Modern fencing has become fascinated with the line. Form is said to be correct when the shoulders create a perfect line to the blade and the blade continues this line to the target. By taking advantage of this linear compulsion we can lure a classically trained fencer into a weakened position and expose them to an attack. For the purpose of this month's tip, I will call a modern fencing stance the en garde stance.
You may begin the bout by staying out of range, presenting a linear stance and moving backwards and forwards within the line of traditional engagement. This should lure the fencer into a sense of familiarity and comfort. At this time, quick sniping shots to the forward hand or knee may be used to keep the opponent away from you. These sniping shots should maintain the line and thus continue the ruse.
Now that we have artificially created a linear fight, we can break these modern rules and gain advantage. We have several tools at our disposal: the hook shot, the volte, the Spanish circling step, and replacement.
The hook shot is a scooping shot that travels through an arc to reach the target. The most common is an attack that starts at an en garde position and travels outside and right of the line of engagement. The point briefly travels outward and away from the target and then returns while avoiding the parry. Imagine an outside hook punch in boxing as opposed to a jabbing punch. Another variation on this attack is a circling hook shoot from the inside left of the line. Hook shots should be a common maneuver in every swordsman's repertoire.
The volte is a step offline with the rear foot followed by an attack. When facing the opponent in an en garde position, use your back left foot to step right and forward in a pivoting step towards you opponent. Your left foot will cross behind your right foot. As you step, twist your body bringing your back left shoulder to the right as well and re-centering your weight. Extend your right forward arm into a thrust to the opponent's torso. By removing yourself from the line of engagement you have created an offline attack that may confuse your opponent's defense.
The Spanish circling step is a tactic that can wreak havoc on a linear game. Starting in the en garde position, pull your right foot back until you are standing fully upright with a straight and proud body. You still maintain the shoulder line, but now the movements will change. By extending the sword arm directly out at shoulder height, you create a threat. The attacker should maintain the point to the opponents face or upper torso. You may now begin circling the opponent and never stepping directly towards them. One important thing to remember is to never step backwards. By continually closing the angular distance with circular steps, either clockwise or counter clockwise, you force the opponent to continually give ground. Every attack from this stance has the added benefit off being an offline attack. Special attention should be devoted to protecting the right hand and forearm in this guard.
In the en garde position, the off-hand is refused and tucked safely out of harm's way. A replacement allows you to use the off-hand to deliver a stunning counter attack. From the en garde position, wait for your opponent to make a strong and committed attack. Parry the blow and then bring your left arm forward to scoop the opponent's blade out and to the left. Special care should be taken to avoid grasping the blade but maintaining controlling contact is permissible. By removing the enemy's blade, you have created a clean line and may strike directly. Other possible maneuvers include a rapid advance for a draw cut after the enemy blade is pushed out of engagement, or a powerful disarming strike to the enemy's sword hand.
These are only a few of the advantages you can take by luring your opponent into what he or she believes is a linear fight and changing the rules.
Ld Pachomius un Zapato
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