Theoretical guideline for Rank 1

Boland Ranking System: Rank 1 Theory

Right of Way

The basic rule is that the attacker has the right-of-way. This means that the fencer who initiates the action will score the hit, if it arrives straight away, regardless of the actions of the other fencer (the defender). Once attacked, a defender must either avoid being hit, or parry and riposte.

Piste Layout

The total length of the piste (fencing strip) is 14 metres. 

 

Parts of the Blade

The blades of any of the three weapons are divided into two parts, namely the forté and the foible.  The foible is the thinner front part of the blade that can flex and the forté is the non-flexible part near to the guard. 

The Reason for White Fencing Clothing

White fencing clothing were worn by duellists who did not want to fight their opponents to the death.  Such duels were usually fought till one opponent drew first blood and he would then be declared the victor.  The white clothing was there so that the blood could be seen clearly.  This tradition is carried forth today in modern sports fencing. 

The Proper Way to Set a Blade

Usually when one purchases a new blade, the blade and the tang is perfectly straight.  To maximise proper performance with your blade, the blade needs to be set.  This means it has to be bent where the tang and the blade meets in such a way that the blade is pointed slightly downwards and towards your inner target area (to the left for right-handers and vice versa for left-handers).  The amount of bend in the blade depends on a fencers individual preference. 

Grip Types

There are two types of grips used on both the foil and Epeé.  A french grip, which is straight, and a pistol grip that is shaped almost like a pistol's.  The Sabre always comes with a straight grip.  The french grip was the one originially used since the founding of the modern Olympic Games in 1896, and the pistol grip was only developed later as an orthopedic grip (for fencers suffering from arthritis and other wrist problems). 

The Importance of the Posture

The proper fencing posture consists of a few different parts.  They are: 

• The feet must be at a 90° angle and a comfortable distance from each other (± shoulder width).  The heels must be in a straight line with the front foot always pointed directly ahead in the line that you want to move.  This ensures that the fencer will always move in a straight line and doesn't veer off course. 
• The knees must be properly bent and the fencer should stand with a suitable low center of gravity.  The body must also always be upright.  This ensures stability and good balance so the fencer would not fall over too easily when moving at speed. 
• The fencer must stand with his front arm extended the correct distance away from his body (the width of a fist for foil & sabre and the width of a hand for epeé).  The front part of the arm (from elbow to wrist) is kept parrallel to the floor. 

·         The non-fencing hand is held high, level with the fencer's ear.  The reasons are:

 

1. It opens up the chest to fascilitate ease of breathing.
2. When you stand as described, you present a smaller target area to your opponent.
3. The upheld hand steers the direction of your blades point, much like a rudder steers a ship.  Without it, your point is likely to veer off line.

Other Important Theory

THE DEVELOPMENT Is the extension of the sword arm followed by the lunge.

 

THE RECOVERY Is the return to the ‘On Guard’ position

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ENGAGEMENT When two fencers have their swords crossed, they are termed as being in a state of Engagement.

 

COVERING To be covered, is to engage in such a way that the line in which the swords are crossed is closed to a direct thrust

 

FENCING MEASURE Is the distance which a fencer keeps in relationship to the opponent. It is such that he cannot be hit unless his opponent lunges fully.

 

INDIRECT ATTACK The disengage, counter-disengage and the cut-over: when the final line of attack follows a feint.

 

COMPOUND ATTACKS Any attack comprising one or more feints

 

DEFENCE The principle of opposition of Forte to Foible in order to deflect the attacking blade.

A RIPOSTE Is the offensive action following successful parry of an attack.

 

A COUNTER RIPOSTE Is the offensive action following the successful parry of a riposte or counter riposte. They are numbered, the original attacker making the odd numbered ones and the original defender the even ones.

 

FENCING TIME Is the time taken by a fencer to execute a movement of arm, blade, body or leg, or any of these simultaneously.

 

SECOND INTENTION Is a premeditated action dealing with a provoked movement.

 

A REMISE Is the immediate replacing of the point in the same line after been parried.

 

THE STOP HIT Is a counter offensive action made on an opponents attack or preparation. To be valid, it must precede the attacking hit by at least one period of fencing time.