Q1: What is the fundamental technique for defense against a simple
attack?
A1: Keeping out of distance before the attack, and proper defensive
movements. See full answer at the Q&A page.
Q2: Why are my ripostes (counterattacks) not effective?
A2: They may too slow, you could be "telegraphing"
your riposte, or your point may be drifting off target due to improper
point and body control. Attack with a "closed line" so that
your blade is in opposition. See full answer at the Q&A
page.
Q3. Please address how the visionary aspects of fencing come into play.
Does one focus sole attention on the blade of the opponent?
A3. There are many other things to look for in both offense and defense.
See full answer at the Q&A page, along with
other questions and answers.
Visitors to this site are invited to submit questions about fencing.
The question and answer may be posted on this site, but personal data
is not revealed.
What to do when you get in trouble
- (New Section)
In bouts, there are always times when your opponent finds a particular
attack method that is successful and begins scoring consecutive touches.
There is not much time to figure out what to do, so it helps to have
some preliminary preparation on how to deal with the situation. Obviously,
you will have to make some changes in your strategy and/or tactics,
so what might one expect to happen and how to adapt? Details can be
found on the What to do when you get in trouble
page.
See pictures of my former fencing master Ralph
Faulkner and the 1932 Olympic Saber Team. The "boss" was
adored by his pupils, and he is missed.
Fencing clubs throughout the world can submit their sites for inclusion
in our links page at no cost or obligation. We may also exchange links
with other appropriate websites. Please let me know if any of the links
do not work.
NOTE: It is very difficult to "unlearn" an improper movement,
and most of your beginning movements will be improper. Try to get a
good fencing master if possible so that mistakes will not be repeated.
Otherwise, check out all of the material on this web site in order to
avoid or minimize improper movements that do you no good.