Decided to type a little something here, since I'm bored and it would be good for you guys to know this stuff.
Not too sure if I've typed this in this blog or somewhere else before. But on to the 3 Dimensions of Fencing. Though I may be a epee specialist. These stuff applies to sabre fencing as well so no worries there.
(Do take note that this is what coach taught us a long time ago.)
So, you know how our world has three dimensions. They are the x, y and z axes. To the layman, it's left, right, back, front, up, down. Then Einstein found out that we can actually use some nifty math to play around with the fourth dimension - time. Whee! The physicist in me is getting excited.
Anyways, back to fencing. So, fencing has three dimensions as well!
The 3 dimensions of fencing are O. D. T.
1. Opportunity
2. Distance
3. Timing
Simply any fencing match can be broken down into these 3 portions.
When you are at the right distance, you try to find the right opportunity (or you make one), and attack at the right timing.
And the converse is true for defending, if you are at the right distance, you can strike at the right opportunity with the right timing and get the point on the counter attack.
Sounds simple enough? =p
The trick is knowing what is:
1. The right distance
2. The right timing
3. The right opportunity
Shall write more about these three "right stuffs" next time.
I also want to write about having a "repertoire" of movements.
And about the different tactics like AD, DA, AA, DD.
How to create a game plan.
How to analyze your opponent?
How to do the correct mental preparation before, during and after a tournament?
About the 4 aspects of fencing. Physical, Technical, Tactical, Psychological.
And a few other things that I cannot recall at this time.
Yeah, actually you guys can go borrow books from the library if you are interested.
But the best way to improve your fencing is by fencing more.
But fencing more is not just chalking up a large number of bouts or tournaments.
Each bout you have, whether practice or competitive, should have a purpose.
Likewise, each tournament you have should have a purpose as well.
When you are fencing someone stronger than you, do you want to try going all out? That means you use both offensive and defensive skills, with varied timing and tempo?
Or would you rather try a so-called "100% defense", so that you can train up your defense game?
When you are fencing someone on par with you? Do you want to train a certain skill? Maybe a counter attack, a lunge, a fleche, a circular sixte parry combined with a riposte on a lunge? Or maybe try the 3 or 4 different close quarter combat (CQC) moves?
When you are fencing someone weaker than you? Do you go all out to thrash the person 15-0 just to boost your ego? (That's a rhetorical question, the answer is no btw)
Or do you train a certain move? Maybe train your step-forward-lunge, and see if she/he can adapt to defend against it?
And would you be nice enough to remember what your opponent could improve on and tell him/her later on after the bout?
Hahaha, this is a long enough post. Well, I'll try to write more stuff as the days go by, though I know that other people in Singapore and around the world can read this stuff as well.
Happy training!! XD
- Maurice (VJC 05S14)
- Maurice (VJC 05S14)
