When Will the Book Be Released?

Dear fellow researchers and martial arts enthusiasts,

At the Berlin Buckler Bouts in November 2024, some of my Czech friends asked me the question I hear often: When will the long-awaited first book finally be released? I wish I had a definitive answer—alas, I don’t.

The book, with the working title Sword at Hand, is indeed in progress. It will explore how culture on one hand and combat requirements on the other have shaped the sword throughout history. My research findings on sword hilt ergonomics will finally be published in depth and in an appropriate format.

I envision the book as both a lavishly illustrated coffee table publication and, as many scholars have requested, a work that meets academic standards. This dual goal has made it a monumental project. Writing the main text accounts for only 10% of the effort; compiling footnotes, quotes, and references takes up the remaining 90%. The bibliography alone is already over 20 pages long and growing.

In addition, I’m creating all the illustrations myself and handling the book’s layout and graphic design—drawing on my original profession. As an indie author, I’m also learning the skills required to market and sell the book to you, much like my friend Guy Windsor has successfully done for years.

For now, my priority is completing the second I.33 online course, which Cornelius and I plan to release in early 2025. Once that’s done, I’ll return to finishing the book.

Changes to the Newsletter in 2025

To free up more time for the above mentioned projects, I’ll be reducing the newsletter’s frequency. Starting in January 2025, it will be sent out every fortnight. So the next one will arrive in your inbox in two weeks.

In case you don't know: You can access many previous newsletters online. And please remember that your recommendation is most valuable to me. So if you enjoy this newsletter, please recommend it to your friends. They can ​sign up here​ or on ​my website​. Or simply forward them this email.

Yuletide Wishes and Year-End Reflections

As this turbulent year draws to a close, I wish you all a merry and peaceful festive season surrounded by your loved ones. Still, don’t neglect your sword-fighting skills! You can always train your weapon arm in the kitchen (here’s a video), stretch and play some fun games (here’s another video), or enrol in our online courses to elevate your proficiency with arms.

If you’re planning to make 2025 your sword-and-shield year, take advantage of our special seasonal offer: Use the code 40OFF4YULE at checkout (after clicking “Enroll in course”on the sales page) to receive a 40% discount on the foundational I.33 online course. That’s more than six hours of video for months—if not years—of training.

This offer will end shortly after the next newsletter lands in your inbox on Wednesday, 8th January 2025.

Until then: Party hard, train even harder!

​

P. S.: If you wish to read more, find hundreds of related posts on my Patreon. Special thanks to all my loyal supporters on Patreon – you keep me going! And if you are not a patron yet, you are most welcome to join.

If you feel like dropping a coin into my tip jar, you can do so here. Thank you for your time and your interest.

You are receiving this newsletter because you have signed up for it, or because you have previously expressed your interest in my work and events. If you prefer to not receive further emails, you can unsubscribe below.