Salle Green

2nd EXERCISE - THE ATTACK

This is the second exercise for Classical Fencers.

Intent: It is designed to take the fencer through the basic footwork movements required to hit the opponent with a straight thrust, and to demonstrate extension with the advance, the lunge, the backwards lunge, and the point in line.

Position: 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 develops coordination of fingers, hand, arm, and legs in the development of the attack.

Mask: The fencer does not mask.

Sequence	1.	2.	3.	4.
Blade	Sword at carry	Weapon arm extended	Arms in position	On guard in 6
Body	I	I	I	II - step to guard

5.	6.	7.	8.	9.
On guard in 6	Extension in 6	Extension in 6	Recover to guard 6	Extension in 6
II	II	Advance	II	II

10.	11.	12.	13.	14.
Extension in 6	Extension in 6	Recover to guard 6	Extension in 6	Extension in 6
III - lunge	II - recover rearward	II	II	Retreat

15.	16.	17.	18.	19.
Extension in 6	Extension in 6	Recover to guard	Extension in 6	Extension in 6
III - lunge	II - recover forward	II	II	III - backward lunge

20.	21.	22.	23.	24.
Extension in 6	Recover to guard 6	Extension in 6	Extension in 6 - pause	Recover to guard 6
II - recover rearward	II	II	II	II

25.	26.
On guard in 6	Sword at carry
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. Position III is the fully extended lunge position.

(2) This exercise is practiced and demonstrated alone.

(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), and Julio Castello, The Theory and Practice of Fencing (1937).