist or even a non-martial artist with an interest in the darker aspects of human nature. - Dave Lowry, author of Persimmon WindIf you are a long-time martial artist, you have likely been either the recipient, the victim - or both - of the "e;wise old master"e; phenomenon, whereby budo students reverentially enfold their teachers as martial, moral and mystical juggernauts sans reproach, in which case, this book will make you clench your fists and laugh out loud, often while reading the same sentence.. Iconoclastic, rebellious, yet fiercely holding to some of the most traditional values of Japanese martial culture, Amdur brought something new to martial arts writing - a startling honesty about the flaws, not only within martial arts culture, but also within its practitioners, often using himself as an exemplar of the latter. Originally published in 2000, and now fully revised, with eight new chapters, new artwork and photography, Dueling with O-sensei, Revised and Expanded Edition will be an invaluable addition to the library of old readers and new alike.

Translation of illustrated 1595 Dutch manuscript Schermkunst (Swordplay). Discusses fencing with single sword, rapier and dagger, rapier and buckler, halberd, and full pike. Translated and contextualised by Reinier van Noort, a respected Dutch swordsman, instructor and researcher. 39 colour illustrations.

A compilation of the most popular and detailed lectures and class notes from Western Martial Arts Workshop. From longsword to sword and buckler fencing; deadly knife-fighting to mounted combat, the martial traditions of England, Germany, Italy and Spain are all amply represented and combined with detailed, practical instruction.

In the Service of Mars, Volume One is both a compilation of some of the most popular and detailed lectures and class notes from Western Martial Arts Workshop's first decade (1999-2010), and a record of the growth of the Western martial arts community in depth and breadth over the same time.

Translated into English for the first time, this book includes a valuable and extensive technical introduction, with illustrations from both original sources and modern photographs. Antonio Manciolino's instructions are easy to follow, sword-in-hand, even by beginners, while providing years of training for veteran martial artists.

"The only attribution I have seen concerning the illustrations ... is to the Bolognese engraver Edoardo Fialet."--Introd.

This book describes a campaign of the Hundred Years War in 1380-1. The campaign itself was a great chevauchee, or raid, by the English through France and though it had its practical goals, it was also a striking illustration of the place of chivalric self-image in shaping warfare. Colour illustrations.

This new, expanded edition brings readers inside the dojos of the ancient schools of Japanese martial arts, analysing the evolution of Japanese weaponry, addressing the myth and reality of Japan's naginata-wielding warrior women, and discussing the modern relevance of the blood oaths, magical ritual and mysticism that often permeate the koryu.

This volume examines the study and reconstruction of medieval and early modern fight-books and related subjects. The subjects covered range from manuscript studies to philology, from Aristotelian physics to martial musicality, from medieval textuality to women and warfare.

Steven Muhlberger turns his pen to the final section of Charny's work to reveal what it tells us about how medieval 'men-at-arms' conceived of themselves as a class, at precisely the moment that their world was undergoing a series of sweeping changes that would forever change the profession of arms.

Provides a visual snapshot of the courtly elegance and common wear of the Middle Ages. Filled with hundreds of sketches taken from original sources, mechanical drawings and detailed 'layer drawings' demonstrating how the clothing was worn, the book will help newcomers find their way into the study of primary and secondary sources.