Shoden (Basics) 2

Guard positions
There are traditionally eight guard positions in foil ranging from the position of prime (representing a position where the sword has just been drawn from the scabbard) to octave (a low guard position on the sword arm side). The positions are difficult to describe in words and must be taught. The most used guard position is the sixth, or sixte position and it is from there that the fencer should concentrate their attention. Some fencers fence from low or high guard positions, either because they are inexperienced and have seen other fencers do it or they do not like their foil being engaged by the opponent. Whilst the latter reason may have moderate benefit, in general a low or high guard position results in the point being slapped on via a cutting style action and not making true contact with the target. For this reason I strongly advocate concentration on a solid position of sixte. Many fencers have said to me that this leaves the target area open, but it is just this reason why it should be employed. By leaving the target apparently open in one line you encourage your opponent to concentrate on only that line. If you have a middle or ambiguous guard position you are in fact giving them more openings to use and you more areas to defend.

Balance
Maintaining correct balance is vital in fencing. If you are unbalanced you will be unable to react appropriately to your opponent or dictate the fight yourself. The feet should always remain shoulder width apart when fencing and small steps should be taken with the aim of never being out of balance for long. Also when lungeing, care must be taken to not lean forward with the head. Once the head leans forward the torso will unavoidably follow it, making the lunge difficult to recover from and the thrust more of a jab with less chance of success. A fencer should make every effort to hold their torso perpendicular to the ground when lungeing; the importance of this cannot be over-emphasised.

The target area
In foil fencing the valid target area is the torso from the crease of the neck to the groin, including the back. Nothing else counts.

The stance again
Much is made of the on guard position in fencing. The basic things to remember are that the sword hand should be presented to the opponent with the arm relaxed but extended. Many fencers cramp their sword arm into their body denying themselves the extra reach a relaxed arm gives them. The arm should be solidly presented in the position of sixte and the shoulders held square on to the opponent. A common fault amongst beginners (and some more experienced fencers) is to turn the body side on to the opponent in a mis-guided attempt to reduce the target area available to the opponent. Usually all this achieves is to make their own lunge less effective and cramp their movement. Simple body mechanics mean that a lunge made from too side on a position will result in a hooking motion not a straight extension. The front foot must be pointing forward and not turned in and the back foot should be at 90 degrees to the line of movement. The non-weapon arm can be held in a variety of positions but the only important thing to remember is to keep it out of the way.

The Lunge
The lunge is the most effective method of delivering the point to the target of your opponent. All lunges must start with the sword hand advancing first, then the arm then the body. It is important that this order is maintained otherwise the lunge will not be exploited to the full. The front foot must remain straight and the back foot must remain flat on the floor as this is where the grip and power come from in the lunge. If the front foot turns there is more risk of loss of balance and at worst, injury. The back arm should be thrown backward as a counterweight to the lunge. The head should remain upright and the body must remain perpendicular to the ground. A good lunge is something that a fencer can pursue for their entire career.

Rules
There are many rules of modern fencing and I am not going to attempt to describe them here as they will be learnt readily enough in the salle. I will summarise them by saying they are in general designed to deter cheating against modern electrical apparatus and cowardly, discourteous or dangerous behaviour.