Salle Green

5th EXERCISE - THE ASSAULT

This is the fifth exercise for Classical Fencers.

Intent: It is designed to take the fencer through a typical sequence of attack and defense while moving in tempo with another fencer.

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 the ability to sense and respond to opponent's movements maintaining distance and tempo.

Mask: Both fencers mask.

Sequence	1.	2.	3.	4.
Fencer 1 Blade	Sword at carry	Extend both arms horizontally - point to front	Take distance	Sword at carry
Fencer 1 Body	I	I	I - adjust position for distance	I

Fencer 2 Blade	Sword at carry	Extend both arms horizontally - point to front	Take distance	Sword at carry
Fencer 2 Body	I	I	I - adjust position for distance	I

Sequence	5.	6.	7.	8.
Fencer 1 Blade	Salute opponent	Arms in position	On guard in 6	On guard in 6
Fencer 1 Body	I	I	II - by moving the rear leg backwards	Advance

Fencer 2 Blade	Salute opponent	Arms in position	On guard in 6	On guard in 6
Fencer 2 Body	I	I	II - by moving the rear leg backwards	Retreat

Sequence	9.	10.	11.	12.
Fencer 1 Blade	On guard in 6	On guard in 6	Extension in 6	Extension in 6
Fencer 1 Body	Retreat	Advance	II	III

Fencer 2 Blade	On guard in 6	On guard in 6	On guard in 6	Parry in 4
Fencer 2 Body	Advance	Retreat	II	Retreat - short

Sequence	13.	14.	15.	16.
Fencer 1 Blade	Extension in 6	On guard in 6	On guard in 6	On guard in 6
Fencer 1 Body	Recover - II	II	II	II

Fencer 2 Blade	Extension in 4	Extension in 4	Extension in 4	On guard in 6
Fencer 2 Body	II	III	Recover - II	II

Sequence	17.	18.	19.	20.
Fencer 1 Blade	On guard in 6	Sword extended forward, relaxed	Salute	Shake hands
Fencer 1 Body	II - Execute 2 appels	I	I	advance

Fencer 2 Blade	On guard in 6	Sword extended forward, relaxed	Salute	Shake hands
Fencer 2 Body	II - Execute 2 appels	I	I	advance

(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. Note that position II is initially taken by moving the rear leg to the rear for the normal distance as opposed to the more common step forward to gain additional separation on the start of the assault.

(2) This exercise is practiced and demonstrated by two fencers.

(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).