Spanish Offset Pistol Grip(foil)

[SyntheticFears]

I recently baught a new foil for fencing, it has a Spanish Offset Pistol grip. i was wondering if any of you kenw any good tips on how to use it?

I use classic style fencing its much harder to keep right of way and point in line. ANy new forms or styles I should try while using a SO pistol grip? -SF

[Epee Scherma]

Hmm. Good tips on how to use it. I would put my thumb on the top of the shaft. First and second fingers before the bottom prong, and the last fingers wrap around it like a french. That's how you use it...

[Epee Scherma]

HOw is it harder to make a point in line in classical fencing? Now please tell me if I'm wrong, but isn't it just a matter of extending the arm? I think that's how it is in "modern" fencing too.

[SyntheticFears]

i know how to hold it, but i was wondering if there are nany style sof fencing i should use. i mostly use classic style, but naythiung else i should try?

[SyntheticFears]

yeah but some directors dont call it...

[Epee Scherma]

Can't say any new forms or styles. Kind of depends on YOU, not the handle. Perhaps if you are fencing with an old italian handle then it limits you to that one pris de fer/beating style. From my what I've learned though, it's not the handle that dictates your style but you. When you talk about form... the form you can use (as all fencers do) is called "en guarde". If you know other forms I'd be interested, but I believe the rules state that fencing in a strange way that isn't enguarde is an offense.

[SyntheticFears]

i am really just wanting to know what i should try doing with this new grip. If anyone uses a SO pistol grip please let me know.

[SyntheticFears]

ok...i see...

[Epee Scherma]

I happen to like to use a lot of PiL, i understand it can be hard to call. Are you making a PiL one tempo ahead of the fencer? In other words, clearly before the initiation of your opponent's attack? If you don't it won't be called in your favor. I think a ref guide book I've read even state teh PiL only has priority if it's one tempo ahead of the attacking fencer. I'm sure you know not to let the other fencer beat the blade too, right?

[SyntheticFears]

of course, btw what book is it that you have, i would be very interested in ordering myself a copy. I usually disengage if they try to beat my blade.

[Epee Scherma]

Don't worry, no need to spend money. This http://www.fencingofficials.org/Info...tml#_Toc976815

is an excellent resource. Much easier to read comprehensibly than the rules.

[SyntheticFears]

hmm thank you very much, this should prove very useful.

[achilleus]

Yo, Sf,

Fencing isn't quite like a martial arts movie. No one hear can tell, when use pistol grip with tiger claw style to defeat your opponent.

Sorry, it doesn't work that way. The grip is just a tool. The pistol grip, vs. the french, allows for more control of the blade, stronger actions, and an easier time to flick.

However, if you don't know to use it (fingers people, fingers), you're just wasting your time.

So use the grip, fence the way you normally do.

Oh and the PiL, great action, hard to get it called your way. It's the hardest action to score with consistently. So, figure out if it's the ref making the wrong call, or you doing the wrong thing. Chances are, since you're a beginner, it's you.

Good luck.

[Kettu]

One might pose the question if you truly think that you are ready for an anatomical grip, and if in the course of your classical instruction do you truly feel that you can benefit from your more modern weapon in a school centered around the French handle, as well the [archaic] Italian.

I fully support the classical school, though competitively I must concede to the use of a Belgian grip.

Do try and distinguish Right of Way and Point in Line, as it appears that this may have been what may have been doing. PiL and get you the RoW, though the converse of this cannot be said.