J. M. (John Musgrave) Waite

Born in 1834, John Musgrave Waite was a British soldier, fencing master, and author best known for writing clear instructional books on swordsmanship and related combat skills. He served in the British Army and became closely associated with military and competitive fencing during the nineteenth century.

Waite is remembered especially for Lessons in Sabre, Singlestick, Sabre & Bayonet, and Sword Feats and Lessons in Fencing, Foil Play, and Single-Stick Practice. His books were designed to be practical and approachable, combining formal technique with advice useful for training and display.

He died in 1884, but his manuals have continued to circulate long after his lifetime. Today, they remain of interest to historians, fencers, and readers curious about Victorian martial training.