Introduction to Fencing 103
Introduction
The basic moves are fundamental to the sport of fencing. It is a good idea to practice them before sparring with a partner.
- Aug. 2017
Some Basic Moves...
En Guarde - The basic starting position. Stand in front of a mirror and check your posture. Keep your center of gravity and a slim profile.
Advance - move one step forward. Start with thyour leading foot and quickly follow with the trailing foot. Maintain your balance at all times.
Retreat - move backwards one step.
Lunge - A quick thrust forward by stepping forward and extending the rear leg.
Some More Moves With a Partner...
Simple Attack - Extend your arm combined with a lunge against an opponent.
Beat Attack - Advance one step combined with a beat of the opponents blade followed by a lunge.
Parry and Riposte - In response to an attack from an opponent, a parry to take the blade out of line followed by a quick extension of the arm to land a touch.
Disengage - In response to a parry by an opponent, a simple disengage will avoid the blade contact and allow you to follow with an attack.
Stop Thrust - In the preparation of an attack by an opponent, a stop thrust will abort his attack.
Balastra Lunge - A complex attack with a quick hop of the leading leg and followed with a lunge. This is a more powerful attack with more penetration.
Some Training Exercises...
It is necessary to build up some muscles and stamina when competing. A typical bout takes about 5 minutes. Part of the regiment in training includes some exercise that will achieve those goals. Here are a few recommended exercises.
- running up and down stairs, two steps at a time. This will build up your leg and calf muscles?
- weight lifting. This will build up leg muscles.
- jogging around a track for 15 minutes with sprints in between. This will build up your stamina.
- take deep breathes. Breathing exercises will help your lungs and give you extra energy.
- practice hitting a fixed target. This is for point control and distance training. Knowing the proper fencing distance is part of winning.
Summary
These basic moves, when practiced and perfected will get one started on a life long journey of fencing enjoyment and competition.
© 2017 Jack Lee
