"Virtue and Steel" - Fiore dei Liberi Guide (EN)

Jordan Mock, director of the Academy of Steel (the largest HEMA school in Wales), offers a methodical exploration of Fiore dei Liberi's combat system. This master-at-arms, mercenary, and knight of the 15th-century Holy Roman Empire, developed a comprehensive martial art whose relevance endures today.

The book structures learning around Fiore's Four Cardinal Virtues: Fortitude, Speed, Prudence, and Audacity. Beyond a simple technical enumeration, Mock questions the deeper meaning of these qualities for the modern practitioner. The fundamentals (cuts, thrusts, guards, measure, timing) are detailed before addressing advanced techniques (grappling, locks, throws, disarms).

The tone remains accessible and pragmatic, enriched with anecdotes from the author's personal experience. A practical resource for any practitioner, from the beginner discovering the longsword to the competitor seeking to deepen their understanding of the Fiore system.

About the Author:

Jordan Mock has been leading the Academy of Steel since 2018. He has conducted workshops at major HEMA events in Great Britain, Europe, and America, and has won international tournaments.