George Silver

George Silver (circa 1550–1620) was an English martial artist and writer known for his critiques of contemporary fencing and swordsmanship practices. He emphasized traditional unarmored combat methods, advocating for practical skill, discipline, and the use of various weapons like swords and quarterstaffs. Silver was skeptical of formalized, sport-like fencing, favoring realistic fighting techniques that prioritized efficiency and effectiveness in real combat scenarios. His writings, particularly "Paradoxes of Defence," remain influential among historical martial arts enthusiasts, offering insights into practical martial principles and a critique of the overly ornate or theoretical approaches of his time.