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Showing posts with the label sport of fencing

Advanced Strategy in the Fencing Sport

Fencing strategy includes thinking two to three moves in advance and trying to lead the game. Leading means that you are more in charge of the opponent’s movements due to advanced skill. This is not easy when matched with a comparable opponent who is also trying to lead the game. When both have strategic approaches it can become a game of strike and counterstrike.  Strategy includes the sequencing of moves for maximum effect to produce a successful strike.   This may include something like a beat, a feint, change of engagement and then strike. To put this in English it would mean to strike the opponents mid section of blade to claim right-of- way, make a small movement forward to draw the opponent’s parry, swinging under the blade to change the line of the attack and then moving for the strike.  In such a move the opponent will react in one direction but the attack is coming from the other. Such movements must be pulled off with lightning strikes because delay could mean

The Parts of the Foil

Fencing has been part of society since the 12 th century and made its way from the original Greek Olympics to modern Olympics.   The foil is the most common fencing sword in the sport and is generally the first to be learned. Learning foil offers the development of basic style, skill, and game mechanics that are unlikely to come from saber or epee. Knowing the parts of the foil is important for grasping how it becomes an extension of one’s body. The foil is made of light steel between 350g and 500g. The length cannot be longer than 90cm. I have both a 350g and a 500g blade ( 1 ). There are significant differences in the weight and strength. At 500g your movement is likely to be mooted as the weight slows down a quick reaction. It does afford the ability to overpower your opponent in parry and riposte but you are unlikely to be nimble enough to counter a skilled opponent’s moves. Furthermore, a heavy blade will fatigue your arms in long bouts and give your opponent an advanta

Introducing the Fencing Flick

The fencing flick is a move that would likely make the traditionalists cringe when seeing it in tournament. The action is so quick fencers have a hard time formulating a proper defense. It is not generally taught at the college level under traditional curriculum and came into existence after the invention of the electronic fencing sword. Because it is not widely known or taught it can be a powerful tool to overcoming an opponent’s defenses.  The flick occurs when an attacker moves his arm and foil to hit his opponent but just before full extension flicks his wrist making the blade swish. Since the foil is long and slim it has the ability of bend and creating a wrapping action. This fly fishing motion causes the tip to bend allowing it to hit the opponent on the back or shoulder. Such an attack may also work on the front but is most commonly as a way of throwing your opponent out of balance.  The defense against a flick often includes using a modified sabre quinte (90 degr