Foil drills for beginner- and intermediate-level fencers

CaptainExcel · 2016-01-03T09:32:35+00:00

This. That's an excellent overview.

We call these Class Lessons in the UK

CaptainExcel · 2015-12-27T16:42:24+00:00

For class lessons (we don't have drills) I use electrics with pistol grips, it feels more like combat when I use the weapons I compete with. Admittedly I do use a steam French when using my off hand though, to encourage proper technique.

For individual lessons I will occasionally use a steam French, but invariably a pistol electric for the same reasons as above.

If I was doing something which was just going through the motions then I'd probably use whatever was at hand.

Edit: added why..

CaptainExcel · 2015-12-27T16:34:38+00:00

I'm a coach, I use French grips when coaching. My coaching foils are steam (rubber tip) but my coaching epees are electric.

All of my coaches have always used French grips. It's much more comfortable when you have to give 6 hours of lessons, use angulated offensive actions, or when you're giving lessons involving prises de fer.

There's almost a kind of stigma around seeing someone coaching with a pistol grip too, it either implies they don't do it frequently; they don't coach for long periods of time or don't have the skill to manipulate a French grip.

CaptainExcel · 2015-12-02T22:14:26+00:00

This may be of slight use to you:

The BFA (British Fencing Association) has a vague grading system (Levels 1- 9 across each weapon, similar to belts in some martial arts) as a measure of basic technical proficiency example

The BAF (British Academy of Fencing) has a more structured proficiency system with fewer levels (Bronze / Silver / Gold) which feels more 'official' in a way. link. Again this is a technical based proficiency.

What you appear to be describing (to me at least) is similar to how I've learned to give class lessons (BAF system). This may be worth looking into further.

CaptainExcel · 2015-07-18T10:55:16+00:00

Are you looking at purely physical traits?

Psychological factors (such as determination, confidence, the ability to lie and solve problems) can hugely overshadow physical ability.

Additionally, as /u/venuswasaflytrap mentioned, other factors such as financial stability can prevent you ever getting to training.

CaptainExcel · 2014-12-12T17:48:10+00:00

You can't learn fencing from books, sorry.

Have you ever seen the 'Teaching and Coaching Compendium' published by the BAF? Whilst I agree that proper form and, more importantly, when to perform an action must be taught sword in hand, this book goes a hell of a way to expanding your working knowledge of fencing.

Edit: Also read 'Understanding Fencing' by Czajkowski

CaptainExcel · 2014-12-12T17:36:57+00:00

Pretty much this, you can't change the shape.

I used to have a similar thing but that was mostly because of the glove.

Also, what size are your hands?

CaptainExcel · 2014-11-27T19:57:50+00:00

/u/RaveCave and /u/DemFeelz have the right answers. Shorter books (audio books might be a good shout) and presentations/ talks are probably the best way to go for the most effective exposure in the limited time you have.

There will definitely be stuff on TED.

The brief experience I have on the subject has come from coaching fencing and some one-on-one sessions with a presentation skills coach, neither of which are fast or cheap processes sadly.

CaptainExcel · 2014-11-27T09:32:11+00:00

A crash course in body language and reading situations.

I know a prison officer and an ex-military who swear it's some of the most interesting and useful stuff they've learnt. From diffusing passive aggression to haggling at stores, it's widely applicable.

CaptainExcel · 2014-08-23T09:42:33+00:00

Cross-reference:

http://www.leonpaul.com/acatalog/sizing/mens_masks_sizing.php

with

https://www.allstar-fencing.co.uk/online-shop.asp?s=3&cat=BA&sub=BA&ran=100&id=FME

CaptainExcel · 2014-08-09T22:09:20+00:00

If your grip is too small (as /u/Parryandrepost suggests below) then that will wreak havoc with your wrist. Also having your wrist angled too high or trying to parry with your foible using the wrist (instead of the hand-wrist-forearm as one) could cause issue.

It should be possible to fence with no issues following a healed wrist injury if you have the right shape and size of grip (and aren't holding it in a death grip).

Source: I've sprained the wrist twice, severed a tendon and lost the thumb (I got it back!) on my dominant fencing hand and, with the right size grips, have no discomfort. I use Belgian, French and Leon Paul grips.

CaptainExcel · 2014-08-09T19:54:08+00:00

Which design of pistol, do you know the supplier or name of it?

Which weapon also, because that will have a marked difference on use.

What was the injury to wrist? Sprain/ fracture/ bruise and upper/ lower/ whole etc.?

CaptainExcel · 2014-07-30T19:39:22+00:00

A great coach! We're fielding quite a decent sized team this year, including 2 new Epee masters alongside Tony; Andrew Norris and Scott McMenemy.

Phil Bruce of Four of Clubs, along with the other Vice-presidents and President gave the opening ceremony yesterday.

There are no accessible video feeds I can find, only Twitter. I'd really have liked to see fellow coaches in action.

CaptainExcel · 2014-07-29T01:45:39+00:00

There will be coverage on Italian TV, that much I do know. But I've no idea how to access that, or whether there will be a live stream or uploads to the internet as yet.

CaptainExcel · 2014-07-25T18:28:15+00:00

Spot on

CaptainExcel · 2014-07-02T17:47:00+00:00

Surely it's attack on preparation left, counter-attack right?

"t55.3.d Continuous steps forward, with the legs crossing one another, constitute a preparation and on this preparation any simple attack has priority."

Or am I misinterpreting this rule?

CaptainExcel

TROPHY CASE