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I have a pair of these sabers (one each of the Radaellian and Hutton guard styles) and have been using them for the past year in my local classical fencing club as we studied the Radaellian school of Italian duelling saber. The Darkwood sabers are much lighter than a heavy cavalry saber, but are close enough to the 20 oz weight mentioned in Holzman's book to be effective for learning the style. The blade is not a great replica of Radaelli's preferred blade as the curve of the Darkwood blades is closer to the tip than the center and is not quite deep enough to match the descriptions given in the book. Holzman discusses the weight and shape of the blade with more context in this thread. The swords are holding up moderately well after a year of use. I found that the blades tended to loosen significantly in the assembled hilt, and required quite a bit of tightening. You can see the protrusion of the threaded tang on the Radaelli hilt in this photo. We spar in standard fencing gear (mask, jacket, plastron, glove) and supplement only with soft elbow guards and occasionally forearm guards. The blades leave some nice bruises, but we've had no serious injuries. We primarily fight these blades against each other, or similar sabers like the Hanwei Hutton, although some of our younger fencers use sport saber blades as they are significantly lighter. The sabers have held up relatively well(edge on top) after a year of use (with regular deburring), although they are showing signs of wear. For the price I think the amount of wear is reasonable considering we practiced 3-4 hours per week with them, although I imagine they would hold up a little less with regular use against heavier sabers.

My personal view is that these are acceptable, relatively affordable duelling sabers, but they could do with a significant amount of improvement. The blades, as previously mentioned, could be made to more closely represent the specifications indicated in Radaelli's original work. It is worth noting that the bell on the Radelli style is wider than that on the Hutton, although the top of the guard on the Hutton protrudes more (see previous image). The edges of the bell guard tend to notch and need to be regularly deburred. Rolling these edges or using slightly thicker steel would help here. I'm not a huge fan of the nylon-wrapped grip, finding it slippery against a leather glove, although it's not hard to rewrap with grip tape or some other cord. I do like the size of the grip though. It's wider than the Hanwei, and is easy to keep in hand even when the blade takes a beating. On the Radaellian-style guard, I find that the ring tends to get beat a little out of shape with heavy use - especially as the base of the ring is not fixed, but slides through a small riveted assembly. Fixing the ring would provide more structural support and would deform less. I also would like to see the rounded heel of the grip that the Hanwei saber has. I agree with the reviewer that the blades could be stiffer. These are decent sabers considering the alternatives, but they could be improved. I hope that as the HEMA, WMA, and classical fencing communities grow, that we will see more vendors offering swords of this type and time period.

tl;dr: some historical inaccuracies and with room for improvement, but recommend as good weapons for classical fencers especially considering the lack of affordable alternatives

I can't think of any 'study guides' per se, but there are a number of resources that can help you out getting started in bolognese.

The best way to go about it is to read the primary texts and use modern supplementary material to help you sort out what is going on.

Here are some suggestions:
Giovanni D'all Agocchie's manual on the use of the sidesword can be found translated online in places. It's pretty easy to follow compared to other primary bolognese sources so is a good place to start. It contains a couple of very basic 'katas' which is what I like to start my students on as they are intended to help teach and learn the fundamental movements of the system. A full copy of his manual including stuff not directly related to side sword can be found here: http://www.lulu.com/shop/jherek-swanger-and-giovanni-dallagocchie/the-art-of-defense-on-fencing-the-joust-and-battle-formation-by-giovanni-dallagocchie-paperback/paperback/product-23737371.html

A 'cheat sheet' for the techniques contained in the manual can be found here and is a useful for guided practice: http://www.lulu.com/shop/reinier-van-noort/dall-agocchie-cheat-sheet/paperback/product-22581086.html

Manciolino covers mostly sword and buckler, and Tom Leoni does a decent job of presenting the material in a format that is easy to follow and practice from: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0982591136?pf_rd_p=c2945051-950f-485c-b4df-15aac5223b10&pf_rd_r=0WWCFEQSX1PFS73V14BW

A modern 'clift notes' version of the bolognese style can be found here, but I prefer reading straight from the master's pen: https://www.amazon.com/16th-Century-Single-Sword-Combat/dp/150321429X/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?keywords=16th+century+italian+fencing&qid=1551209540&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmr1

There is also a complete translation of Marozzo's manual on lulu.com which is the most comprehensive of all the bolognese texts, and covers side sword with all the companion weapons as well as longsword (spadone) and polearms. However it is much harder to follow than the others mentioned above, so I would hold off on tackling it until you have a good understanding of the basics.

