Stuart,
My copy of Spada should be arriving today. <img src="/forum/images/icons/smile.gif" alt="" /> I purchased it after reading the thread on the sword and shield work in it. I am looking forward to reading it rather than just trying to glean info via what someone else says about it.
I look forward to the Silver and the I33.
As for Martinez, I am happy for you that you have gained something of value for yourself there, but I have a 2-fold reason for wishing for a book by someone else. I will do my best to be polite and nice, since you ask for my reasons nicely.
First of all, I would love to see a different point of view on the Spanish school of fence other than the Martinez one. Diversity in learning helps us to be more well informed on a subject rather than just blindly following one school of thought.
Secondly, I don't really believe him on lineage, and the need for there to be a master giving to a student who becomes a master and so on. While I am sure that he has his place, and is probably quite skilled at what he does ( I can't say for sure here since I have never met him - or seen his skills in person - I am however going on his writings that I have personally read) I feel inclined to look elsewhere for information if it is availible. I hope that I have managed to state my view point, without being insulting to someone that I am sure works very hard, and is dedicated to his art. But since it is my money and time, I will choose to spend it where I feel it may be of the most value to me. <img src="/forum/images/icons/grin.gif" alt="" />
Just my opinion (and you know what they say about opinions).
Brian Hunt.
P.S. Here are some of his own words on Lineage and Masters, so that others may read them and form their own opinions.
"In regard to the question of lineage, I come from a "Living
Tradition" in the weapons and styles of the classical period and the
late historical periods because I learned complete systems directly
from a master who learned from his master. In fact my linage is in
complete systems of fencing that can be traced directly back to the
Italian and the French academies of the 19th century. These systems
can then be traced back to the 17th century. This linage can be
verified by the fact that the systems are documented in the period
treatises. The transmission of a traditional line of fencing
knowledge (LIVING TRADITION) can only be attained through a master
disciple relationship. The master of that lineage must have attained
his knowledge through his master, who in turn received the
transmission of knowledge from his master. This chain of knowledge
cannot be gained through the reading and study of treatises."
