Thursday, December 07, 2006

Contact Us

If you are interested in starting fencing, use the details below to contact our club secretary, Gillian. She will get back to you with full details of upcoming beginners course dates and answers to any questions you may have.

Please email our secretary for more club information:
secretary@cavaliers.com.au

If you have any questions or comments about the website, you can contact the webmaster:
webmaster@cavaliers.com.au

For details on our venue and fencing times, see the About Us page.

Fencing Basics

The Basics of Fencing

* The Grip
* The 'On Guard' Position
* Fencing Positions
* Gaining and Breaking Ground
* The Development (Attack)
* The Lunge
* To Recover From The Lunge
* Points To Note On The Development
* The Balestra
* The Flèche
* Simple Attacks
* Defense
* Riposte
* Compound Attacks

The Grip

The grip is the manner in which the sword is held and is conductive to ease in the wielding of the foil. The handle is shaped in such a way so as to fit comfortably in the hand. It should be placed in the palm of the hand and under The Grip the fleshy part of the thumb. The front part should rest on the middle of the index finger and the thumb placed FLAT on top. These are called the manipulators. The remaining three fingers should be placed along the side of the grip, with the first phalanx of each finger in contact (the aids).

The weapon should be carried in a state of relaxation in order that the principle of finger play can be carried out. This is the basis for the French school of fencing. A faulty grip can cause a tired and contracted hand and fencers then turn to 'orthopaedic grips' since they lack the necessary skill and technique. They are continually seeking a solution to their difficulties by changing from one handle to another without finding a rest for their weary hands. CARRY THE WEAPON. DON'T GRIP.

The 'On Guard' Position

The on guard position is the basic position of feet, body, arms and legs. To be on guard is to be prepared to execute defensive actions when attacked, or to be able to launch an offensive action whenever an opportunity presents itself. Place the feet approximately 18" apart and at right angles, the heels being in line. The leading foot is pointing towards the opponent, while the rear foot is turned at an angle of 90 degrees from it.

The trunk of the body is turned so that the chest is halfway towards the opponent, head erect. The sword arm is now raised until the hand is at a height level with the right breast, the arm half extended should find the elbow clear of the body, approx. the breadth of a hand from it and over the right thigh. The hand should be over and slightly outside the right knee with the fingers turned in half supination.

The left arm shall now be raised and brought to a position where the upper arm is level with the left shoulder. The whole arm will now form a graceful arc. The feet, body and arms now in this position the knees will be bent equally, allowing the body to be balanced on both legs. Do not allow the body to lean forward or backward whilst carrying out this manoeuvre.

Fencing Positions

The target is divided into four parts as shown: Sixte, Quarte, Octave and Septime and parries are formed to protect these positions. Target Areas The parries have the same name as the positions eg. the parry of Quarte will defend the position of Quarte on the target. These positions are also called the lines, and we talk about closing, opening or changing the lines.

Opening the line is the action of moving the blade away from the line that it normally occupies. Closing the line is to completely cover the side of the target the blade normally occupies. To change the line is to move the blade from one line to another and engage the opponent's blade in the line. It can be done by passing under or over the opponent's blade. When performing a change of line, the fencer begins engaged in Sixte, and then drops the point and passes under the opposing blade, lifting the blade and engaging in the new line, where he or she will cover his or her line.

Gaining And Breaking Ground

Is the action of stepping forward or backward. It is the footwork used in fencing to gain or maintain distance. To step forward (advance) is to carry the leading foot forward, approximately a foot's length and to follow up with an equal displacement of the rear foot maintaining the same distance between the two feet. The leading foot should be raised and lifted cleanly off the floor and land heel first in a normal walking action. The rear foot will be lifted from the knee, the heel leaving the floor first, to be replaced at the correct distance by resting the toes first. To step back (retreat) is to carry the rear foot back approximately a foot's distance and to follow up with the leading foot with equal displacement.

The length of the step forward or backward should be regulated so as not to develop into large or ungainly steps. It should be under control, smooth and rapid and allowing the fencer to maintain balance evenly and easily. Care must be taken not to drag the feet along the ground.

