Book Review: Classical Fencing Rule Book

Classical Fencing Rule Book by Grant Shymske moves into the rules and intricacies of classical fencing. If you stand on the side lines and watch the referee move their hands in multiple directions and don’t know what it all means then this is the right book for you. As with any martial art sport there are rules and in fencing these rules have developed over hundreds of years.

Fencing is stylized in the sense that it isn’t a knock down drag out sport. It requires considerable practice and precision to master. It also moves at lightning speed which makes it difficult to judge when parries and counter-parry's start to mesh together. Seasoned referees can judge the blade and the body positioning to call the right points.

Chapter 1: Glossary of fencing terms. The referee is known as the President.

Chapter 2: The measurements of the field known as the piste (2 X 14 meters).

Chapter 3: The fencers gear and armament. Items cannot be modified and can be rejected by judges.

Chapter 4: The process of starting and stopping fencing bouts.

Chapter 5: The list of manners and movements Presidents use to referee.

Chapter 6: The rules and areas that apply to foil fencing.

Chapter 7: The rules and areas that apply to epee fencing.

Chapter 8: The rules and areas that apply to sabre fencing.

Chapter 9: The honor code of fencing and how disputes are handled.

The book is not a particularly exciting read but provides lots of great information about the rules and technicalities of the sport. Students who desire to understand how the game operates, how decisions are made, and how points are judged should consider picking up a copy. Every student and referee should read this book at least once to gain a level of game understanding.

Shymske, G. (2012) Classical fencing rule book. Kindle Edition

Effectively Using the Inquartata in Fencing

The inquartata is a great advanced move in fencing that removes much of the body target away from the opponent’s attack. Even though it can be defeated by a remise (repeat of attack) it is still effective against most fencers. It is a move that comes from its Italian background and is not only effective but also theatrical (1). It should be practiced to ensure one can complete the inquartata with a counter-parry to make it most effective. The ending body posture does allow for considerable reach to meet the opponent.

Even though I have tried it a few times with mixed success I can honestly say that I am not a master of this move. Generally, it is conducted when the attacker extends his blade for a strike and the left foot is placed backwards to the rear stretching the chest and pulling much of the body away from the opponent’s blade. The right foot stays where it starts at the beginning of the move. The right hand holding the weapon is pushed outward to block the opponent’s blade even further from the body. Adding an opposition parry allows for a counter strike at the end of the sequence. 

The advantage of learning multiple moves is that you develop a battery of skills that can respond to different situations and strikes.  Research by Bortoli et. al. (1992) indicates that students can practice the same repetitive movements (i.e. defensive vs. attacking) with some success but are better off practicing multiple movements in one session (i.e. defensive and attacking) for higher learning. The speed of use of multiple tactics improves over time even though it seems clunky at first. 

You may watch a video on how the inquartata is completed below:

 

Bortoli, et. al. (1992). Effects of contextual interference on learning technical sports skills. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 75.

 

The All or Nothing Passata Sotto in Fencing

The Passata Sotto is an “all or nothing” move that attempts to duck under an opponent’s blade and make a single fatal strike. The move is advanced and is considered risky due to the inherent nature of being in an unprotected position. Crouching on the floor leaves little ability to move out of a counter attack or defend ones back from a strike.

“The Passata Sotto (also called Cartoccio) may be applied in all cases against the final thrust of actions directed by means of one or more movements at the outer or high trunk line. Simultaneously with your opponent’s lunge, you duck quickly by putting the left foot as far back as possible and the flat of the left hand on the floor. At the same time, turn your fist to Second Position and direct your point at your adversary’s flank.(1)”

This tactic is quick and generally needs to be practiced over and over to create a lightning speed maneuver. The problem is that it is also an exhausting move to practice and can only be engaged in a few times an hour. As one practices their lunges and strikes they are also learning the skills to complete this type of move. Even in a bout it is possible to only use once for fear the opponent will adapt. 

The general movements:

-Swing left straight back while dropping down on the left leg.

-Simultaneously place left hand on the floor for balance.

-Strike to opponent’s body.

An alternative to this fencing tactic is simply to move into a crouched position on both legs (like duck walk). This will afford the opportunity to recover if you make a mistake but may not go down far enough to have clear enough strike to the opponent’s mid section. You may need to practice both for some time before getting the hang of it. It is naturally that the opponent towers over you.

Practicing the Lunge in Saber

The lunge is a fundamental move in Saber that engages the arm, legs, and torso to make a breaking action forward. The lunge helps quickly close the distance between the attacker and defender using forward momentum. When done well the lunge can offer a powerful attack without offering much time for the defender to respond. 

There are a few steps that help make an attack possible. 

1.       Start in the En Garde Position. The right arm should be forward with the saber, the right knee slightly bent and pointing forward, and the left leg extended backward with the left food at a 90 degree or perpendicular angle. 

2.       Extend your arm forward creating a pointing motion with the saber. 

3.       Push off with the back leg while springing forward with the right leg.

4.       Lunge to create a perpendicular front leg, a straight extended back leg, and the arm point straight forward for maximum reach.

5.       Reposition back into the En Garde position in case your lunge missed its target. 

The lunge is a basic move learned by all beginners. As one progresses in the sport they learn more variations and continue to add components to this. For example, a lunge mixed with a feint and then a strike will encourage the opponent to adjust in the wrong direction thereby allowing the lunge to proceed to its target un-thwarted.