"This book will be extremely useful in fencing training and should attract the interest of the fencing community throughout the English-speaking world -- and beyond. [It is] a valuable training manual and an updated report on the newest diagnostic techniques. ... One of the strongest features is the plethora of photographs illustrating the most important technical actions used in modern saber fencing ... high quality illustrations [and] the professionally made footage on the accompanying DVD."
--From the introduction by Edward Korfanty, U.S. Olympic Coach.

Staff Review: Modern Saber Fencing by Zbigniew Borysiuk fills a niche long left empty. This book is a must have for all saber fencers � from novice to Olympian. Borysiuk's work not only breaks down complex technical and tactical actions, but backs his findings with exhaustive research. He brings to light several fallacies in the common conception of saber and explains not only how touches are scored, but also where, when, and why. Of particular interest are several of the charts Borysiuk included � among them a comprehensive breakdown of how touches are scored at the highest levels of competition. The book is comprised of three main areas of focus. The first is concerned with technique. It contains useful information for beginning fencers, but also new ways of looking at and understanding complex technical actions. Following this, Borysiuk offers a great deal of training advice. There are several technique based exercise schedules, as well as tips and suggestions for training. He even offers information on healthy eating and includes a suggested diet. Finally, Borysiuk delves into instruction on how to do the study necessary to produce your own results. He touches on not only assessing the physical growth of an athlete, but also on understanding the psychological needs and development of fencers. All in all, a fantastic read and an invaluable resource for any coach, fencer, or diehard fan of saber.

It's been over 50 years since the last English-language book devoted to saber -- Women just didn't fence saber back then -- Four judges and a referee judged the bouts by eye -- Medals were a European monopoly That was then. This is now. Saber has been revolutionized ... And this book teaches the new saber! At the 2008 Beijing Olympics: the U.S. women swept the individual saber medals and took bronze as a team; Zhong Man of China took the men's gold medal; the U.S. men took team silver. The fencing was not just electronically scored the referees watched the slow-motion video replay to decide close calls.

The world of saber has changed, and it needs this book!

Now, for the first time, Zbigniew Borysiuk -- a successful fencer, top-level coach, and outstanding sports scientist -- has written a book on saber fencing that --explains and teaches the new saber from the ground up, -- illustrates the new techniques with over 75 photo illustrations, plus a DVD (sold separately) -- shows the technical and tactical adjustments that have transformed classical saber -- explains how to train for the new saber -- presents the scientific research that underlies the latest training methods -- explains how to identify fencing talent and monitor progress and -- understand perception and reaction in fencing.