The Development (Attack)

The development is the extension of the sword arm and lunge. The development or lunge is the method of delivering the attack. it is composed of the extension of the sword-arm with the point threatening the opponent's target (which identifies the attacker) and the lunge that is an action of the legs permitting the fencer to reach his or her opponent. The sword arm is extended quickly and smoothly forward to a position slightly higher than the shoulder, which should not be lifted or contracted. The sword held lightly is directed towards the opponent's target, thus identifying the attacker, and the lunge is executed to cover the distance that will allow the fencer to reach his or her adversary.

The Lunge

The mechanism of the lunge is as follows:- The toes of the leading foot are raised and the heel cleared of the ground. Simultaneously, the whole body is thrust forward with rapid, but smooth extension of the rear leg, combined with a dropping of the rear arm, to a position just above and parallel with the rear leg, palm upward. The front leg in its path forward should just clear the ground where it well land heel first at the end of its travel. During the lunge the body should remain upright, head erect and the sword-arm not allowed to drop.

To Recover From The Lunge

To recover, the attacker co-ordinates the bending of the rear leg with the pushing back of the leading foot and the raising of the rear arm. The front leg is pushed back to the position it originally took in the 'on guard position' and the rear arm is brought back to its original position. Finally, the sword-arm, which has been extended throughout, is returned to its original position only when the return to guard has been completed.

Points To Note On The Development

* Hand slightly higher than the shoulder.
* Front knee above instep.
* Left leg straight.
* Left arm parallel with rear leg.
* Left foot flat on the floor.
* Body upright.
* Head erect.
* Above all, sword-arm straight.

The Balestra

The balestra is executed by a simultaneous raising of the leading foot and a short jump forward with the rear foot, both feet landing together on the ground. The weight of the body should be on the rear foot so that the lunge can be immediately undertaken, thus adding impetus and drive to the lunge.

The Fleche

The purpose of the flèche is to attack the opponent and to reach him or her by means of a quick, short run. Extend the arm (to gain right of attack), throw the weight of the body sharply forward and over the leading leg. The rear leg, that has been forced to leave the floor as a result of the loss of balance, should be brought through to land in front of the leading leg as quickly as possible thus beginning a series of short steps in the opponent's direction. The hit should land immediately and if possible before the rear foot touches the floor. When executing the flèche the fencer must not make body contact with the opponent. He or she must therefore run past their opponent rather than stop short. He or she should pass on the opponent's quarte side.

Simple Attacks

There are four simple attacks, one direct and three indirect:

* The straight thrust
* The disengage
* The cutover (coupe)
* The counter-disengage

The Straight Thrust is an attack directed in the line in which the fencer is engaged. The arm is extended and followed by the lunge.

The Disengage is made by passing the point under the opponent's blade into the opposite line. Whilst this action is being made, the arm is extended to make a threatening movement to the opponent and is followed by the lunge.

The Cutover is made by passing the point over the opponent's blade and again extending the arm to make a threat to the opponent.

The Counter-disengage is made by deceiving the opponent's change of line as described earlier. It is made by following the opponent's change of line, extending the arm and lunging.

Defense

There are three types of parries:

* Simple
* Circular
* Semi-circular

The Simple Parry is the action of carrying the sword across the body in order to oppose in the opposite line. The defender's forte will oppose the foible of the opponent's foil. This is the principle of defense, 'opposition of forte to foible'.

The Circular Parry or as is named 'Counter-Parry' is one which by describing a circular movement of the blade, bringing the attacker's blade back into the line in which it originally started.

The Semi-Circular Parry is a parry taken from the high line to the low line of visa versa; they describe a half-circle, and when taken from the high line to the low line from the parries of Octave and Septime.

Riposte

The riposte is the offensive action following the successful parry of an attack. It can be direct, indirect or compound.

