As with the techniques section, please refer to the epee drills page. Classical fencing has much in common with epee, which is why we refer you back from time to time. OK, now for Classical Fencing drills.

Controlled bouts. These bouts are unlike regular bouts in that they have a specific training purpose. For example, you could do a bout where forearm is the only target, or you could run a bout where one person can only defend themselves, block and parry with no strikes. It is a useful practice to do some where only one weapon is used (that weapon could be a buckler, cloak, or scabbard). These help build understanding and skill with various arms. Unarmed against the sword is a handy drill for the more advanced, be very careful! It teaches how to make best use of yourself as a defensive weapon, but the risk of accidents greater. This makes a great addition to a public demonstration. People like to go too fast when attempting most of these bouts, so make very sure everyone slows way down. These bouts are useful for learning non-classical disciplines as well.

Cross bouts. These are full speed bouts for training concentration and calmness in bouts between three or more people. Four fencers stand in a square, two facing the other two, as if they were going to fence their opposite number. Then they begin fencing, at the directors command, with the fencer kitty-corner to them. They can only hit that fencer, not the one in front of them. Bouts should be five touch and limb loss should not be simulated.

Flanking. Take a partner and just circle, right and left, at various speeds. Then try with your partner standing still and not resisting, to trap one of his limbs (or blades) and move to his side for the hit. If needed have him help, but only when you are first learning! Classical fencing is a martial art, not a stage performance. After you learn, have him start to resist and avoid, then he needs to try and flank and hit you. This should effectively teach you how to take advantage of various opportunities in a bout. Try this with various weapons and partners.

Three way bout. Take two partners and stand in a triangle with everyone facing in, just out of sword range of each other, and fence. Everyone is fair game to everyone else, no teaming up! This builds quickness, observation, and situational awareness.

Two on one bout. You have to fence two opponents in this drill. It is full speed and teaches you how to move quickly and to keep track of multiple opponents. It is very winnable for the poor sap who is alone. This drill also teaches teamwork to the pair that have to take you down. Use a variety of weapons and people. The trick is to flank if you are the lone man, or if in the pair, to avoid tripping over each other and to anticipate your partners actions.

Bouts with the training pistols are also a good idea, loading and firing should be done in both static duel positions and in high speed, fluid combat matches. In duels, accuracy and minimizing target area (Pistols back then had one shot and bullets had low penetration, an arm bone could save your life in a duel) is key. The winner is the first good hit. In the combat shooting the first to get 5 hits wins. Rolling, transpositions, and high speed movement are the main learning points. Reloading while doing all this is difficult (so make your shots count!), but if you stop or move in a straight line, you will get hit. I will try and get some photos and videos to illustrate.

Remember that classical fencing is dangerous, and was used to train people in defensive combat back when swords were the primary mode of defense so do not pose or imitate techniques from the movies. Treat it like a serious martial art and you will benefit greatly. Because of this, try adding things like staffs and walking sticks, or whatever other weapon strikes your fancy. Learn to overcome these additional weapons and you will be much more ready to face real life challenges. If desired create scenarios to test your skills, kind of like LARP, but based on real life. Or you can always make up a bunch of boffer fencing weapons and start a fight with the local LARP club! On a more serious note, making boffers of various weapons, including rifles, could be a handy way to train. Don't neglect to learn a little something about bayonet fencing, it is based off of the same principles as fencing and could help new people to understand the lines of attack an how the blocks work a little better than just using the sword. I hope these drills and ideas will prove useful to you in your own efforts, Good Luck!

Erik Schlagel, December 8, 2009
  

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