The Great Sock Dilemma

Recently there has been a clamp down on short socks at the clubs I coach at and the main Sock Police have been myself and my Coach. Those people displaying bare legs have been asked to cover up and it's usually greeted with a touch of surprise and embarrassment. It probably seems pretty petty for two coaches to be worrying about something as minor as short socks? Well in a way it is but it is also pretty fundamental. There is a functional element to long socks as they protect the shins from grazes and cuts. Long socks were traditionally worn with breeches back in the day when swords were for real, except back then they were called stockings. So there is a long sartorial tradition in wearing long socks. You wouldn't turn up for a karate or judo class wearing shorts and t-shirt would you? Basically it is about tradition to an extent. Long socks are worn because they have always been worn; the quality of your fencing is not enhanced (or degraded) by the colour of your tan so it is not necessary to show it off. Also, the socks should be white where possible as in the old days they would have shown the first sight of blood from a cut (important if fencing to first blood). Socks nowadays seem to be an arena for fencers to demonstrate their individuality; stripes and colours abound. Maybe it's an off-shoot of the multi-coloured football boots seen on display and it certainly isn't the most important thing to worry about when fencing. However, what do your socks say about you? And your attitude?

Back to Basics

This week I helped coach a beginner's session for eight young people. It was quite a refreshing experience to work with people who had never fenced before and it reminded me again how important it is to get the basics right. There was no need to worry about elaborate tactics, it was enough just to get them leading with the hand and keeping the back foot flat on the floor. Sometimes it is a good thing just to put the complicated stuff away and remind yourself of what's fundamental; both in sport and in life!
It made me realise that a fencer can spend a long time with their opponent as their focal point, wondering why they are not winning whilst not actually recognising that they themselves are perhaps the actual problem. It can be not concentrating on distance or failing to realise that you aren't balanced in your lunge that can make the difference in your technique. So bear this in mind when next you are struggling. Is it them or is it you?

Details details

"Pay attention to even small things" said a great swordsman. What did he mean by this? Well I guess in his time, when the swords were real and the fights were serious he was talking about the terrain, the direction the sun was coming from, that treacherous stone underfoot and all those other things that could mean the difference between life and death.
In a modern fencing match it could mean may things also. Like how come it's hard to beat the older coach? How come his parries are always too quick? Well, maybe it's because you have forgotten he's older and you're not tiring him out enough! Maybe you've neglected that small detail of varied rhythm or forgotten to keep feinting to throw him off his comfort zone. It's the details that can make a difference. Does your opponent give away their attacks by the same preparation? Do thay always use the same parry? Are they puffing and blowing? Do they display signs of irritation? These are all things that can give you a clue as to the correct next move. Pay attention to even small things....

Quote of the week

"The maintenance of proper fighting distance has a decisive effect on the outcome of the fight - acquire the habit!"

Bruce Lee