There are four simple ripostes as there are attacks:

* Direct
* Disengage
* Cut over, and
* Counter-Disengage

Compound Attacks

A compound attack is an attack compromising of one or more feints. By combining any of the simple attacks into one flowing movement a compound attack is formed. ie. two disengagements become a 'One Two' and a disengage followed by a counter- disengage is called a Doublè. The feint or first part of the attack is designed to make your opponent take a parry and depending on the type of parry, the second part of the attack is to deceive and hit the target. eg. if the defender takes a simple parry after the feint of disengage, then the second part of the attack would be another disengage.

FAQ

How much does it cost to join Cavaliers in 2011?

It costs $420 per year for over 20's (Senior), $330 per year for 20 and under (Junior U/20) and $270 for 12 and under (Junior U/12). Membership includes national affiliation and insurance.

How do I know if fencing is for me?

You may pay $85 to attend a beginners course. This will cover you for the registration, tuition and equipment costs of the seven beginner sessions. If you wish to continue fencing after that, then you will be required to become a full member.

How much does equipment cost?

You can use the club equipment for $50 per year (Juniors) or $100 per year (Seniors). Most fencers find that they start collecting their own equipment once they know they wish to take up fencing, and we encourage them to do so. Equipment purchase prices can vary greatly, so please inquire for detailed pricing information.

When can I join?

There are five Beginners' Courses held during the year, so contact our secretary, Gillian to find out when the next one starts. The Beginners' Course lasts 7 weeks, during which you will learn all the basics of fencing. Once you have finished the Beginners' Course, you can join the club and increase your level of fencing.

The dates for 2011 are:
  • February 12th and 16th
  • April 9th and 13th
  • June 11th and 15th
  • August 6th and 10th
  • October 1st and 5th
What are the session times?

Monday


7.00 – 9.30 pm

Free fencing and State Foil Squad


Wednesday


6.30 – 9.30 pm

Intermediates

6.30 – 9.30 pm

Militia

7.00 – 9.30 pm

Beginners


Saturday


1.00 – 2.30 pm

Bladez (under 12)

1.00 – 4.30 pm

Militia

2.00 – 4.30 pm

Intermediates

2.30 – 4.30 pm

Beginners


From February through to early December.

Where is the venue?

Edith Cowan University
Mt Lawley Sport and Fitness Centre (Building 21)
Cnr Learoyd and Woodsome St, Mount Lawley
Western Australia

^^^click to enlarge

The fitness centre's normal closing time on the weekend is 2pm. The front doors will close at this time. By special arrangement, fencers have access to the sports hall via the lift in the undercover car park.

What is the age range of your members?

Our members range in age from around 9 to 70. There is no problem at all taking up fencing later in life. We have a special "Bladez" group of very young fencers (9 to 12 years old) that runs from 1.00 to 2.30pm, before the main session on Saturday.

What level of coaching can I expect?

Beginner Courses and Footwork Training are conducted by our club coaches who are all Level 1 Australian Accredited and who all have experience competing at a National level. Our Weapon Specific Skills Groups are coached by visiting coach Marek Jamrozy (Poland). Cavaliers also has a number of enthusiastic junior coaches to assist in club coaching, who aim to become accredited shortly.

Is it possible to become a coach myself?

It certainly is. Generally, once you have about two or three years of fencing experience you should be able to pass the Australian Level course.

What is there in the way of competitions in WA?

Usually there are a great deal of state competitions in a year. These cover men's and women's, juniors, all three weapons, novice, open and invitation tournaments. Also, Cavs sends teams each year to national competitions.

How big is fencing in WA?

Fencing is growing fast in Western Australia. WA fencers are present at most national tournaments, with our juniors playing a prominent role. Cavaliers has several of its junior fencers amongst the top fencers of Australia, some of whom fence internationally. Western Australia is now the third largest fencing state in Australia.

Can I fence and socialise if I don't particularly wish to compete?

Yes. Although most fencers enter competitions, you are welcome to come along to learn to fence and meet friends. We start the season off with a BBQ for old and new members. Cavaliers enjoy many fencing and non-fencing social events throughout the year.

About Us

Welcome to the Sport of Fencing

Fencing has its origins as far back as 2000BC in Upper Egypt to the present day sport which has been included in every modern Olympic Games since the first in 1896.

