This might be obvious but......

I observed something interesting at the salle the other night. I was indulging in a foil match and was determined to do better in this one (foil is my first weapon after all) so was really giving it some attention. It became apparent to me that I had a bad case of epee arm going on, which was quite a realisation in how I could potentially hop between weapons. In epee the arm is held quite a lot stiffer, due to it being a heavier blade and hits being made with a lot of resistance. The fact that there is no concept of parrying in epee tends to mean attacks are opposed rather than parried, mostly with a stop thrust in an attempt to get a double. In foil the arm must be trained to use the lighter foil to parry and riposte and also perform feints and compounds, which are rarer at epee.       
So I had developed a real case of epee arm, muscles stiff and arm virtually fully extended but once I relaxed my shoulders and arm a bit I found I was able to reconnect with some of my old techniques quite effectively. It is amazing how quickly the mind and muscles pick up new habits but it should be remembered that it can be counter-acted by observation and application. This is true of anything in life I guess, whether it be sports, dieting, bad posture etc, so I shall now be putting it into practice on the piste whenever I get the chance.      

Classic Fencing Jokes: Number 1

Question: What is defence?
Answer: What keeps de cows in.......

It's all about Commitment

One thing I have discovered recently is that I have commitment issues.... don't worry Dear Reader, I am not talking personality wise, I'm talking fencing wise. I have had it brought to my attention by a respected observer that I tend to do compound movements and sell myself completely on the first movement then not carry out the second. Any fencer worth their salt will realise that this is a bit arsey-versey and as such I am going to have to work on fixing it. The delight of the compound is that it must be enough to convince the opponent of the sincerity of the attack but leave enough room/time to deceive the response and then enough energy and manouver room to complete the second movement which is the actual attack. Selling out completely on the first action is a big no-no. Many situations and tactics in life depend on this and it's great to get feedback so I can do something about it!           

A recipe for confusion......

Here's a recipe that I came up with yesterday to help you mess with an opponent's mind during a foil bout.....
Take one beat attack on the opponent's preparation, add speed and commitment
Once this has hardened in opponent's mind and a response of parry riposte has risen, mix generously with a first counter riposte
Add a little consternation by blending first counter-riposte with a feint disengage with a dash of accelerating lunge
If this is not to taste repeat step two and three above with a beat as an appetiser....

It might not be Nigella but it can be a heady mixture to your opponent...!