Other important works of the Bolognese system are the Anonimo Bolgonese which is one of the older bolgonese texts. It contains a lot of important information regarding the system and contains a large number of techniques. It is however kinda badly organized and not as clear as the other texts, but it makes for a good supplement.

Also important is Viggiani's manual. It is a very different approach to the bolognese style, and is not a complete system like the others. However it presents much more of the body mechanics that make for good defensive/offensive maneuvers. It should likewise be viewed as a supplement to the general bolognese system.

I'm sorry I could provide more links as I am on my mobile, but I hope this helps.

Like others have said, try to find an instructor. If there's no one nearby you can get to regularly, think about making a trip for some private instruction, a special event, or even work at distance, exchanging videos and having chats and the like. A lot of instructors (including myself) offer this on occasion.

If you can't find an instructor, you 'll have to do your best with online material and books. as BLASPHEMOUS as it sounds, I recommend Fiore, mostly because Fiore has a ton of awesome supplemental material aimed at beginners that you can find online for free. Guy Windsor's Swordsman's Companion is a nice resource (which may be somewhat dated by now, but I'm not sure since I'm not a fiorist), and he also has a number of free videos on his youtube channel, and occasionally offers free introductory courses through his website. I've used some of his conditioning material before, it's fairly thorough. As I wrote this, I also stumbled on this page, which is a nice collection of Fiore-facing resources.

If you're dead set on German longsword, Keith Farrel's German Longsword Study Guide is a really great start, but it's best if used in conjunction to a text, and it's difficult to understand the body mechanics, especially if you've got a background in MOF.

Unfortunately I don't know of too many really comprehensive beginner-facing youtube channels for German sources out there that teach any of this in a way that I think is more beneficial than harmful. There's a translation of Danzig coming out soon, but since it's not out yet I can't really recommend it :/. Again, I think you ought to reach out to a well-known instructor for whatever system you want to study, and see what they recommend, especially if there's no club around.

If you haven't already, check out the HEMA Club Finder, and see if there's someone local. If there is, do whatever they do. Once you get down some basics, you can think about spending some time on your own with whatever source you are interested in. You might find that you change your mind on what interests you, too!

Fiore is a great way to start. I'd recommend checking out https://duello.tv/ if you'd like really great instruction on it and are unable to find any local club near you. Devon Boorman runs Academie Duello and his interpretation is very good. His interpretation fills in blanks by adding in concepts from later Italian manuscripts written by Achille Marozzo, Ridolfo Capoferro, Salvator Fabris, Nicolleto Giganti, and Camillo Agrippa. So you'll probably find it easiest to pick up.

Guy Windsor also has several excellent books as well and he has some free video tutorials on his Youtube channel but they aren't as indepth as Duello.tv

Of course you should also purchase a translated copy of the original source, but if you're going to self instruct then gaining the insight from Guy and Devon will help you make a lot of good progress on deciphering what is meant. As with all of the source manuscripts there is a lot of information missing which has needed to be figured out through experimentation.

