How many parries are really used in foil?

[RITFencing]

Hang on a sec here...

I was speaking in the general case. You're thinking of specific character flaws in the students? Where they have psychological issue with the offensive? The kind of student that simply won't be good on the offensive ever?

In that case, I begrudgingly give you the point: maximising the potential of the student is always paramount. And you're right, some students, simply can't go forward. For those students, AND THOSE STUDENTS ONLY, I agree that a "defensive game" might be the best of a bad situation.

James.

I think that each student needs some sort of offensive game, otherwise the opponents will walk all over them.

Everyone has relative strengths and weaknesses, though, and I'm not convinced that a defensive game is a losing choice if well executed. Some fencers really are just stronger on defense.

In any case, I think that all fencers should be capable of either offensive or defensive play, if for no other reason than to make sure there are no huge flaws to be exploited.

[jBirch]

In any case, I think that all fencers should be capable of either offensive or defensive play, if for no other reason than to make sure there are no huge flaws to be exploited.

Amen brother.

That goes without saying.

James.

[RITFencing]

Amen brother.

That goes without saying.

James.

I've started to get into the habit of saying things that go without saying... funny how often people don't really know them.

[oiuyt]

What the hell? Oiuty pulled his post.

Good thing I caught it before he did.

Didn't hit quite the note I was looking for, so I deleted it. Your first response must have happened during the few minutes it was up.

-B

[stritti]

It is up for the situation , in the german terminology we use 4 main parads and all with filo or direct actions, but it is up on the fencers individual fencing style how he has to use the parads. As a coach I teach all parads that my students can use them whenever the need one of them.....