Fencing Proposal - shorter strips - 10 m

[RITFencing]

Not exactly what I was looking for, but it'll suffice.

[Inquartata]

Finally I have a chance to get to this beastly idea.

• Shortening the fencing strip would create a more spectacular and visually appealing fencing bout. The shorter strip would force the fencers to execute more actions and more blade activity while simultaneously reducing or eliminating "running" on the strip. Fencers would be forced to make their actions sooner and not after many (excessive) retreats.

Who gets to define "excessive"?

I also disagree with the basic premise that shortening the strip would do anything at all to enhance "spectator appeal".

Even if it did, fencing is not about the spectators. Their needs should come DEAD LAST on a list of priorities for the sport.

• Dueling, from which fencing originates, did not have "running" which is so prevalent in modern bouts. Additionally, the length of the current strip has no relation to traditional dueling practices.

Neither does a strip, period. Duels were not confined to a defined ground, much less an artificial linear one.

And BTW, yes, duelling DID have "running". The person who wrote this should read Brantome, or Hutton.

• Strategy and tactics would be unaffected by a shortening of the strip. Fencers will still be able to execute all actions and utilize the various areas of the strip (i.e. fencing on the last meter). The frequency of such actions will increase because of the tighter space.

Er---retreating IS a "tactic". Fleching/flunging IS a tactic. The proposal WANTS to "affect" those particular ones. Thats' what it's all about, no?

What is meant, one suspects, is "It won't affect the tactics of which I approve".

• Clubs would be able to fit more strips in limited space, allowing more fencers to practice at once thereby increasing their earning and training potential.

I this really a pressing concern?

• Costs to shorten the strip would be minimal to nonexistant.

Hey, just think of the lack of cost in eliminating them altogether!

Oy.