As an avid fencer who is also a member of the Fencers Club of New York City, James Lukezic understands that learning certain moves can make a huge difference. A fencer will often do some of these moves almost instinctively, but consciously working on them can result in a vast overall improvement.
The Lunge
Lunges are one of the moves that every fencer does to varying degree. It starts with a basic fencing position. If someone is right handed, they lunge with their right foot whereas left handed people will do the motion leading with their left. Squats and other explosive resistance training can help improve the speed, while stretching can help increase the depth of the motion.
The Flunge
The flunge is basically a flying lunge where both legs are in the air during the peak of the motion. It’s even more explosive than the lunge, but it often leaves the attacker more vulnerable to counter attacks.
Passata Sotto
Unlike the lunge or the flunge, this move is a defensive – or more precisely an evasive – motion. It basically means to lower one’s body enough so they can get under their opponent’s weapon before straightening out the sword to finish the move.
Riposte, Remise and Feint
The riposte means to follow the opponent’s attack with an almost instantaneous parry. During a remise one operates with short, thrusting attacks without withdrawing the weapon. Finally, a feint implies a ruse, initiating one or more fake attacks that are followed up with real ones.
As James Lukezic notes, one doesn’t have to be a professional fencer to learn and enjoy these moves, or maybe even become better at them.
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