I would recommend this translation of the Ludwig / Getty as a source for Fiore https://www.amazon.com/Flower-Battle-MS-Ludwig-XV13/dp/0984771689/

If you mean these, I have no info on them, but they seem like they might work: http://histfenc.us/productcart/kids-training-sword-long

If you mean these, I have only ever heard that these are more like gekken-style tools than anything else, and could maaaaybe concuss someone with a good windup: http://histfenc.us/productcart/training-sword-with-crossguard-long

For what it's worth, I somehow wound up with a pair of these in my closet, which are pretty fun as boffers go, and they've held up pretty well over the years: https://smile.amazon.com/Toysmith-Mashoonga-Foam-Warrior-Sabers/dp/B00HV0L8BC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1524512325&sr=8-1&keywords=mashoonga

> though I'm sure we'd get closer in person.

I am sure of this as well.

> The bolognese masters and spadone/montante are the only ones I'm familiar with

There are a couple of solo drills translated and performed by Keith Farrell, He has one video going into pretty good detail as to how it's performed. The second video on the other hand is just him and Jake Norwood working out how to perform the drill with less explanation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AoK8nvv0nZo
Keith Farrell and Jake Norwood

That being said, IF you believe that adding "frog DNA" to your HEMA is okay, there are plenty of other arts to take forms/katas from. But that is a whole other subject.

> the book Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning by Brown, Roediger, and McDaniel

Thanks for the book suggestion! I'll pick it up soon (I have about 8 books I need to read before February, so it will be a while before I pick it up). I'm been suggesting The Little Book of Talent: 52 Tips for Improving Your Skills and The Art of Learning: An Inner Journey to Optimal Performance

I can only speak to what I own or have tried out, so here goes:

• Head - Absolute Force, I own this one: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001HKTR06 which is rated to 350N, however it lacks the official certification. Eventually I'd like to own a higher rated mask, specifically the Uhlman/Allstar 1600N rated helmet: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002UF77D6. You also need coverage for the sides and back of the head, so get one of these: http://www.woodenswords.com/Absolute_Mask_Cover_p/ab-cover.htm Another option is the AF HEMA helmet, which combines the helmet and side/back cover, note that you can't remove the side/back cover with this option: http://www.woodenswords.com/HEMA_Fencing_Mask_p/af-mask.htm
  
  
• Neck - I own the Winter Tree Crafts Brigandine Gorget: http://wintertreecrafts.com/catalogues/neckandtorso.html I highly recommend it. It covers the neck and shoulders with steel plates, it fits well and is comfortable. As an added bonus, it looks somewhat period, and could be used for re-enacting. Some guys in our class have the regular WTC Gorget, the one above the Brigandine on that site, but you'll notice it doesn't have shoulder protection, so I don't like it as much.
  
  
• Hands/Forearms - I own two pairs of gloves, the Fechtschule 3-Fingered: http://www.sparringglove.com/offer.php and the Arcensis Goliath: http://www.corsairs-wares.com/martial-arts/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1925. The Fechtschule are amazing for protection, but are a little stiff. I just got the Arcensis so I'm still testing, but so far I love the 5-finger movement, but it lacks forearm protection, so I'm looking at this forearm/elbow protector: http://www.thehemashop.com/index.php/protection/arm-protection/forearm-elbow/forearm-elbow-protector.html By the way, even if your hands and forearms are covered, you will want elbow protection.
  
  
• Jacket - I don't currently own a jacket, everyone says the Axel Pettersson is the way to go though, so I'm probably picking one up: http://www.thehemashop.com/index.php/protection/torso-protection/fencing-jackets/axel-pettersson-fencing-jacket.html
  
  
• Legs - Shin and knee protection is also recommended, but right now I'm looking at jackets and elbows/forearms so I haven't done much looking into this.
  
  
• Feet - Just an afterthought, when I started doing HEMA I was using sneakers. Was looking to replace a pair of shoes I had and found these: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AKQ2DOK , I like them think they work quite well for HEMA practice and sparring. There are lots of other fencing shoe makers out there though.

Meyer is good, although since you are a beginner, I would recommend something with lots of visual aides and pictures. It's a bit outdated nowadays, but I would recommend starting with "Sigmund Ringeck's Knightly Art of the Longsword," by Lindholm and Svard (link below). Also, for longsword reference material, Keith Farrell's book is excellent and affordable.

