Free Fencing Requirements

 
 
 
 

This document includes rules for free fencing. These are here to keep each other safe while learning how to free fence and have a fun enjoyable time while we do.

The “Five Rules”

  1. Do not get hit

  2. Eyes open

  3. Do not get hit

  4. Hit the opponent

  5. Look good doing it!

These basic rules are there to make you a better fencer first and foremost.

Banned techniques:

This is a non exhaustive list but rather lists the most commonly seen issues

  • Pommeling with force (show the attack only, do not connect with force)

  • Attacking to the back of the head or an opponent facing away.

  • Lower leg strikes (exception: both fencers agree to them PRIOR to the match)

  • Throws or takedowns of any kind (exception: both fencers agree to them PRIOR to the match and are experienced at doing them)

  • Joint locks, arm bars, or chokes

  • Punches & kicks (exception: push kicks if both fencers agree to them PRIOR to the match)

  • Ignoring calls to halt

Discuss every bout with your sparring partner.

Before every match, discuss with your partner your expectations for the match. Before any sparring event, set up the parameters of the bout. If there is something you wish to work on and require a partner’s aid to do, or a certain win condition, etc. now is the time to tell your partner.

Afterwards do a quick deconstruction of the bout. What did you like about their sparring? What were you trying to do that they either shut down, or you were successful with? What did you notice in their sparring that you took advantage of?

Be constructive, and accept constructive criticism. 

Tell your partner if they’ve hit too hard immediately after - do not wait until the end of a bout.

Calibration can’t happen without context. If you are struck by your partner too hard, telling them in the moment is critical. 

If your partner routinely ignores requests for power levels to be dropped during a match, bring that to the instructor immediately .

If you are the student who may be hitting too hard, you are to accept the feedback graciously and should you need help with the calibration ask help from the instructor. They are more than willing to help you become a better fencer.

You will take what you learn in class and workshop it during sparring.

One of the most important reasons for sparring at all is to find out how techniques and devices work for you.

You will not consider an exchange ‘good’ unless you have withdrawn properly.

In sparring, the timing of an afterblow means nothing - at best, you should always consider it a valid afterblow regardless of timing. At worst, consider them doubles.

For club sparring, you should only consider an exchange valid or complete if you have successfully withdrawn from the exchange, either through footwork, parrying the afterblow, or cutting away.

Sparring is not a game to be won. It’s training to be learned from.

Sparring is about learning and experimenting. Here is where you apply new aspects of your fencing repertoire, and use new techniques learnt in class. It is better to lose in the club and learn, than win and remain stagnant.