Hello all, I've lurked a bit, but that's been my main contribution to these forums
I got into this wonderful sport about a year ago, got myself a very good coach, and threw myself into it with tremendous enjoyment.
I suffered/still suffer, from many of the fault of the beginning fencer, especially as far as fine-motor-skill actions go (more difficult second, third intention, repeated disengages, timing counter riposte, etc.). However, I think I have a reasonably good head for the sport, and I'm 6'5" and left-handed, in addition to being skinny as a rail. I obsessively watched videos and every good fencer I could find, and came up with a sort of methodology for myself to follow.

I taught myself to flick, reasonably well, barring backflicks, achieved a decent sense of distance and timing, figured out some odd angulated sorts of attack, and focused primarily on marching attacks, with the occasionally counter-attack with opp, stop-hit, or sweeping circle parry to cover my butt.
I very recently obtained my C, from U, and have had a reasonably good time beating a variety of fencers, up to a fairly high level, which leads me to my question.
My coach has not taught me any of my main bout strategy. We still work (not that I'm complaining about it, as I desperately need it) primarily on point control, setting up actions, and that sort of thing (disengage heavy, lots of second intention, etc.). Presumably he will eventually begin on flicks, and other such things when I have a better command of the basics, but I am curious as to how this odd sort of two-pronged approach to improving my fencing will end up. I'm pursuing the proper course of study, for the time i've been fencing and my skills, but simultaneously, experimenting (flicking, marching attacks, etc.) with much more effective competitive results. Is this an effective method?


I know that very tall fencers (ie cassara, a personal favorite), often tend to rely on marches, big preparations, and counterattacks, leaving the high-speed, elegant bladework for the smaller fencer. As a long term plan for my development as a fencer (which will hopefully end up at least on a national level) is my current approach feasible? I'm aware of the stigma against newer-newish fencers flicking, but I'm comfortable with relatively painless chest and shoulder flicks, with very little smacking and bashing and other such unpleasant stuff.


Should I be, even at the 1 year mark, be basing my training and general approach on a "tall" person strategy? Or is it still essential for my general development to learn to execute all actions on as high a level possible?
I know that every basic action should be ingrained even to the subconscious level, but actual bout tactics for lessons are more the general subject.

Sorry for such a convoluted, indulgent question, hello all


~p