Thursday, March 17, 2011

Progress....?

Today is my birthday so to celebrate I thought I'd post something!
Last night at the club was one of those evenings where fencing gives you a little present. I'd been away on business all day and by the time I'd got home was a bit tired and nearly considered not turning out. However I did make the effort and did a bit of coaching before having more epee bouts than I usually average. I won the first one 15-14 and got at least four hits that I planned and executed well, which was pleasing. I then had three 5 point matches which were 3-5, 5-2, 3-5 I think, so I lost overall but was reasonably happy.

I also had two bouts against Jaime, my regular training partner. Jai and I are getting to be a bit like Professor Xavier and Magneto playing chess in the park (although who's who is up for grabs and neither of us is particularly evil*) so our matches are now quite cagey (and one day I might win one). Prior to commencing this time I thought "I'm going to try and fleche so spontaneously that I even surprise myself....." My intention was to fleche with as little warning as I could give, either in footwork or body language, at any time in the fight. I also wanted to fleche on the F of Jai's Forward step. I began to put this plan (or non-plan into effect) and about seven hits into the match Jaime said "Blimey, these fleches are lightning quick!" I was quietly pleased about this as it was evidence of putting a plan into effect that actually was noticeable to a respected opponent; either I was doing something right or Jai and I have got to the point where we can sense each other's energy..... Either way it was progress of a sort! Now all I need to do is put a preparation onto the fleche, get the distance right and try to hit the arm not the torso......



* Although the benefits of having either telepathy or control over metal objects in fencing would be very handy

1 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy birthday, Dave - I had not realised!

'Fleche on the F of forward step' is obviously the key - after those long, smooth, and beautifully timed attacks I will be endeavouring to incorporate a bit of Musashi into my own attempts!

On the subject of who is which character, I fear only future bouts will tell!

Jai

Fri Mar 18, 12:29:00 PM 2011  

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