The inspiration for this series of drills and exercises for Classical Fencers is taken from a similar system of training developed by Fencing Master Adam Crown, modified for the focus and needs of our Salle.

1st Rank Exercises:

1st Exercise - The Salute and On Guard:  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. 

2nd Exercise - The Attack:  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.

3rd Exercise - The Guards:  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. 

2nd Rank Exercises and Drills:

4th Exercise - Attack and Defense: Designed to take the fencer through a typical sequence of attack and defense to introduce the combination of actions taught in the first three exercises.

Drill 1 - The Engagement and Change of Engagement: 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.

Drill 2 - The Straight Thrust: Designed to take the fencer through closing the distance and delivering a straight thrust in response to an opening by an opponent.

Drill 3 - The Disengage: Designed to take the fencer through closing the distance and delivering a disengage attack in response to pressure on engagement by an opponent.

Drill 4 - The Coupe: Designed to take the fencer through closing the distance and delivering a coupe attack in response to pressure on engagement by an opponent.

Drill 5 - The Counterdisengage:  Designed to take the fencer through closing the distance and delivering a counterdisengage attack in response to a circular attempt by an opponent to take the blade.

3rd Rank Exercises and Drills:

5th Exercise - The Assault:  Designed to take the fencer through a typical sequence of attack and defense with movement in tempo with a partner.

4th Rank Exercises and Drills:

6th Exercise - The Grand Salute:  Designed to teach the fencer to perform the Grand Salute as an exercise and as the prelude to formal fencing activity.