engagement

[drippingwet]

Why does the teaching of engagement seem to differ. Take the engagement in quarte for instance. Some people appear to prefer engaging the blade by simply rotating the hand, and maybe bringing it forward a bit. Others (and I remember Golubitsky looked as though he did this on one of the clips from his Golden Bouts video) seem to prefer engaging in quarte by bringing the blade right across the body, as though they are forming a quarte parry.

Advantages/disadvantages?

[gojujay]

Maybe pronating the hand gives an advantage in pris de fer, while keeping the hand supinated retains flexibility?

[Epee_Pox]

Use the fingers to manipulate your blade into contact with the other, and your forearm to keep the other blade pressed away from you, maintaining pressure all the way through your attack.

[O_O #2]

listen, i really like you, but engagement? it seems like things are moving a little fast... I dont think im ready for that kind of commitment, but I am definately flattered.

[Alain]

I was taught that there are two phases of the engagement. First, where you use your fingers and move the point to search out your opponent's blade, making contact with it. This part is quick and fluid, and your shoulder must be relaxed. As you make contact with their blade, the second phase is where you complete the extension of your arm and push forwards. This part is where you also block out your opponent's point - in French, they say "fermes la porte" ("close the door") - for example, if you engage in sixte (esp. against a lefty) then it's best to close the door by lifting your hand.

As for quarte, in my opinion the best parry/engagement is done with supination (i.e. palm facing upwards, just slightly). This gives a couple of important advantages when compared to rolling your wrist over:
(i) your point stays in line with your opponent; if you turn your wrist, the first thing that happens is displacement of your point.
(ii) greater flexibility in the wrist/elbow, allowing for an easier (and therefore quicker) riposte; roll over your wrist, and it is much more difficult to riposte.
(iii) parrying with your palm facing upwards is a more efficient movement, and is therefore quicker.
The first two points are particularly important in épée, where detached movements are suicide.

I hope this helps

[achilleus]

Originally Posted by drippingwet

Why does the teaching of engagement seem to differ.

In life, it's rare to find only one way to achieve a desired goal. Fencing is no different.

Originally Posted by drippingwet

Take the engagement in quarte for instance. Some people appear to prefer engaging the blade by simply rotating the hand, and maybe bringing it forward a bit. Others (and I remember Golubitsky looked as though he did this on one of the clips from his Golden Bouts video) seem to prefer engaging in quarte by bringing the blade right across the body, as though they are forming a quarte parry.

Advantages/disadvantages?

One is smaller, quicker, and in front allowing one to attack quickly.

The other is stronger, more forceful. Both have their uses. Both tend to draw different reactions. Some coaches prefer one, some another. It really depends on the style of the coach and fencer.