Edmond Dantès acquired Swordsmanship and potion making skills?

Clearly the book explains that he gained many skills in prison from Abbé Faria. Does the book explain anywhere how he was able to improve his swordman's skills, as Abbé Faria was a very old man and space in their cells would have been very limited. Once he returns after his escape, he clearly becomes skilled in writing, language, intellect and fighting,.