Lesson with Istvan

Was on a business trip this week, so no fencing in MA on Wednesday

Took a lesson from Istvan today (I'm putting this here, so I don't forget--hopefully will be able to import to my journal once Craig debugs this function).

1. M: invite S: 2x head cut. M cuts 4, S parry 4, riposte head. Standing, w/advance, retreating (retreating footwork is back foot back w/ two head cuts, parry w/ front foot back, riposte standing).

2. M: invite S: 2x flank cut, M cuts 5, S parry 5, riposte chest. As above.

3. Variation games. S: advance w/ flank threat.

M does nothing, S lunge, flank cut under the bell
M parry 2, S lunge, cut head (pursuing if M retreats)
M cut head, S parry 5, riposte flank

This exercise is an example of "dynamic stereotyping." With the initial action, S constrains the responses of the opponent into a few variations. Of course, you have to have an opponent who actually pays attention to what you are doing. Worked this w/ over-emphasized correct advance--front foot forward-toes up, back foot forward, front foot toes down, stamp.

4. M prepares, with open wrist. S cuts wrists. M attacks 3, 4, or 5. S parry riposte. Retreating.

5. Straight attack drill. M invites. S attacks to head w/ advance, jump, advance, lunge. Hard and fast. Head feint-flank if M parries 5.

6. Defensive variation game:

M prepares with feint to flank.

a. S retreats, shows counter attack to head, M parry 5, S cut flank w/advance.
b. S holds terce (perhaps lifts hand slightly), M cuts flank under bell, S parry 2, cheek riposte.
c. S show parry 2, M cut head, S parry 5, riposte.

Obviously, this is how to defend against the attacks in #3 above. Pedagogical point: if you teach a particular attacking action, also teach how you defend against it.

7. M prepares. S PIL. M tries to take. S deceives and hits.

8. M prepares. S PIL. M beats, cuts. S parry-riposte.

9. M invites. S attack w/point-lunge. (cool down exercise).