Knight of Swords Fencing Studio

Basic Fencing Techniques

Basic position: both knees straight with heels touching in an “L” shape. Used for saluting, exercises and the start of fencing position. On guard (en garde) or fencing position: both knees bent and spread apart with heels at shoulder width apart feet still at 90 degrees. Lunge position: Rear leg fully extended with lower front leg just vertical. Medium lunge: Upper front leg diagonal. Large lunge: Upper front leg horizontal.

Bearing your weight equally on both feet is the key to successful footwork. Advances and retreats start by raising the front toe and moving the front foot first to advance and back foot first to retreat. Lunge starts with extension of the sword arm , then raising toe front toe, kicking forward and pushing with the back leg. Jump is tricky; you start with raising the front toe and as you kick forward with your front foot you push quickly with the back and they both land at the same time. Jump lunge is a combination step adding a lunge to a well-executed jump in one continuous fluid motion.