A New Series of Fencing Articles
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Title
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A New Series of Fencing Articles
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Date
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December 1938
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volume
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3
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issue
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9
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page start
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4
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page end
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4
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content
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en
A NEW SERIES OF FENCING ARTICLES
Since the articles on Judging were printed in The Riposte two years ago, there has not been any sustained series of articles issued in this magazine. We now propose to supply a series of special articles on the three weapons.
We open the series this issue with a general article on foil. It will be followed in the next two issues with more specific articles on the same weapon. The second article will be entitled "How to Train for a Foil Competition" and the third article will be "How to Compete in a Foil Competition." It is hoped that sabremen and épéeists will accept assignments on their weapons for later articles.
There is a distinct purpose in the preparation of these articles. They are intended to be of assistance and instruction to the younger fencers, particularly in those parts of the country where professionals are not available. Fencing is a unique sport in that the professional is an ever-important part of the sport. He not only teaches the correct movements but also guides the training of fencers throughout their competitive careers. Skill rapidly declines without assistance. Nevertheless, there are hundreds, perhaps thousands, of fencers in this country who lack the good services of a professional. Their cause is not hopeless. They may learn to fence with other amateurs and have excellent fun and show good progress by training together. These articles are written primarily for them in a language that we believe is not too technical for their instruction. We hope, also, that the more advanced fencers may find a suggestion or tip here and there that may prove of value.
In an effort to make a presentation of facts as the writer sees them, many things have hereinafter been said which will not ring the bell with some of our readers. Fencing, after all, is partly scientific, partly theoretical, and partly empirical. We anticipate considerable controversy in cases where the personal opinion of the writer differs with that of the reader. We welcome expressions of these opinions and, with permission, will print any arguments of general interest that may be submitted.
