Salle Green

DRILL 1 - THE ENGAGEMENT AND CHANGE OF ENGAGEMENT

This is the first drill for Classical Fencers.

Intent: It is designed to take the fencer through closing the distance to engagement, change of engagement, and delivering a straight thrust in response to an opening created.

Position: The fencers should position themselves on the piste at the normal position out of distance for the start of the assault.

Leader: Either fencer may be designated as fencer 1 and lead the drill.

Tempo: Execution should be at an even tempo.

Benefits: This exercise develops coordination of fingers, hand, arm, and legs in the development of the attack.

Mask: Both fencers mask.

Sequence	1.	2.	3.	4.
Fencer 1 Blade	On guard in 6	Engage in 6	Circular change of engagement to 4	Extension in 4
Fencer 1 Body	II - out of distance	Advance	II	II

Fencer 2 Blade	On guard in 6	Engage in 6	Moved into open line 4	Open line in 4
Fencer 2 Body	II - out of distance	Advance	II	II

Sequence	5.	6.	7.	8.
Fencer 1 Blade	Place the hit	Extension in 4	Engage in 4	Blade displaced at angle across target
Fencer 1 Body	III	Recover rearward - II	II	II

Fencer 2 Blade	Receive the hit	Open line in 4	Engage in 4	Laterally close line in 4
Fencer 2 Body	II	II	II	II

Sequence	9.	10.	11.	12.
Fencer 1 Blade	Blade displaced at angle across target	Receive the hit	On guard in 6	Engage in 6
Fencer 1 Body	II	II	II	II

Fencer 2 Blade	Extension in 4	Place the hit over the blade	Extension in 4	Engage in 6
Fencer 2 Body	II	III	Recover rearward - II	II

Sequence	13.
Fencer 1 Blade	On guard in 6
Fencer 1 Body	Retreat

Fencer 2 Blade	On guard in 6
Fencer 2 Body	Retreat