Feint Deceive Exercises, Part II (P: Pupil, L: Leader)
1. Slow – Fast Tempo Exercise
L: Straight attack with lunge
P: Slow circular parry with retreat
L: Remain parried in the lunge
P: Change engagement and opposition riposte
What is going on here? Let’s say that the attack was to 4 and
the pupil uses counter-6 for the parry. The pupil now changes
engagement to 4 and extends the arm, keeping the leader’s blade
trapped in opposition.
While not suitable for an attacker with a quick remise, this
riposte clears the blade out a second time and makes it more
difficult for the leader to execute a counter-riposte.
2. Slow – Fast Defense and Offense Exercise
A. L: Straight attack with lunge
P: Slow circular parry with retreat
L: Remain parried in the lunge
P: Change engagement and opposition riposte
B. P: Engage or change engagement with advance
L: Retreat, supporting the engagement
P: Change engagement with opposition attack and
hit with lunge.
What is going on here? In ‘B’ we have drill #1 as an
attack. Starting in normal enguard (both in 4, assuming
same-handed fencers), the student presses 4 on the advance,
then executes a counter-6 engagement with the lunge. This
quickly clears the blade away from the target and gives
control to the attacker.
In order to be most effective, the slow/fast tempo change
is needed. Execute the engagement as a slow tempo, then
the counter engagement as a fast tempo.
3. Slow – Fast Active Rest Exercise (No Hits)
A. P: Engage or change engagement 4 with advance
L: Retreat, supporting the engagement
P: Beat 4, extend (no hit or lunge)
B. P: Engage or change engagement 6 with advance
L: Retreat, supporting the engagement
P: Change beat 4, extend (no hit or lunge)
4. Direct or Indirect Riposte Exercise
A. L: Straight attack with lunge
P: Lateral parry with direct opposition riposte
(no retreat)
B. L: Straight attack with lunge
P: Lateral parry
L: Anticipates riposte and begins to parry
P: Disengage riposte
5. Direct or Indirect Riposte Choice
A. L: Disengage feint with beginning of the lunge
P: Attempt circular parry
L: Deceive and complete lunge
P: Lateral parry and direct opposition riposte
B. L: Disengage feint with beginning of the lunge
P: Attempt circular parry
L: Deceive and complete lunge
P: Lateral parry
L: Anticipates riposte and begins to parry
(remaining in the lunge)
P: Disengage riposte