Marching attacks are not surprise attacks, but rather constructed attacks. Since they rely on the reactions of the opponent, you'd think they were thoughtful and reactive, but they aren't — for the sake of sanity, the attacking fencer is usually running a program. This program consists of a coordinated interdependence of hand and foot movements that together protect the preparations, while forcing the opponent backwards in a defensive mode.
Most fencers, at one time or another, have been terrorized by a marching attack. These attacks are compound, so their destination target is hidden until the very end. They are also methodical, so they are difficult to break apart. The attacker scores, and issues an alpha-male/female howl. The defender is left reeling, feeling singularly inept and confused about what they should have done to stop the atrocity.
The following fitness routines are courtesy David Littel of the Liberty Fencing Alliance. David has been coaching foil fencing for the last 10 years on a volunteer basis. In his training as a coach, he has attended the U.S.F.A. coaches college several times and has studied with a number of high level coaches. He was a member of the 1988 U.S. Olympic Fencing team.
In August 1998 I went to a fencing camp (combined with a coaches program) in Hungary. I learned about the Hungarian methodology for teaching fencing. I found (and continue to find) it extremely helpful. I had learned lots techniques/tactics/strategies/tricks before, but never a system--a unifying set of principles that tie all the ends of fencing together. Below is a description of what I learned and how I’ve integrated it into working with foil fencers.
Marching attacks are not surprise attacks, but rather constructed attacks. Since they rely on the reactions of the opponent, you'd think they were thoughtful and reactive, but they aren't — for the sake of sanity, the attacking fencer is usually running a program. This program consists of a coordinated interdependence of hand and foot movements that together protect the preparations, while forcing the opponent backwards in a defensive mode.
