Checklist

  • Point control: hold grip firmly but not tightly between thumb and index finger. Feel the end of the blade through your fingers.
  • Pommel on wrist as you extend your arm. Lead with the tip, shoulder relaxed.
  • Keep arm up! Don't drop your blade as you advance.
  • Point on target even when you parry. Don't drop your tip. Keep parries small.
  • Hold parry just long enough to gain control of the blade. Give yourself time to feel how your opponent is responding.
  • Set the action up. Watch and feel how your opponent moves his or her blade, but don't allow him or her to control what you do.
  • Ease into the action. Slow-fast is much more effective than fast-fast. Don't push; that will just make your opponent retreat. Move in a way that is not threatening and then finish fast when you get the chance.
  • Keep moving on the strip but change your pace. Don't let your opponent hypnotize you into a pattern.
  • Don't fight the fighter. Don't push against an aggressive fencer; he or she will be expecting your attack and simply parry-riposte. You set the tempo.
  • Step back with your parry. Again, give yourself time to parry and then find the appropriate riposte.
  • Watch your distance. Adjust depending on whom you are fencing.
  • Aim for the target, not your opponent's blade. Don't drop your guard.
  • Don't think too hard. Let yourself watch the action without trying to control it. Mushin no shin: mind of no-mind.
  • One touch at a time; this touch is the only thing you need to worry about. Every touch counts.
  • Patience. There is always plenty of time on the strip. Don't rush.
  • Finish the action.
There, that should do it. Now, what have I forgotten?

Comments

  1. Relax, breath, loosen your arm.

    And have FUN!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh, right, it is supposed to be fun, isn't it? : )

    ReplyDelete
  3. If you don't know what to do, don't do anything at all, until you figure out what to do. Give yourself ten seconds to figure something out. (Lynn B., via Badger)

    ReplyDelete

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