Classical fencers will hate this book. Johan Harmenberg had no great technical ability, but used a revolutionary approach to training and a brilliant analytical mind to beat the best classical epeeists of the late 1970s, becoming both world and Olympic champion. It is the first book to describe in detail just how a top competitive fencer thinks when on the piste against equally determined opponents.
Forestalling the normal dialogue of classical fencing, Harmenberg forced his opponents to attack him where he was strongest and limited his actions to a few perfectly rehearsed moves. Developed with an innovative coach, this approach effectively neutralised the most talented fencers in the world and forever changed the way epee was fenced. The fascinating story of how it all happened in the face of opposition from the fencing establishment makes compelling reading.
