Youth Fencing Notebook

The Notebook

Every youth student must have a notebook (composition is recommended) that they will bring to every class, lesson and competition. The notebook contains information necessary to learn new techniques and actions.  Every topic gets it’s own page front and back.

Topic 1

This is where students write down their goals. These can be as simple as having fun to getting gold at a competition. We ask that the parents be supportive of their child’s goals. Everyone starts with two goals already (They are listed below). If you worry that the goals your child sets are too high, please come talk to us, we will work with your child to help create realistic goals.

Pre-Set Goals

1. Have Fun
2. Practice makes permanent. Perfect practice makes perfect. Always practice perfect. (Perfect example of a pipe dream).

Topic 2

Footwork

Draw a line across the middle of the page.  List every footwork step you know. These should be practiced every day.

Topic 3

Attack

Attack Rules:

1. You must move forward first.
2. You have to move continuously. You may not stop moving forward.
3. You have to try to hit
4. The other fencer cannot hit your blade during the attack.
5. You have to stay in a threatening distance.
6. You must hit before the end of your lunge (saber only).

Types:

Straight Attack: An attack that starts towards one target and finishes to the same target.

Topic 4

Parry Riposte Rules:

1. Block the target being attacked.
2. You must make the parry in one motion.
3. The parry must facilitate a riposte.
4. The parry must facilitate a second parry.

Topic 5

Distance Parry Rules:

1. You must move backwards.
2. You must make sure the opponent’s attack misses you.
3. You must land balanced and ready to make an action.

Topic 6

Beat Attack Rules:

1. The beat must be a sharp, crisp tap.
2. You must hit the weak of your opponents weapon with the weak of your weapon.
3. Your beat must facilitate an attack.
4. Your beat must facilitate a parry.