Fencing with swords gas pipeline. Fencing is a sport with edged weapons: a detailed overview. When did fencing become a sport?

general information:

• The Blade and Vine club teaches historical fencing - fencing with bladed weapons that have analogues in the past. Training is divided into several areas: fitness fencing, historical fencing (including the history of costume), cutting targets.
• Our club combines the areas of comprehensive reconstruction, which means complete immersion in the era (VII-XII and XVII centuries). As a bonus - training in horse riding, archery and maritime affairs on field trips (participants choose their own region).
• Since 2018, we began studying the traditions of historical European martial arts (HEMA).
• We are members of the Sports Sword Federation. We conduct classes for children using soft weapons.
• Clothes for training in the gym - sportswear. At club trips - according to the era for which the trip is organized.

We train in areas:

• Classic fencing with one weapon.
• Sword and daga.
• Sword and shield.
• Ax and shield.
• Spear/brodex.
• Sword/saber.
• Long sword.
• Dueling fencing.
• Teamwork (threes, fives).

Club City: Moscow.

Year of foundation: 2010.

Supervisor: Pavlyukova Ekaterina Dmitrievna.

Instructional staff: Alexey Pavlyukov (since 2009), Alexander Kamshilin (since 2008), Ekaterina Pavlyukova (since 2009).

Tournaments and events held:

• Annual festival historical reconstruction for the early Middle Ages “Varangian Sails”: boat battles, maritime training, participation in the reconstruction of the Baltic rite “Creation of the World” (2015−2018).
• Annual inter-epoch festival of historical reconstruction “Helga”: combat program, organization of throwing ranges and trade, judging (2014−2018).
• Historical fencing tournaments “Holmgang” (2016).
• Tournaments for cutting on replicas of bladed weapons “Singing Blade” (2016−2017).
• Annual festival of historical reconstruction of the early Middle Ages “Bogatyr Power”: judging, organization of a tournament within the framework of the festival (2013, 2015−2016).
• Annual festival of historical reconstruction “Gnezdovo”: organization of throwing ranges, organization and conduct of master classes, judging (2013−2016).
• Annual festival of historical reconstruction “Primordial Rus'”: organization and holding of a tournament within the framework of the festival, judging (2016).
• Annual festival of historical reconstruction “Epic Coast”: demonstration performances and cutting master classes, organization of throwing ranges (knives, axes, poles), judging, boat team (2015−2016).
• Annual festival of historical reconstruction "Rusborg": demonstration performances with an equestrian program (2016).
• International exhibition “Blade - traditions and modernity”, “Blade on the Neva”, knife exhibitions in Moscow and St. Petersburg: demonstration performances in fencing and chopping, cutting master classes, (2016−2019).
• Annual international exhibition “Equestrian Russia” in the sports complex “Bitsa”: demonstration equestrian program (2016).
• Closed Cavalry competitions of the KSK “Atamanets” (2015).

Don't go on the attack! Don't go back! Don't take protection! Don't do a counterattack! Don't fail! Don't put your hand straight!
- What should we do?
- Fencing!

Additional Information

• The former name of the club: SKIR "Khoroyar".
• For fencing, we use large-sized (not sharpened) copies of historical weapons. Fencing techniques are reconstructed from historical manuscripts and fencing records. Fencing takes place in analogues of historical costumes with mandatory compliance with the fencer’s weapon.
• Our club took part in the filming of fencing scenes for videos of music groups: Imperial Age (participation), Rarog “Trouble” (participation and production), Kalevala “Arrived” (participation and production of fencing scenes).

Contacts:

• Club workshop and interview with candidates: st. Olkhovskaya, 14, building 4, room 13 M (metro station Baumanskaya / m. Krasnoselskaya).
• Training room address: st. Nizhnyaya Krasnoselskaya, 35, building K (metro station Baumanskaya / m. Krasnoselskaya).
• To sign up for your first training session, fill out the form in the VKontakte group: “

Fencing is a sport based on combat using one of the types of sports edged weapons.

Fencing classes develop:

• speed,
• agility,
• endurance,
• strength,
• self-control
• ability to make lightning-fast decisions,
• actions in difficult combat situations.

In fencing combat on a foil, epee or saber, the athlete’s goal is to inflict a certain number of blows or thrusts on the opponent at a given time.

If the weapon and equipment comply with the rules, then these thrusts and blows cannot cause damage to the opponent.

The weapons and purpose of fencing have changed over time. Along with fist fighting and wrestling, fencing is one of the most ancient types of martial arts, which originated in Egypt 3000 BC. e. For thousands of years, fencing has been the main integral part military training and an important means of physical hardening of the body. Almost until the time of feudalism, heavy military weapons and massive armor were used in fencing. With the invention of firearms in the 15th century. gradual improvement of fencing weapons began. Convenient, uncluttered weapons began to increasingly come into use.

The first book on fencing appeared in 1516.

In the 16th century The sword is replaced by the sword, which was largely facilitated by the Milanese swordsman Agrippa. He abandoned the sword strike in favor of the thrust and laid the foundation for modern sword holding and blade control. The Italian system of epee fencing, based first on blows and thrusts, and later only on thrusts, won its place in European countries until the end of the 17th century.

