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
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
posted by Dave at
2:19 PM
1 Comments:
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
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