Varsity test

[Pescados666]

For my varsity test next Tuesday, I have to preform, decribe and say an example of an assigned bladework and footwork. For Footwork, I was assigned half-advance cross-forward. For bladework, I was assigned press (I think it said something else, I'll check on that tomarrow.)

How would you describe these and what would you give as an example?

Thanks!

[Hobbes]

wouldn't telling you be the same as cheating?

[Pescados666]

No, he gave us a week to perfect it. I just want to make sure that my idea of it is correct. They arn't the hardest things in the world to do, I just do poorly under pressure like that.

[keith]

For Footwork, I was assigned half-advance cross-forward.

For any footwork action the general 'why' is to change the cadence of your footwork. In the example you have it would most likely be in pursuit of a fencer who aggressively pulled distance on the initiation of your advance.

As to doing - use small steps, and change the rhythm. So a small soft half advance followed by a fast forward cross over. Make sure you end nicely in balance to make any subsequent footwork

Also remember the 'why' of the action. So for your example;

make a double advance lunge, dummy pulls distance so you fall short.
make your half advance/forward cross then follow with a step lunge to 'catch' your dummy.

Remember footwork using a change of tempo is much easier to show off if you start slow (faster & fastest is a recipe for tripping over your own feet) and take small steps.

For bladework, I was assigned press (I think it said something else, I'll check on that tomarrow.)

It may have said froissment, but then again maybe not.

As a general rule actions on your opponents blade are for two things;

to open a line for a simple attack.

to induce a response from the opponent.

So in foil and sabre the 'normal' dummy would attempt to close the line allowing an disengage. In epee it might also induce a counter, allowing either a hit in absence (stop hit the stop hit) or a parry riposte.

You can make these actions in any line, but high lines are normally easier and more obvious.

So engage quarte, press, lunge direct. Then engage quarte, press, as dummy tries to cover disengage and lunge direct. From a press a counter would be much harder for the dummy to do after the engagement - but for any action it is generally a good idea to show what you would do when things don't go to plan;

So as you attempt to engage quarte dummy disengages to make an attack into your preparation. You parry riposte to hit.

If you fail don't blame me

[Pescados666]

Thanks! That seems to pretty much sum it up unless anyone else has anything to add.