Salle Green

1st EXERCISE - THE SALUTE AND ON GUARD

This is the first exercise for Classical Fencers at the first rank.

Intent: It is designed to take the fencer from the initial step onto the piste to the position of being on guard and ready for the assault and to demonstrate the salute and the steps of coming on guard.

Placement: The fencer should position himself or herself on the piste at the normal position for the start of the assault.

Tempo: Execution should be at an even tempo.

Benefits: This exercise has the advantage of providing focus for the assault and developing a sense the proper body position for the on guard.

Mask: If performed solely as an exercise the fencer does not mask.

Sequence	1.	2.	3.	4.
Blade	Sword at carry	Salute to opponent	Salute to left	Salute to right
Body	I	I	I	I

5.	6.	7.	8.	9.
Sword to front (mask)	Weapon arm extended	Grasp the point	Raise the weapon	Arms in position
I	I	I	I	I

10.	11.	12.	13.
Arms in position	On Guard	On Guard	Sword at carry
I - bend knees	II - step to guard	II - execute 2 appels	I

Notes:

(1) Position I is with the body erect, feet at 90 degree angle with the front foot directed toward the opponent on the fencing line. Position II is the classical on guard position.

(2) This exercise can be practiced and demonstrated alone or in concert with an opponent.

(3) Sequence is based on Walter Pollock, F. C. Grove, and Camile Prevost, Fencing (1890), Louis Rondelle, Foil and Sabre: A Grammar of Fencing (1892), Regis Senac and Louis Senac, The Art of Fencing (1904), Felix Grave, Fencing Comprehensive (1934), Julio Castello, The Theory and Practice of Fencing (1937), and William M. Gaugler, The Science of Fencing (1997).