Our goal is to introduce you to a sport which has evolved through the centuries passing through the era of chivalry to the very exciting and athletic sport of today. It can be as physically demanding as any high speed sport yet psychologically subtle as you test, tease and lure your opponent into a situation you can control.

The ECU Cavalier School of Fencing

The ECU Cavalier School of Fencing is Western Australia's oldest established Fencing Club.

From a humble beginning in the Young Australia League building in Perth in 1955 the Club has progressed through many venues up until its present home.

The Club teaches a modern style of fencing in line with national and international practices.

Our Club aims to promote high standards of fencing following national standards of safety.

Whether you wish to enjoy the security of social fencing or whether you feel that competitive fencing is the way for you, you will feel comfortable within the friendly atmosphere of our Club.

The ECU Cavalier School of Fencing is affiliated to the Western Australian Fencing Association. This allows our fencers to access state and interstate tournaments and to take advantage of the experience and tuition from visiting overseas coaches. Various government funding options are also available to Fencing through the Association.

Our History

Our history from 1955 to 2005 has been detailed in a booklet that was presented at the 50th Anniversary Ball and is available from the club secretary for viewing.

The 2011 Committee

Executive
President - (vacant)
Vice-President - Maya Polanski
Secretary - Gillian Kings-Lynne
Treasurer - Mahmud Jaffar
Head Coach - Mike Middleton
WAFA Representatives - Adrian Paxman and Ian Walker

Committee
Assistant Secretary - EK Gulland
Tournament Officer - Alex Boujos
Equipment Officer - Ian Walker
Social Secretary - Alex Boujos
Librarian - Piers Harbin
ECU Guild Representative - (vacant)
Promotions Officer - Maya Polanski
Webmasters - Kylie Caunt and Maya Polanski


Safety

The sport is regulated in such a way that the level of safety to which fencers are exposed compares well to other sports. Your affiliation to WAFA includes an insurance cover. At ECU Cavalier School of Fencing we cater for both men and women members ranging in age from 10 to adult.

Fencing Instruction

BLADEZ:
This group provides a short session of solid skills interspersed with fun fencing time for the 9 – 12 year age group.

BEGINNERS:
Beginners will start their fencing with a well-structured seven-week course which will be included in the Club membership.

An enthusiastic team of voluntary club coaches will lead the group through the vital basic concepts and introduce you to the three weapons. Comprehensive course notes will be included in the cost.

INTERMEDIATE and ADVANCED:
Experienced visiting coaches will join the club team to take the weapon-specific skills groups at intermediate and advanced levels. Many fencers at ECU Cavalier School of Fencing participate at a national level of competition.

QUALIFICATIONS:
All club coaches have a minimum qualification of Level One (National). The club encourages young coaches by supporting ongoing qualification updates.

Costs

See the FAQ for full details on membership costs and equipment hire.

Clothing and Equipment

Available from interstate and overseas suppliers through local agents.

Occasional second-hand available.

Venue

Edith Cowan University
Mt Lawley Sport and Fitness Centre, Building 21
ECU Mt Lawley Campus
Perth, Western Australia

^^^click to enlarge

The venue boasts a non-slip high-tech floor surface, excellent lighting, a fitness centre, change room facilities and an undercover car park. If you want to find out more about what is offered by the Mt Lawley Sport and Fitness Centre, visit http://www.ecu.edu.au/fas/sport/

The fitness centre's normal closing time on the weekend is 2pm. The front doors will close at this time. By special arrangement, fencers have access to the sports hall via the lift in the undercover car park.

Session Times

Monday


7.00 – 9.30 pm

Free fencing and State Foil Squad


Wednesday


6.30 – 9.30 pm

Intermediates

6.30 – 9.30 pm

Militia

7.00 – 9.30 pm

Beginners


Saturday


1.00 – 2.30 pm

Bladez (under 12)

1.00 – 4.30 pm

Militia

2.00 – 4.30 pm

Intermediates

2.30 – 4.30 pm

Beginners

From February through to early December