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Book Review: Classical Fencing Rule Book

Classical Fencing Rule Book by Grant Shymske moves into the rules and intricacies of classical fencing. If you stand on the side lines and watch the referee move their hands in multiple directions and don’t know what it all means then this is the right book for you. As with any martial art sport there are rules and in fencing these rules have developed over hundreds of years. Fencing is stylized in the sense that it isn’t a knock down drag out sport. It requires considerable practice and precision to master. It also moves at lightning speed which makes it difficult to judge when parries and counter-parry's start to mesh together. Seasoned referees can judge the blade and the body positioning to call the right points. Chapter 1: Glossary of fencing terms. The referee is known as the President. Chapter 2: The measurements of the field known as the piste (2 X 14 meters). Chapter 3: The fencers gear and armament. Items cannot be modified and can be rejected by ju

Effectively Using the Inquartata in Fencing

The inquartata is a great advanced move in fencing that removes much of the body target away from the opponent’s attack. Even though it can be defeated by a remise (repeat of attack) it is still effective against most fencers. It is a move that comes from its Italian background and is not only effective but also theatrical ( 1 ). It should be practiced to ensure one can complete the inquartata with a counter-parry to make it most effective. The ending body posture does allow for considerable reach to meet the opponent. Even though I have tried it a few times with mixed success I can honestly say that I am not a master of this move. Generally, it is conducted when the attacker extends his blade for a strike and the left foot is placed backwards to the rear stretching the chest and pulling much of the body away from the opponent’s blade. The right foot stays where it starts at the beginning of the move. The right hand holding the weapon is pushed outward to block the opponent’s

The All or Nothing Passata Sotto in Fencing

The Passata Sotto is an “all or nothing” move that attempts to duck under an opponent’s blade and make a single fatal strike. The move is advanced and is considered risky due to the inherent nature of being in an unprotected position. Crouching on the floor leaves little ability to move out of a counter attack or defend ones back from a strike. “The Passata Sotto (also called Cartoccio ) may be applied in all cases against the final thrust of actions directed by means of one or more movements at the outer or high trunk line. Simultaneously with your opponent’s lunge, you duck quickly by putting the left foot as far back as possible and the flat of the left hand on the floor. At the same time, turn your fist to Second Position and direct your point at your adversary’s flank.( 1 )” This tactic is quick and generally needs to be practiced over and over to create a lightning speed maneuver. The problem is that it is also an exhausting move to practice and can only be engaged in

Circular and Semi-Circular Parries in Fencing

At times you may have an opponent with lots of momentum and it is necessary to move the opponent’s blade out of the way. You may have seen a similar circular parry in the movies that forces the opponent’s blade out of his hand and flings it across the deck of a ship. In actual fencing, the movement is so quick and small that it is doubtful anyone will drop their blade. It is used as a method of defense, deflection and setting up for a riposte.  The circular parry (counter parry made in sixte) is designed to deflect and move the opponent’s blade away from a line of attack. It is often handy when the opponent uses some force with their attack and a greater degree of deflection is needed. For attacks near your wrist, a smaller circular parry is needed while attacks to other parts of the body (i.e. the shoulder) may need a larger parry. Both the circular parry and the semi-circular parry are similar and do much of the same thing but to different lines. The semi-circular parry w