Jan
28
2009
This week we had a bit more practice of a traversing step or a volte (step out of the way to one side). But, as we were back to normal numbers, we had a new game this week.
It is called fencing in the barriers. Basically, we mark out a square area using blue benches. Two fencers may enter this area. There are 2 rules. You do not lose if you don’t get hit and you don’t touch the benches.
There was plenty of good fencing this week, with some excellent parries and ripostes. There were plenty of examples of children using the proper cuts and thrusts. Hopefully this will continue as in 2 weeks it will be the skill at arms to see if they can apply what they have learned.
Mr F
Jan
13
2009
So, three weeks had passed since the last club and as far as I could see, all of the group had had a very nice Christmas. So it was time to work off all those sweets and time sitting in front of the tv with a good bit of fencing. Much for my need as my fencing groups 
So to begin with we had a quick bit of revision on foot work, including trying something called a demi volte. This is simply a nice step to the side to avoid the pointy part of your opponents sword that is coming your way! But it is very useful because it means you are out of the way of the sword and still able to hit your opponent!
After this, we played the bridge game (see a few weeks back) to practice and then I decided to have a bit of a free for all. Each person had to stand at least two arms lengths away from each other and when I shouted “Engage!” they had to fight until the last pupil was unhit. Each fighter had to be very honest and if they got hit go and stand to the side until the battle was over. It all ended rather spectacularly when Mphango and Jaz managed to double kill each other!!!
Oh well, I will try and teach them to DEFEND themselves next week…
Mr F
