Best Fencing Books of 2025

The Book of Five Rings: Deluxe Slipcase Edition (Arcturus Silkbound Classics, 22) is a must-read for anyone interested in martial arts, strategy, or personal growth. Written by the undefeated swordsman Miyamoto Musashi shortly before his death in 1645, the book describes the "true principles" required for victory in the martial arts and on the battlefield. Musashi's writings are based on his own experience, observation, and reason, making them highly practical and relevant to all aspects of life. This deluxe hardback gift edition is beautifully bound in luxurious silk with gold foil embossing and includes full-color illustrations. Highly recommended for anyone seeking to develop their mental and physical strength.

The Complete Strategy Collection is a valuable compilation of historical works on strategy, conflict, and adversity. From Sun Tzu's Art of War to Machiavelli's The Prince, the techniques and philosophies outlined in each work can be adapted to modern-day life. The Book of Five Rings, originally written as a martial arts and strategy guide, has also been adapted for business and conflict management. Overall, this collection offers valuable insight into the past while providing practical advice for navigating present-day challenges.

Practice Drills for Japanese Swordsmanship is a comprehensive guide to help students develop their swordsmanship skills. It provides bokuto drills for both single and two-person practice, with step-by-step illustrations to aid in technique development. Author Nicklaus Suino, a sixth-degree black belt in Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu iaido, presents drills that supplement formal class activity and are extracted from iaido forms. This book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in Japanese swordsmanship and fills the gap in mentorship for modern swordsmen. Overall, it is a well-organized and informative guide that can benefit martial arts practitioners of all levels.

Bruce Lee's Jeet Kune Do is a comprehensive training manual covering all aspects of Bruce Lee's fighting method. Unlike other martial arts, Jeet Kune Do is a practical form of self-defense that can be used on the streets. The book covers offensive and defensive techniques, footwork, and fighting strategies. It also includes easy-to-follow descriptions with clear pictures and progressive lessons so that readers can learn at their own pace. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in learning Jeet Kune Do or looking to improve their self-defense skills.

The Art and Science of Staff Fighting is a comprehensive guide that emphasizes the dynamics of combat. The author, Joe Varady, draws on thirty years of martial experience, presenting the best of both Eastern and Western traditions. The book features nine levels of instruction that progress from easy to expert, over 600 photos with motion arrows, and a comprehensive approach to building staff skills. Even those unfamiliar with martial arts can adapt these techniques, increasing their skill and confidence in defending themselves. This book is a treasure trove of knowledge, and one of the most comprehensive staff fighting books available.

The Book of Five Rings: Complete Version + A Growth Path for the Man of Today is a practical treatise on the art of the sword by Miyamoto Musashi, the greatest Japanese swordsman of all time. But it is more than just that. It is a path of knowledge and wisdom, developed by a warrior who was totally immersed in life, both in war and in peace. This book is for those who wish to clearly understand the trove of wisdom hidden in this text and learn the secrets of Miyamoto Musashi. It offers a key to understanding how to heal the eternal conflict between body and soul and live life fully. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in Japanese history and the art of the sword.

The Self-Defense Handbook: The Best Street Fighting Moves and Self-Defense Techniques is a comprehensive four-part manual that teaches readers the principles of self-defense, basic and advanced techniques, weapon disarms, and street fighting tactics. The techniques are adapted from proven street fighting styles, including Bruce Lee's Jeet Kune Do, Krav Maga, and more. The book also includes ground fighting techniques, strategies for attack and defense, and advice on using everyday objects for self-defense. The reviewer, AmberMoon86, praises the book as a "great how-to book" and recommends it as one of the best street fighting books around.

The Art of Sword Combat: A 1568 German Treatise on Swordmanship is a must-read for military history enthusiasts and anyone interested in learning about the lost art of sword technique. The book covers combat with the long sword, dusack, and rapier, offering an extensive repertoire of training drills for both weapons. The translation includes technical terminology, a biography of Meyer, and other essential information for understanding and contextualizing the work. With thirty watercolor images and seven ink diagrams, the manuscript is an in-depth account of medieval combat systems. Overall, this book is a valuable resource for those seeking to understand the art of sword combat.

The Beginner's Guide to the Long Sword: European Martial Arts Weaponry Techniques is a comprehensive guide that covers the basic movements and concepts of the European long sword. The book features detailed photo sequences and illustrations that clearly depict stance and movements, and engaging prose that explains the origins of long sword tactics. It is designed for sword fighting fans as well as long-time practitioners, and covers instruction on balance, maintaining guard, proper grip, cuts, wards, stance, tempo, footwork, parries, and basic offense and defense. Written by internationally ranked provost Steaphen Fick, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in European martial arts weaponry techniques.

"How to fence Epee - The fantastic 4 method" by Clement Schrepfer is a must-read for anyone looking to improve their competitive practice of fencing. Schrepfer, a former French epee fencing competitor, shares his tactical vision of epee fencing in this practical manual. The book provides an innovative approach to understanding the game and is suitable for all levels of fencers. Schrepfer's method is didactic, rational, and has been proven for over 10 years. Overall, this book is a valuable resource for any fencer looking to improve their skills and technique.