Prima Spada Modern Fencing Syllabus

In addition to the Renaissance Rapier and Sword syllabus, Prima Spada also offers recreational Modern Fencing, with weapons including Foil, Epee and Sabre.

An 8 week Beginner Course gives the student a working background in the basic concepts of fencing with Foil. Classes are kept to a small number to allow for personal tuition, but private classes are also available.

Following the 8 week Beginner Course, students are encouraged to fence regularly, until becoming experienced at their level.

Coaching is then available to students in more advanced technique and application, as well as other weapons.

The Sport of Fencing

The whole idea behind the sport of fencing is to touch your opponent and not be touched yourself.
To do this we have:

• Attacks
• Defence
• Mobility
• Preparations (to help create opportunities)

Courtesy of Fencing

Fencing is a sport governed by Rules and Courtesy. Fencers should always abide by the rules of engagement, and be Honourable in Victory, and Gracious in Defeat - our School Motto.

When a student is in training, all actions and combat should be done With Courtesy. That is to say, with Correct Technique, with Control of all Actions, and conducted at a Training Speed.

When a Student has learned some basic fencing moves, because he has yet to master his technique application, his combat therefore, should also be done With Courtesy.

Once a student has mastered his basic techniques, and he is confident with his technique application and control, he then may engage in combat With Vigour, that is, with the intent to score hits on an opponent at the required speed. To fence With Vigour can be done, after being authorised to do so by his Coach.

Fencing With Brutality will not be tolerated in Modern Fencing at Prima Spada.

Modern Fencing Beginner Course

1. Safety Protocols & Theory
2. The Stance
3. Advance & Retreat Actions
4. Gripping the Foil
5. The Salute
6. Coming to On Guard - Closing the Line
7. The Disengagement - Changing the Line
8. Coming to On Guard - In Sixte
9. Advance & Retreat - In Sixte
10. Coming to On Guard - In Quarte
11. Advance & Retreat - In Quarte
12. The Lunge (4 part Sequence Drill)
13. Fencing Distance
14. Distance Fencing
15. Defence to Attack - Parry & Riposte
16. Basic Fencing With Courtesy

Modern Fencing Weapons

The Foil

The Epee

The Sabre

Modern Fencing Basics

Fencing is performed on a specially marked out strip, called the piste. It is long and skinny, with little room to maneuver side to side. Fencing is performed moving backward and forward. If a fencer manages to push an opponent past the last line of the piste, it counts as a point for the fencer.

A fencing match generally consists of the best of three bouts, with each bout played for the best of five points. When beginning a bout, two fencers will stand in the middle of the fencing strip. They should both be standing far enough apart that if they extend their sword arm fully, the tips of the swords should be almost touching.

When beginning a fencing bout, both fencers should be standing with their sword arm sticking straight forward. The other foot should be at a 90 degree angle to the front foot, touching at the heels. From this position the two fencers will salute each other with their blades, then moving their back foot back a pace to stand in proper fencing position.

In proper fencing position, the front foot should be pointing straight forward and the back foot should be at a 90 degree angle to the front foot. The feet should be about three feet apart. Both legs should be bent, ready for movement either forwards or backwards. The sword arm should be bent at a 45 degree angle in front of the fencer, and the other arm should be behind the fencer.

When moving forward in fencing, one should always move the front foot first, then follow with the back foot. When moving backward, the back foot should be moved first then the front foot.

The basic attack in fencing is called the lunge. When making a lunge one extends the sword arm fully, then steps forward bringing the blade into the opponent.

Only the front foot is moved, the back foot stays in position. After making the attack, the fencer should immediately return to default position to block a possible counter attack or riposte.