Learn the highly technical sport of fencing, in nine challenging and fun steps! Fencing: Steps to Success covers all of the essential skills of the epee and foil forms of the sport. The book is a perfect how-to guide for beginning and developing fencers, and a valuable reference for instructors.

Author Elaine Cheris shares the expertise that has made her one of the most prolific fencers and fencing instructors in the United States. In each progressive step, she explains the importance of a major skill, presents sequential illustrations to show you how to perform the skill, and then provides a series of drills to refine and master the skill.

Cheris has instructed many elite international competitors, as well as pop music star Jimmy Buffett. In Fencing: Steps to Success, you can receive your own personal lessons and start fencing the right way, right away.

This book is part of the highly popular Steps to Success Activity Series, which now has more than 1 million copies in print!

Having competed in national and international fencing competitions for two decades, Elaine Cheris stands as one of the all-time great U.S. fencers. Also well known as an instructor and administrator, she owns and operates the Cheyenne Fencing and Modern Pentathlon Center, where she has instructed many notable students, including pop music star Jimmy Buffett. She also has been the chairperson for two World Championships (1989 senior, 1993 Under-20 and Under-17) and the Coach of the Junior World Team.

Cheris was the #1 ranked fencer in the United States in 2000 and the highest-ranking American internationally 1998-1999. She is also a three-time Olympian (1980, 1988, 1996), and a member of the 1988 women's foil team that placed sixth in Seoul and the 1996 Atlanta women’s epee team that also placed sixth. At the Pan American Games, Cheris was a member of the gold-medal women's foil team in 1987 and the gold medal women's epee team in 1991.

She was a member of the U.S. World Championships team in epee six times (1990-1994, 1998) and in foil three times (1982, 1985, 1987).

Cheris graduated from Troy State University in 1970 with a degree in Physical Education/Psychology. She resides in Denver, Colorado.

“I am very impressed. This is a very good do-it-yourself book for beginners who lack the assistance of a coach. The basics are sound; the training program should improve even an experienced fencer. I am going to use a few of the training tips myself!”

Abrahamson Gôran

Member of the technical commission, International Fencing Federation

Vice President, Swedish Fencing Federation

Silver and bronze world championship veteran (1997, 1998)

“A valuable manual both for the individual learning fencing and to stimulate and help coaches. Elaine Cheris draws on her experience as both a coach and Olympic competitor. The combination encourages this book will be of great service to those seriously wanting to fence.”

Peter Jacobs

Secretary/ Treasurer and member of Executive Committee of the International Fencing Federation

“A refreshing introduction to the sport and pastime of fencing. The book compares fencing with various sports and activities to help understand the exercises. It will help young instructors willing to embark on a unique form of coaching, teaching, and training. It stresses mobility of hands and feet and points to the importance of balance at all times. Generally, I would say we look at a democratization of fencing.”

Carl Schwende

Vice President of Honor and member of Executive Committee of the International Fencing Federation