It's a very interesting take on fencing and dueling, but I never really got the idea that blademasters were necessarily that strong - a few like Lan or Gawyn get to the point where they can face multiple foes, but we haven't really seen them match Mat, an Aiel warrior or a more cunning and brutal fighter like Conan.

Their style reminded me of the Master Water Dancer Syrio Forel from "A Song of Ice and Fire" - not quite a style fit for a warrior with it's heavy emphasis on a single weapon, but quite impressive to look at.

Strangely enough, I don't there are any warriors in the main cast - the non-channelers tend to favor one weapon which restricts their strategy and tactics too much. Perhaps this is because RJ would rather not write about the types of warriors who tend to be the most fearsome due to their brutality? Maybe that depiction would draw upon his experiences from Vietnam too much to be comfortable for him.