Teaching a "Fundamentals of Epee" class

[Epee Scherma]

In a couple of days I will be teaching a "Fundamentals of Epee" class. The prerequisite for this class is to have begining and novice foil taken. So, my students will have a fairly solid fencing foundation.

The issue is that the club epees have french handles (which is fine!), but I wonder if I should teach them to pommel/post these epees. I wonder whether I should or not show them pommeling because it brings a dilemma:

1. If they all learn to pommel, will they be able to learn pris de fer actions, and certain parries decently in the time frame of this class?

2. Should they just hold the french like usual, and learn to pommel if they choose to pursue this weapon more?

This is a class about the "Fundamentals" of epee. So, my goal is to provide them the most fulfilling, well-rounded experience of this weapon and most importantly is to show them epee is not just a big foil.

So I will be teaching them the basic epee actions and common footwork, as well as describe the tactic/techniques to this game. Should holding the french handle by the pommel be included in this? While it will give them a true feeling to how most french handle competitors fence, I think it will slow down their learning of the other more important issues.

[Esotamoc]

man, don't even mention pommelling until the classes are over and they are on their own. pommelling is a particular style and if it is the fundamentals you are teavhing - teach them, simply!

[Epee Scherma]

Just thought I should add, (if this information should help anyone):
The class is once a week for an hour. 8 - 10 classes will probably be the total.

[Epee Scherma]

man, don't even mention pommelling until the classes are over and they are on their own. pommelling is a particular style and if it is the fundamentals you are teavhing - teach them, simply!

So, you are saying that pommeling the weapon isn't a fundamental. It's a higher technique because it's a style or way of fencing. I can see what you mean. The class is supposed to be kind of like "a taste of epee".

Right now I'm pretty sure I won't be teaching anyone to pommel, even if that is a pretty strong ingredient in "the taste of epee". I wonder if anyone can argue why I SHOULD teach them to pommel?

[Mr Epee]

Just hold it in the normal position.

I wouldn't spend much time on beats, or other actions on the blade.

Much can be learned about attacks and counter-attacks... esp if your mission is to teach them that EPEE isn't just big foil.

For the most fulfilling student experience, don't spend too much time on tactics. Epee, especially at the start, needs to be as simple as possible - in order to develop proper technique.

[acaba]

I can't come up with any good reasons to teach pomeling. Most novices have the following division of mental capacity: 10% What action to do, 90% how to do the action. No need put further demands on that small 10% by adding extra actions to choose from. I would stick to the simple parries (4, 6, 7, & 8) and other basic epee stuff.

[Mr Epee]

No need to worry about 7 - I wouldn't bother with it at all.

6 and 8 are good friends.

4 is really hard for beginners to get right.

[Alain]

I'd probably stay away from pommelling if it's just an elementary épée lesson: mention the idea just to make the students aware of it, but remember to focus more on the basic principles - hitting, without getting hit!

Best of luck

[D+F+P=Hadouken!]

Fundamentals of epee.... har har har.... its called foil.