It has pictures of the plays on every page, has the original text and translation, and also has interpretation, which eliminates much of the guess-work. It starts with the absolute basics and proceeds from there, which should be good for you and your buddies.

https://www.amazon.com/Sigmund-Ringecks-Knightly-Art-Longsword/dp/1581604106

(Also, holy crap! This book was like $35.00 when I bought it about 8 years ago. Try to find a digital copy if possible.)

https://www.amazon.com/German-Longsword-Study-Guide-Farrell/dp/099267350X

Hi, where are you located? The nice thing about sabre is that it is still a living tradition, and there are a lot of people around that can teach it to you. Depending on where you are, you could probably learn quite a lot from a modern club. Ideally though, you'd probably get more out of a more classically-oriented group because sabre has changed a lot in recent years, and a lot of things that will be useful for heavier weight sabres (circular cuts, low line parries, expulsions, etc...) aren't really used anymore.

I was trained in classical Italian sabre, which is well documented and still has a living tradition. The earliest basis for this system comes from Radaelli, who method was written down by Settimo Del Frate and recently translated by Chris Holzman, who added a lot of his own material that would help someone get started. You can get it here:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Dueling-Sabre-Christopher-Holzman/dp/0978902262

Masaniello Parise also wrote about sabre in his book from 1883, and while his book was chosen to be the basis of all military training, most people preferred Radaelli's method, and he ended up hiring a number of his students to teach at the newly formed Scuola Magistrale in Rome. Some of those students, Pecoraro and Pessina cowrote their own book on sabre which was basically Radaelli's system but with an organization more consistent with what was already being taught in Rome. Barbasetti, also did something similar. Unfortunately, Parise's and Pecoraro's and Pessina's book haven't been translated to English yet. Barbasetti's book is available in English (http://medievalswordmanship.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/the-art-of-the-sabre-and-the-epee.pdf)

My training came through Maestro William Guagler's (who trained under Pessina's son, Giorgio and was a graduate of the program in Rome) program which was based on this same method. The sabre in his book, The Science of Fencing (http://www.amazon.com/The-Science-Fencing-Comprehensive-Instruction/dp/1884528058) , is very similar to Pecoraro and Pessina's book and is an excellent overview of the theory. If you look at this one, Barbasetti, and Chris's translation, you can get a pretty good picture of what 19th century Italian sabre would have been like.

Well theres at least a few Scottish fencing treatises such as

Donald McBane (1728) https://www.amazon.com/Expert-Sword-Mans-Companion-SELF-DEFENCE-Transactions/dp/1542618320

Archibald MacGregor
Lecture on the Art of Defense (1791)

(Probaly) George Sinclair
Anti-Pugilism (1790)

William Hope

Plus as you said quite a few Englishmen claiming to cover a supposed Scottish style or Scottish weapon.

Irish backsword fencing treatises:

Andrew Lonnergan
The Fencer's Guide (1771)



I pretty much agree with the Cateran Societies theory that the three kingdoms used a very similar common system (regimental & Stage-Gladiator).

This article (from almost a decade ago) and what can be found in the "Lessons of the Broadsword Masters" manual from Christopher Scott Thompson go over it in more detail.

http://jwma.ejmas.com/articles/2011/jwmaart_thompson_0411_2.htm


I just wanted to know what was out there for backsword material with an Irish twist but it seems like Ben Miller's book "Irish Swordsmanship" and Andrew Lonnergan's treatise (mostly covering smallsword) are about it for readily available sources at the moment. Thanks for replying to my question, thats pretty much what i was thinking too.

There exists no specific written material of tomahawk use but there have been some exploratory stuff done by bowie knife enthusiasts that match the two together. It is mostly a modern interpretation based off period sabre/cutlass drills. Link: https://www.amazon.com/Fighting-Tomahawk-Illustrated-Guide-Weapons/dp/1581604416

​

Hatchet and round shield does not exist as a source. For round shield, Scottish targe is closest but even then there are precious few resources dedicated to how to use it.

