Rapier Tip of the Month
January 2001
Fencing is about control. The fight is controlled through measure (the period "technical" term for distance/range). Range is controlled through footwork. Here are some of the tools available:
- Guard: (en garde) place the feet a shoulder's-width apart. Your feet should form an L, with the fore foot parallel to your shoulders, with the sword arm held somewhat forward and away from the body. Your sword hand, elbow, shoulders, and front foot should form a line.
- Advance: On the balls of the feet, take a short step forward with the front foot, following with the back foot maintaining guard.
- Retreat: On the balls of the feet, take a short step backward with the rear foot, following with the front foot, maintaining guard.
- Lunge: Take a long step forward with the front foot (step into the heel of the foot). The forward knee should end up directly over the forward foot, toe pointed forward. Leave the rear foot planted. Recover with the fore foot backwards, returning to guard.
- Lunge & Advance: Take a long step forward with the front foot (step into the heel of the foot). The forward knee should end up directly over the forward foot, toe pointed forward. Recover with the rear foot forward, returning to guard.
- Passing Step: a passing step occurs when one foot passes another, as in walking. Step into the balls of the feet, and avoid switching the hips, if possible.
- Backward: Withdraw the front foot past the back foot. Recover to guard by removing the rear foot to its appropriate place.
- Forward: Step with the rear foot forward, past the fore foot. Recover to guard by placing the fore foot in its appropriate place.