Surprise! We know it's been a while but we're back with a special conversation to prepare you for Season 2, which'll be out before you know it.

This week, a conversation between Adam and fencing instructor and historian Arik Mendelevitz. Arik recently published "Bolognese Longsword for the Modern Practitioner," a book offering an introduction to the beautiful and oft-forgotten tradition of Bolognese longsword fencing of the 16th century.

Adam and Arik talk about the historical context of the system, and go long on one of history's most infamous families: The Borgias.

Arik's website is https://foolofswords.com/

His timeline of the Borgia family is available at https://miro.com/app/board/uXjVLr1V3xc=/

He also has a newsletter you can subscribe to if you're interested in more information about Bolognese longsword, Italian history, or excellent rapier fencing: https://fool-of-swords.beehiiv.com/subscribe

If you'd like to join the Four Openings Rapier Tournament Adam and Arik are talking about this October, you can find information at https://centerlineswordschool.com/events/.