A paucity of punches: why was punching so rare in pre-modern martial arts

by Maxime Chouinard To most people, punching seems like one of the most natural ways of fighting when unarmed. Most … More

Capt. G. Sinclair: uncovering the illusive author of Anti-Pugilism

By Maxime Chouinard For years, the identity of the author of the 1790 broadsword manual “Anti-pugilism”, retitled “Cudgel-playing” in 1800, … More

A newly found broadsword manual and the Bushman method of fencing

The presentation of a newly found broadsword/sabre manual, and an exploration of a little known British fencing lineage.

Vigny’s La Canne, boxing, and the Olympics

Some exclusive technical views on Bartitsu’s famous stick fighter Pierre Vigny as well as his surprising link with the Olympics.

The strange case of the “wooden sword conspirators”

In 1832 London, a group of recreational fencers got arrested for conspiring to overthrow the government.

Marey Sabre uncovered : Marey-Monge’s forgotten yet influential sword designs

Identifying the first known example of a sabre designed by Marey-Monge.

Living off the sword under Napoleon : A history of the fencing masters of the Grand Army

What was the job of fencing master in the Great Army like? Let’s examine their practice and it’s context.

Duffing rascals: What is La canne?

La canne, the fascinating French art of fighting with a walking stick. Let’s delve into it’s history.

Let the sparks fly: How was the briquet used?

The briquet is an iconic blade of revolutionary France. Developed in 1767 to replace the longer grenadier sabres it was … More

The sticks of Joinville : What is French Baton?

All about the French art of the Bâton, or as some call it “Grand Bâton” or “Great Stick”.