Martial Treatises and Combat Systems
Examines surviving combat manuals, pedagogical fencing systems, military doctrines, and tournament codes.
Inside this collection
European Fechtbücher Traditions
Surveys medieval fighting manuscripts including MS I.33, Fiore dei Liberi, and the Johannes Liechtenauer lineage.
Renaissance Rapier Treatises
Covers thrust-centric fencing methodologies written by Camillo Agrippa, Salvator Fabris, and Ridolfo Capoferro.
Iberian True Destreza
Examines the geometric, philosophical fencing system established by Jerónimo de Carranza and Luis Pacheco de Narváez.
Japanese Koryu and Weapon Scrolls
Details classical martial systems (koryū), densho transmission scrolls, and duel tactics for swords and polearms.
Mamluk and Ottoman Furusiyya
Explores Islamic cavalry treatises detailing mounted archery, lance manipulation, horse management, and sword play.
Chinese Military Manuals
Examines comprehensive treatises like the Wubei Zhi and Jixiao Xinshu regarding weapon coordination and formation drills.
Tournament Rules and Jousting Systems
Traces tournament evolution from violent melee mêlées to formalized tilts, peace lances, and specialized jousting plate.
Staff, Dagger, and Wrestling Systems
Covers unarmored grappling (ringen), combat dagger defenses, and long-stick fighting documented in historical texts.
Legendary objects deserve
a closer reading.
We study materials, makers and surviving evidence. Legends open the question; history guides the answer.
Our approach