Shorter fencers have many difficulties and disadvantages compared to taller fencers who have more reach. I know this all too well myself! I’m five foot six, or around 167 cm in height, and most of my opponents are taller than me – it is not so common for me to find a sparring partner who is my size or smaller.
As I have learned how to fence in a functional and effective fashion despite my size, I have written some of my thoughts into articles for this website. Hopefully my experience and ideas can help other short fencers learn to perform more successfully.
I have also written a summary of my philosophy for training and teaching, that I plan to keep updated and relevant as I write further articles on more topics. It is probably worth reading, as well as the following individual articles.
General advice for sparring
Unhelpful advice 3: Myths of the short person in martial arts
Unhelpful advice 4: More myths of the short person in martial arts
Unhelpful advice 5: Yet more myths of the short person in martial arts
The problem of attribute fencing
Sparring is not always the best training method to become better at sparring
5 ways to train the Abzug (and to avoid an afterblow)
Video tutorials on cutting mechanics
2018: Cutting mechanics with the longsword: Oberhaw
Sparring videos with commentary
2018: Sparring with Federico Malagutti at Borgosesia
2019: Sparring Federico Malagutti in Borgosesia
2019: Sparring with Mauro Carapacchi in Borgosesia
Choosing your training sword
Buying your first feder from Regenyei Armoury
Using lighter swords in training
General advice for the long-term
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