Salle Green

3rd EXERCISE - THE GUARDS

This is the third exercise for Classical Fencers.

Intent: It is designed to take the fencer through the 8 basic guards that serve as the basis for defense by parry against an attack by a straight thrust, and to demonstrate extension with the riposte.

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 guard 1 - back arm bent	On guard in 1	Extension pronated high line
Body	I	I	II - step to guard	II

5.	6.	7.	8.	9.
Extension pronated high line	Recover guard 2	On guard in 2	Extension in 2	Extension in 2
Advance	II	Retreat	II	Advance

10.	11.	12.	13.	14.
Recover guard 3	On guard in 3	Extension in 3	Extension in 3	Recover guard 5
II	Retreat	II	Advance	II

15.	16.	17.	18.	19.
On guard in 5	Extension pronated low line	Extension pronated low line	Recover guard 6	On guard in 6
Retreat	II	Advance	II	Retreat

20.	21.	22.	23.	24.
Extension in 6	Extension in 6	Recover guard 8	On guard in 8	Extension in 8
II	Advance	II	Retreat	II

25.	26.	27.	28.	29.
Extension in 8	Recover guard 4	On guard in 4	Extension in 4	Extension in 4
Advance	II	Retreat	II	Advance

30.	31.	32.	33.	34.
Recover guard 7	On guard in 7	Extension in 7	Extension in 7	Recover guard 6
II	Retreat	II	Advance	II

35.	36.
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).