​

If you are interested in axes & round shield in particular, you may find more information from reenactment or larp groups than from HEMA groups as we don't really 'do' axes unless they come in the form of a poleaxe. And even then, mostly in harness.

My group has had one session on the same mats! They worked well but stained our clothing green. :)

On a side note, it helps we have a lot of grapplers around, so that makes it easier. We are using Jessica Finley's book as a guide to period specific items.

Smallsword is taught at Martinez Academy in NYC, and at several affiliated schools on the West Coast. If your location makes that sort of training impossible, their smallsword DVDs are also recommended:

http://www.martinez-destreza.com/products/l’école-française

In terms of books...while I don't advocate learning martial arts from books, if you want to do some historical reading, there are a number of 18th century smallsword texts you could look at, with varying approaches. Angelo's is considered one of the great classics of the French school:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1473882974/

And if you're interested in something unorthodox and a bit different (but entertaining), try McBane:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1542618320/

In terms of free online material, Columbia Classical Fencing tends to post a lot of stuff:

https://columbiaclassicalfencing.com

And the Linacre School of Defence has transcribed William Hope's works on the smallsword:

https://linacreschoolofdefence.org/Library/Hope/index.html

There were definitely historical occult activities and secret orders involved throughout the medieval and renaissance periods in Europe and we know of a few Knights involved with them. What you are looking for is not within the scope of HEMA as this moniker relates only to the "martial arts" of European history. However, there are some I am certain that are still involved in the martial arts of HEMA and also still engaged in fraternal orders and mystical contemplation. No doubt you will discover modern fencers who are also adepts of some order such as Rosicrucianism. You can find some basic info about this order here: https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Doctrines-Rosicrucians-Ancient-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B01B1JGKUW/ref=pd_sim_351_35?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01B1JGKUW&pd_rd_r=9da93dff-bff3-4796-b714-17cd93f896ff&pd_rd_w=CLoqa&pd_rd_wg=WsCE6&pf_rd_p=5abf8658-0b5f-405c-b880-a6d1b558d4ea&pf_rd_r=6XMHK2AQXK7NH91X70PN&psc=1&refRID=6XMHK2AQXK7NH91X70PN

It is also worthy to note that there are those involved in orders such as the Knights of Pythias. Case in point, one HEMA'ist who wrote a book on the modern application of Chivalry as a guide for inspired living can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/Knightly-Virtue-Living-Modern-World-ebook/dp/B07VN9DXM4/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=knightly+living&qid=1573049374&s=digital-text&sr=1-1

Hope this helps you on your search.

I've gotten a lot of use out of Mashoonga Foam Warrior Sabers. $35 for a pair, and they'll last for at least a couple years of regular use as long as you don't cook them in your car a couple times like I did. :/

They're just a materials upgrade of the classic pool noodle/duct tape toys, so no crossguard, pommel, or edge to speak of, but the balance and weight are great for kids and the handle is long enough that I can do longsword grips on an imaginary pommel. Normally, though, I use them 1h as sabers or arming swords.

The biggest sell is that they have excellent shock absorption; I once saw a dad sucker-smack his 12yo son across the forehead with one of these. About the funniest thing I've ever seen, since the kid's expression was 100% bewildered humor and 0% pain. Also, try as you might, you'll never hit anything hard enough to put a bend in the core.

I think this book might be of use to you. It can answer a lot of the basic German questions in a concise and useful manner: https://www.amazon.com/German-Longsword-Study-Guide-Farrell/dp/099267350X

Another good option is this one: https://www.amazon.com/Fighting-German-Longsword-Christian-Tobler/dp/1937439232/ref=pd_sim_14_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1937439232&pd_rd_r=H7DC6Z3YA6PFJ4ZVN4YT&pd_rd_w=VbAS2&pd_rd_wg=PNWII&psc=1&refRID=H7DC6Z3YA6PFJ4ZVN4YT

I say this as basically it seems that you are looking for a starting point into German longsword. The question you ask is not quite so simple as listing off techniques. This is one of the main parts of fencing with the longsword and honestly can take up chapters to talk about properly. The above books have most of the options listed, as well as ideas on how to implement them. They should be able to help you.

