Drills for New Fencers

We've had quite a few new fencers at practices these days. With the 40 for XL thing going on, their Excellencies, Master Nikulai, and Master Eldred have all picked up a rapier. On top of that, we've had a few other new fencers with Jason, Sean, and Jlona all coming out to practices as well. Last night we had 6 new fencers and 7 authorized fencers. Giovan started everyone off with some drills, while Wistric gave Sean the "first practice run-down" of how everything works.

After drills I did a few passes with Jason before moving on to work with Master Nikulai. He wanted me to write up a few drills to help with basic stance and footwork, so here they are:

Drill 1:

Purpose: to learn to assume guard in a single motion
Optional Equipment: rapier, dowel/stick
(instructions are for right handed fighter)

First stand upright with feet parallel and together. Turn your left foot 90 degrees so that your right toe is pointed forward and your left is pointed to the left.
Optional: place stick or dowel between the feet pointing forward. You can use this as a guide to keep your
feet in line and maintain separation.

Place your right hand (with or without sword) on your left side like you would if you were to be holding the sword while its in its scabbard.

Now, in a single motion, extend your arm as if drawing the sword, placing your hand in guard and step forward with your right foot to assume an appropriate fencing stance. Be sure to do this in a single motion and to make sure you are balanced immediately. You want to be settled into guard immediately without having to shift around.

Notes: Appropriate fencing stance

Right foot should be straight forward, left foot turned 90 degrees towards left. Feet should be approximately 1 1/2 foot lengths apart. Legs should be bent slightly and weight distributed roughly evenly between your legs.

Upper body should be upright as if your spine is being suspended from a string. You don't want to be leaning forward. The right shoulder should be towards the front with the chest turned in the direction of your left toe. Right arm should be out in guard as if holding the sword. Head should be facing front.



Drill 2:

Purpose: Practice advance, retreat, dissociate hand and foot movement
Optional Equipment: sword, dowel or stick to place between feet to keep them in line.

First assume your guard. Then, carry out the following movements:

Extend your arm, advance
Recover your arm, advance
Extend your arm, retreat
Recover your arm retreat
Repeat