where's my free hand...

[sabreur]

In lessons, if I'm having problems with body control (leaning forward at the waist, feeling out of control), I'll put my back hand on my hip, ala classical sabre. Don't do it very often though, and never in bouts.

MR

[Craig]

I have my back arm somewhat mirror what my front arm is doing. I'll have to get some pictures to show it, but it's a very natural position and fits the human body's "desire" for symmetry.

For those that can draw good mental pictures:
In enguard position, front elbow is ~2 inches in front of front hip w/forearm parrallell to the floor. Back arm is in same position with the hand pointing 90 degrees from the front hand. This keeps shoulders loose and the hand out of the way.

Craig

[Darion McNair]

Is the french classical epee style different from french classical foil? We have a very well trained epeeist in our club who learned the french classical style in greece (that was the style he started with) and has been fencing pretty much all his life. He does not keep his rear arm/hand in the classical french style seen in foil though. Most of the time it is extended behind the body with a slight bend at the elbow. His style is as classical french as it gets and his point control is amazingly accurate. Does classical french epee usually have a bent arm like in foil, meaning his rear arm placement is a modification? Or, as I asked before are there any differences in classical french epee and classical french foil?

Just curious.

[jeff]

I always think it's much more important to worry about what your weapon hand does than your free hand...

[Borrissey]

Oh, I agree with that last comment. I'm left-handed and my hand along with the point drifts in....I havbe no idea how to relax and keep that hand out!

[sabreur]

I always think it's much more important to worry about what your weapon hand does than your free hand...

Yeah, until you get whacked on the rear hand and it hurts so much you can't concentrate on fencing....

But yes...

MR