This is my military background speaking, but maybe something like a UBACS? The sleeves are made from stronger material while the body is breathable. You can even find ones with elbow padding included. Something like this? https://www.amazon.com/CQR-Combat-Tactical-Assault-Military/dp/B078N27SY3/ref=sr_1_12?dchild=1&keywords=combat+shirt&qid=1572890399&sr=8-12

There's a few resources out there for you; things like the AHA Longsword Study Guide are general enough that they're not going to make too many leaps from interpretation.

In all honesty, though, the majority of early KdF isn't that hard to parse through. Download the Liechtenauer composite that was produced for the latest Wiktenauer fundraiser, and start reading the Commentary on the Long Sword

You'll be reading things that look like this:

>[6] This is the text and the gloss of yet a lesson:
>>11 Whoever goes after hewing,
He deserves little joy in his art.

>Gloss: This is when you come to him with the pre-fencing:
then you shall not stand still and look after his hews, waiting
for what he fences against you. Know that all fencers that look
and wait on another’s hews and will do nothing other than
parrying deserve such very little joy in their art, since they are
destroyed and become struck thereby


It's not too hard to understand what's being said in a lot of these glosses; and where you do have issues, look for videos or articles that are as recent as possible. A lot of the reason you don't see a lot of work put in print is that most people are constantly revising and changing their interpretations of techniques as they learn more; so by the time they would get something in print, they might not agree with themselves on some of what they've put down.

I'm trying to get into Destreza and you really have to be thankful for anything you can get as a non-spanish speaker. As a German I'm just now learning first hand of the pain of non-native speakers.

I've found this incomplete Ettenhard translation and your intro to Rada you posted on here some time ago. This book would be really nice to get I guess, but it seems to be unavailable in Germany. For now I'm using Thibault as a substitute, without even knowing what the similarities and what the differences are.

I'm also kind of having a hard time with getting a nice cup hilt rapier for a good price here in Europe. Everyone is having nice things to say about Danelli, so he is probably the one I'm going for, but I'll first have to get some money, because he's not really the cheapest. I've had (or rather my father's had) a good experience with Victor Berbekucz, but his rapier kind of has a weirdly shaped blade, so I don't know how the balance would be.

Man, longsword has really spoiled me.

You might consider having an experienced instructor come out to do a workshop with your group.

Also checkout the "Ringen discussiongroup!" on Facebook. Nice people, happy to answer questions.

Definitely pick up a copy of Jess Finley's book Medieval Wrestling if you haven't already.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1937439119/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1496091668&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=medieval+wrestling&dpPl=1&dpID=51GCXDrIQqL&ref=plSrch

Silver's Paradoxes of Defence and Bref Instructions. Plenty of versions online, but the most modern transcription from Silver's handwritten manuscript is the book Master of Defence https://www.amazon.com/Master-Defence-Works-George-Silver/dp/1581607237/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_14_img_0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=EZ12ZKKE4MNW2QZESYQN and Stephen Hand's English Swordsmanship https://www.amazon.com/English-Swordsmanship-Fight-George-Silver/dp/1891448277 is a superb how-to manual.

Tim has two translations up regarding the True Art. Pacheco de Narváez and Díaz de Viedma. See below.

https://www.spanishsword.org/translations


There is also a translation of Rada that is currently out of print. However, there is an excellent series of videos made by the author that demonstrates the plays, linked below.

https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCnXYpHcxGH3iFN6qIfKUDBw


Here is puck curtis’s partial translation of Ettenhard.

http://www.destreza.us/translations/ettenhard.html


And here is Puck demonstrating some plays.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=UX3wJ6wLiMM


Thibault is not Spanish, and holds his sword funny, but he studied in Spain with the styles founder for 10 years and very clearly fights in the style. You can buy his book below:

https://www.amazon.com/Academy-Sword-Gerard-Thibault/dp/1904658849/ref=nodl_



The previous post made note of the earlier works being sidesword rather than rapier. He’s not wrong, yet I would recommend you read them anyway. The early works show how Destreza was “counter meta” when it was first developed, using point centric play to defeat cuts and beats. The later works deal more with using the style against opponents using thrusts and “point forward” stances.

