Epee gripping positions

[KD5MDK]

That doesn't say much about how the rule is applied, though.

[mfp]

Originally Posted by DHCJr

As tbryan said, I also have a problem picturing this. I don't know about your hand, but there is no way I could have my index finger straight on the side, while keeping my thumb within 2cm of the inside of the guard.

The rule says "the extremity of the thumb when completely extended must not be more than 2 cm from the inner surface of the guard". So where/how is that measured? The focus of the guard is not mentioned, nor is there any diagram showing the measurement, so it would seem within 2 cm of any inner surface would comply with the letter of the rule.

If the extremity of the thumb is within 2 cm of the inner surface of the guard, but the surface < 2cm away is the inner lip of the guard and the < 2cm measurement is perpendicular or angled to the handle is that acceptable?

[jdoiv]

Originally Posted by mfp

The rule says "the extremity of the thumb when completely extended must not be more than 2 cm from the inner surface of the guard". So where/how is that measured? The focus of the guard is not mentioned, nor is there any diagram showing the measurement, so it would seem within 2 cm of any inner surface would comply with the letter of the rule.

If the extremity of the thumb is within 2 cm of the inner surface of the guard, but the surface < 2cm away is the inner lip of the guard and the < 2cm measurement is perpendicular or angled to the handle is that acceptable?

Hmm... the rule says from the "inner surface of the guard" and not the guard pad. The guard pad is to be no more than 2 cm thick per m.5.2. So if you subtract that 2cm from the 2 cm of the inside of the guard, your thumb would need to be touching the guard pad (or very close to it). Wonderful how they wrote these rules isn't it.

[RoninX]

Yep. That would certainly seem to imply that posting should be a no go...

[tbryan]

Originally Posted by RoninX

Yep. That would certainly seem to imply that posting should be a no go...

Well, the "thumb within 2 cm of the guard" thing is only for a grip that "includes any device or attachment or has a special shape (orthopaedic) which fixes the position of the hand on the grip," so no problems posting with a french grip. See rule m.4.6 for more info.

[jjefferies]

Originally Posted by D+F+P=Hadouken!

Epee gripping question....
Ok, I have seemingly developed a slightly different way to holding my visconti grip. Instead of just putting the thumb on top and index finger on the bottom, I have my thumb on top, index finger on the side, and middle finger on the bottom. I feel it gives better finger control. Is there anything inherently wrong with holding the grip this way?

Depends on what you mean by "index finger on the side". If it's laid along the side pointing straight ahead you have a major NO-NO. Someone fleching or lunging into your blade could very easily ram the bell guard back against your index finger. Result could be a nasty sprain or worse. If the index finger curls around the grip so that the distal joint - first joint from the tip - is laying on the edge (side and bottom) of the grip. Then you've probably re-invented a very normal grip. I'm using all the caveats as I can't really see what you are talking about.