Your two feet should be at a 90 degree angle from each other. This position allows for maximum stability, while allowing you to lunge as far and forward as possible with your front foot. [1] X Research source Your knees should be bent far enough to extend out to your toes. Your butt should be pushed downward as if sitting slightly. Be sure that your front foot is facing directly in line with your blade. This is important for maintaining accuracy. Proper fencing position is uncomfortable, and will require some lower body strength, but allows for maximum mobility. [2] X Research source If your right hand is dominant, then your right foot should be the front foot. If your left hand is dominant, then your left foot should be the front foot.
While this means that you might also be unable to lunge and hit your opponent, it leaves you in control until you are ready to advance and strike.
The first step is to lift your front foot, moving it slightly forward. You should end on the ball of your foot with the toes still off the ground. Next, move your back foot forward the same distance as you moved your front foot. As you move your back foot forward, lower the toes of the front foot so that you are no longer on the ball of your foot. [3] X Research source Practice until this move flows like one fluid motion.
Begin stepping back with the back foot, so that it lands on the ball of the foot. Once on the ball of the foot, move the heel toward the floor and let the front foot slide back.
When moving backward, take the front foot back behind your back foot. Then, move your back foot backwards until your feet are again square with your shoulders. [4] X Research source
How far you lunge is dependent upon your skill level. To cover the distance between you and your opponent, you should lunge as far as possible. However, if your leg strength is not sufficient to recover from that distance and return to your normal fighting position, then you should consider making a more modest lunge. [5] X Research source To recover, bend the back knee and pull your front leg back as quickly as possible to shoulder length distance. Following that, perform a retreat step to ensure that your opponent does not advance quickly upon you. [6] X Research source When lunging you can straighten out your back arm, so that instead of facing up it faces backward and is straight with your shoulders. This will help you maintain your balance as you lunge.
For endurance, consider jogging. For core strength practice sit ups, planks, crunches, and bicycles. For leg strength, consider squats and lunges.
Nothing is natural about fencing footwork or posture. Expect it to take considerable practice to master. If you are serious about fencing, do not give up because you can’t seem to master the movements. There is no reason why you should be able to perform them initially. Consider practicing in front of a mirror to verify that you are making the motions correctly.
You can open up the hand of your back arm so that the palm faces up toward the ceiling. Use your dominant hand to control your sword. If you are ambidextrous, consider using your left hand. Left-handed fencers have an advantage because it is difficult for their opponents to adjust to their fighting styles.
While doing this, keep your hand straight so that your sword is aligned with your arm. It is common for inexperienced fencers to bend the hand, but if your forearm is not aligned with sword, it will be more difficult to make precise and accurate movements.
If, after a lot of practice, you are still unable to thrust accurately, try verifying your form. Look in the mirror to see if you are using the correct form. Be sure that your front leg is aligned with your sword, that the sword is aligned directly with your forearm, and that you elbow is close to your body. You should also practice twisting the sword with your wrist in a small, precise, and quick semicircle. This sort of motion is important for disengaging your sword from your opponent’s sword, freeing you to attack when you have become tangled up.
Your fencing outfit might cost around $250. In contrast, a visit to a fencing club, including professional instruction, equipment rental, and the opportunity to compete against other members, will cost about $20-$50. [8] X Research source
You can try to compensate for the absence of a mentor, by watching fencing for form. There are instructional videos online that you can watch for information about fencing form. You can also watch fencing competitions to see how professionals fence.