Also, you don’t need a 1000 pages. Rada needed an editor, and his work included a lot of religious text. The translation I posted is much shorter than that

My first recommendation would be to come down to Phoenix to learn first hand from Richard Marsden, otherwise, you can check: https://www.hemaalliance.com/ for close HEMA club affiliates.

You can also get a hardback, english translated treatise for $40 on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Flower-Battle-MS-Ludwig-XV13/dp/0984771689/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1523987594&sr=8-1&keywords=flower+of+battle

Aside from that, I'm not sure if there are any YouTubers for it but I really like Fiore's system.

I've personally done both classical fencing and HEMA/WMA and modern fencing (epee). Very little in classical sabre will be applicable to modern, at least from what I've seen. It has, at least for me, made me think more creatively and tactically in all my sword-sports.

In terms of where to start other than local clubs, I'd recommend two books: Gaugler's science of fencing (http://www.amazon.com/The-Science-Fencing-Comprehensive-Instruction/dp/1884528058/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1397083438&sr=8-1&keywords=the+science+of+fencing) and Chris Holzman's book on radaellian sabre (http://shop.swordplaybooks.com/product.sc?productId=12&categoryId=12). Gaugler is writing specifically from a southern Italian perspective, but he's good for general theory. Chris' book is nothing short of fantastic, and offers lots of insight into the dueling culture around fencing in 19th century Italy.

For primary sources:

Two books are completely translated for True Destreza:
Viedma and Thibault

There are also partial translations, for Pacheco, Ettenhardt and a few others I can't remember off the top of my head.

There is also MANUEL ANTONIO DE BREA for smallsword, which is post-rapier Destreza. I think he is more or less fully translated.

For secondary sources:

There is some content on youtube.

Alberto Bomprezzi's Channel It's some sort of mixed Destreza.

Associació Catalana d'Esgrima Antiga (Barcelona) I am unsure what Author(s) they use.

Tim Riveras Spanish Swordsociety. There is some information on Viedma there.

Puck Curtis lectures on J Diamond's channel. It's Pacheco.

Puck Curtis own channel It's Pacheco and lots of videos of his kids.

Phil Swift's Channel I think it's on Pacheco.

Ton Puey's Academia Espada The rapier is Rada. Think the two swords and Montante is mostly Godinho.

UmeHFS(my club) has a series on Rada. It is still in its infancy.

UmeHFS also has some workshop videos with Aleix Basullas Vendrell aka /u/Azekh. It's Rada.

Also, check the gilded comments on this sub. There is a book worth of comments there by /u/Azekh

I'd avoid synthetics in general, especially anything rawlings - they're just too slippery and flex in strange ways, so you end up training some bad habits. If you're insistent upon synthetics, though, just get blackfencers.

If you're wiling to pick up steel trainers, the darkwood armories hutton sabre are pretty good for the price, though you'll need to fit them with some kind of button/point protection.

In terms of sources, if you've done Olympic sabre then Hutton dovetails nicely into a lot of what you've already done. He also has some nice drills in there which go back and forth between fencers. From Hutton you can also trace backward in time through Waite and Roworth, so you can basically follow a continuing "style" back to an era and style you find that suits you.

Radaelli is interestic and has some noteworthy stylistic differences; especially the backward passing steps for low guards. The definitive resource for the style is:

http://www.amazon.com/Art-Dueling-Sabre-Christopher-Holzman/dp/0978902262

Then there's the polish etc. which have already been mentioned, which is much earlier period and uses a different style of blade and hilt entirely (so you'd need training weapons specific to that purpose).