Shoden (Basics)
OK, I said in a previous post that I wasn't going to turn this into a fencing manual of a blog but I think it's fair to revise a few of the basics before I get into my more existential/personal views. Although I call these basics I will emphasise that a fencer should never stop learning and developing all the techniques throughout their career....
The Weapon
The foil is exclusively a stabbing weapon and a valid hit can only be made with the tip or point of the blade. This fact is pivotal to foil fencing and each movement must be geared to delivering the point to the target area, either via a thrust or a lunge. It is therefore imperative to have control of your point at all times.
The grip
The foil should never be grasped in a fist but rather held between the thumb and first two fingers (or manipulators); the third and little finger only provide support rather than control and are referred to as the aids. Even a pistol grip foil should be controlled with the thumb and two fingers. The foil should be held firmly but not with great strength as this will quickly tire the muscles of the hand and arm and adversely affect the control of the weapon. (It is easy to spot a fencer with too strong a grip as the tip of their foil will be trembling). It will also lead to involuntary resistance to an opponents engagements which can be used against you. Conversely too weak a grip will prevent you making strong attacks and will also allow your opponent to control, deflect or even dislodge your weapon.
The stance
The purpose of the peculiar stance adopted in fencing is may fold:
It allows speed of movement on a narrow space
It provides a balanced platform from which to launch attacks and execute defensive parries
It keeps your point threatening the opponents target area, whilst not revealing the length of your blade and therefore your intentions
It is very easy to forget the stance and a common fault is to straighten the legs, destroying any balance and fluidity of movement. The shoulders should be wide and open, displaying your confidence to your opponent
The Weapon
The foil is exclusively a stabbing weapon and a valid hit can only be made with the tip or point of the blade. This fact is pivotal to foil fencing and each movement must be geared to delivering the point to the target area, either via a thrust or a lunge. It is therefore imperative to have control of your point at all times.
The grip
The foil should never be grasped in a fist but rather held between the thumb and first two fingers (or manipulators); the third and little finger only provide support rather than control and are referred to as the aids. Even a pistol grip foil should be controlled with the thumb and two fingers. The foil should be held firmly but not with great strength as this will quickly tire the muscles of the hand and arm and adversely affect the control of the weapon. (It is easy to spot a fencer with too strong a grip as the tip of their foil will be trembling). It will also lead to involuntary resistance to an opponents engagements which can be used against you. Conversely too weak a grip will prevent you making strong attacks and will also allow your opponent to control, deflect or even dislodge your weapon.
The stance
The purpose of the peculiar stance adopted in fencing is may fold:
It allows speed of movement on a narrow space
It provides a balanced platform from which to launch attacks and execute defensive parries
It keeps your point threatening the opponents target area, whilst not revealing the length of your blade and therefore your intentions
It is very easy to forget the stance and a common fault is to straighten the legs, destroying any balance and fluidity of movement. The shoulders should be wide and open, displaying your confidence to your opponent
posted by Dave at
8:05 PM
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