By Daniel
Contents Introduction
2
Chapter one: What to Wear
3
Chapter two: Positions Everyone!
4
Chapter three: Footwork
5
Chapter for: Types of Fencing
6
Chapter five:Line Judges/Director
7
Glossary
8
Conclusion
9
Introduction Now, if you're reading this book to learn how to set up a fence, you have the wrong book! I’m talking about the swordfighting called fencing. When you read this book I’ll about a few different types of fencing and the equipment you will need. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to fence someone? Cause I’m the perfect guy to ask because I did and hope you enjoy this book!
Chapter One: What to Wear Helmet The helmet is the most important of equipment to keep you safe. Now, this type of helmet also know a fencing mask, is different than a bike helmet, similar to a hockey mask but still different. There are two main parts to the fencing mask, the bib and the grate. The bib protects your neck and the grate protects your face. But in the back of the head there is little or no protection. Jacket (if needed) The jacket is the least important piece of equipment. you may not need this piece of equipment. The bib will hang over jacket. Naw, if you were a professional you would need a jacket, but you're probably not because you're reading this book. The fencing jacket is basically a regular jacket but they have circuitboard on them so the judges know when you get hit. Sword The fencing sword looks a little different than you might amgn, if you're imagining that the type of sword that looks like this you have it all wrong! (well maybe not all wrong but still wrong.) there are two main types of swords that we are going to talk about later. there are two types of grips (or handles) that I am going to talk about,theres the pistol grip it looks like a pistol and there is a regular grip which you probably already know the way it looks.
Chapter 2: Positions Everyone Position #1 Stand up straight with your right hand straight up in the air if you're a lefty. (we will talk about where to put your feet later on). Position #2 Lower your hand to about your waist and make sure you're hand crosses your body. Position #3 take the hand you are not using and make the fingertips touch the other hand. Position #4 raise both hands,be sure to keep them together. Position #5+6 Put your right hand(left if you're a lefty.) to about the halfway mark and don't let it touch your body,leave your other arm in the air and then bend your knees to about the halfway mark.
Chapter 3: Footwork How to stand Stand with your knees bent and your arm that you right with sticking straight out and other hand covered over your head. Your feet should look like the picture, but if you feel comfortable putting your right heel on top of your left heel or vise versa,you can. How to move forward To move forwards you have to slide the foot that is pointing forward forwards, then move the foot in the back forwards. You could compare it to galloping because that is what it basically is, but you should try to keep your feet in the same position, like one foot pointing forwards and the other one facing the side. How to move back To move back its just like moving forwards only in reverse. So instead of moving your foot forwards, just move the foot pointing to the side first and do it in the other direction. How to lunge and recover To lunge what you do is pretty simple. All you need to do is move the foot that is pointing forward forwards. But don’t move your other foot. Stick the arm that has the sword straight out. To recover you just need to step back and keep your back foot in the same place.
Chapter 4: Type of Fencing Foil Fencing Foil fencing is a type of fencing where you can’t cut, you have to poke and jab at your opponent. A good hit in foil fencing is when you hit your opponent on their back, sides, chest, shoulders, and stomach. In foil fencing if you hit someone off target you would stop the game and restart. Saber Fencing Saber fencing is a little different then foil fencing. In saber fencing you hold your sword with your palm up and instead of holding your arm above your head you put it at your side because in saber your arm and head are on target! You don’t stop for penalties. Similarities One similarity is you can use the same sword and the same masks. Most of the rules are the same, like you can’t slash in either type. Some rules are different but we aren’t going to talk about that now.
Chapter 5: Line Judges and Director What Line Judges do A line judge’s job is to watch the match and if they see a good hit they will raise their hand and the director will can a halt and ask the line judges what they saw. This will also happen if they saw a penalty. What Directors do A director will also watch the match for a good head or penalty. He will also watch the line judges so he can call a halt if the line judges raise their hand or if he sees something. How much power? A director has more power than the line judges. There are two or three line judges and one director in a fencing match. Even though there are more line judges than directors, the director has more power than the line judges.
Conclusion How was it? Interesting, right? I encourage you to try fencing and to go join a group, get lessons, or something like that! Now, lets be honest here. If it wasn’t a good book don’t blame em. I’m only in 3rd grade! And, Like I said before, I hope you enjoyed this book! And I have one small request: spread the word!
Glossary Lunge
Lunging in fencing is to stick your sword out as far as you can and step forwards but not moving your back foot
Opponent
An opponent is the one who you are trying to beat
Recover
Recovering is to step back from a lunge