At our club some of the guys are coming on guard with the unarmed arm held straight out to the left (right if you are left-handed). It is then possible either to swing it back with the lunge or topull it forward when you retreat, which like aids a quick retreat. A snap of the fingers can be a like distraction.
I usually fence with my back arm down.
Sometimes, I will have my upper back arm out to the side (85 degrees up from my side) with the forearm pointing toward my opponent (parallel to the ground) and my wrist relaxed in a downward position. Although it isn't covering target, I'll get called for it if the opponent swings (rather than thrusts) his blade in a roundhouse manner toward my body, because the blade will run into my hand.
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