France, one of the countries of classical fencing, embarked on the path of independent development of fencing later. In 1633, the French master Bernard Renne in his book sets out a fencing technique that is very close to modern ones. In France, rapier fencing has become widespread.

In Germany, “scale-scale” fencing—a duel on schlegers with flat, sharpened ends—was widespread. The opponents in the duel dealt cutting blows to each other. For a long period of time, “scale” fencing was widespread among young people, especially in student corporations.

In 1776 In France, La Braussie invented a fencing mask made of wire mesh. The introduction of the mask eliminated all danger in foil fencing and contributed to its further development.

After the political unification of Italy in the 19th century. The Italian fencing school experienced a new rise.

In 1861 A treatise was published by the head of the Milan military school, Radaelli, who summarized the saber fencing technique, later improved in Hungary. The Neapolitan Paris, the creator of the method of fencing with rapiers and sabers, put an end to the dispute between the northern and southern Italian schools of fencing. Parise became the head of the newly formed Central Fencing School in Rome. Graduates of this school later taught in Germany, Austria, Hungary and the USA.

TO end of the 19th century V. Modern sword fencing began to develop in France.

The International Fencing Federation (FIE) was founded in 1913. Currently, the FIE includes national associations about 80 countries. Fencing on foils and sabers has been included in the Olympic program since 1896, and on epee since 1900. In 1924, women's foil fencing was included in the Olympic program.

Material support

To develop fencing it is necessary a large number of material prerequisites.

Sports weapons

In modern fencing, the following types of weapons are distinguished: rapier, epee, saber. Rapier and sword are piercing weapons. Depending on the shape of the handle, Italian, French and orthopedic rapier or sword handles are distinguished. Saber-cutting weapon.

	Rapier	Sword	Saber
total length
Blade length
Guard diameter			15 cm in length
			not even 14 cm
Total weight

Electrical equipment

In foil and epee fencing, electrical equipment helps judges make more objective and accurate decisions.

Electrical equipment is triggered when the tip of a rapier or sword comes into contact with the opponent’s target surface. In epee fencing, the colored lamp of the electric lock lights up as a result of the electrical circuit being closed, while in foil fencing, when it is opened. If the injection lands on an unaffected surface or on the floor, a white lamp lights up. If both the colored and white lamps are lit at the same time, the injection is not counted.

When fencing with rapiers, it is necessary that when thrusting, the pressure on the tip of the weapon is at least 0.5 kg, and when fencing with swords, it is 0.75 kg. At the end of the track there are winding reels on which the cord is wound, connecting the fencer with the electric lock. A cord running under the fencing jacket is connected to the weapon through its handle and blade to the tip.

Fencing tracks

Halls with matte wooden floors and bright, but not blinding lighting are suitable for fencing competitions and training. The fencing track is a rectangle covered with linoleum or other similar material.

The width of the track for all types of fencing ranges from 1.80 to 2 m. Its length for fencing with foils is 12 m, for epee and saber fencing is 18 m. But for practical reasons, competitions are held, as a rule, on tracks 14 m long. If the athlete crosses the back line of the border, then in foil fencing he is returned 1 m from the border, in epee fencing - 2 m, saber - 5 m.

If necessary, you can mark the contours of the path of the required length on the floor. For safety reasons, there must be free space at each end of the track for a run of 1.50-2 m in length. For fencing with rapiers and épées with electric clamps, the tracks are made with a special copper coating (metal track), which is grounded so that hits on the floor are not recorded.

Clothing and equipment

The fencing suit, made of white thick material, includes a jacket and trousers fastened below the knees, as well as gloves, leggings or white stockings, special fencing or rubber shoes and a fencing mask.

A mandatory accessory for women is a special bra made of leather or light metal. To prevent injury, athletes must have a long-sleeve safety guard under their jacket that fits over their armed arm. In addition, saber fencers put an elbow pad on their armed hand. When fencing with rapiers with an electric lock, an electric jacket made of thin metal threads is worn over the fencing jacket. It must completely cover those parts of the body where injections are allowed. In foil and epee fencing, the equipment includes a personal cord connecting the weapon to the electric locking coil.

Division into age groups and sports categories

In fencing with all types of weapons, age groups and sports categories are distinguished. Age groups in GERMANY are determined by the number of years of age reached on June 1st of each year. For older juniors, the calculation day is January 1 (according to FIE rules).

In fencing, the following age groups (AG) are distinguished: VG 10/11 (children under 11 years old), VG 12 (up to 12 years old), VG 13 (up to 13 years old), VG 14/15 (from 14 to 15 years old), VG 16/17 (from 16 to 17 years old), juniors (from 18 to 20 years old) and men (from 20 years old and older).

Athletes of VG 10/11 and VG 12 fencing only with foils, athletes of other VGs - with all types of weapons; women fence only with foils. Sports categories. Depending on their sports results, schoolchildren and teenagers can be awarded III, II and I sports categories, and juniors and men, in addition, the titles of Candidate Master and Master of Sports.

Fight time and number of injections (strikes)

If the competition is held on a round-robin basis, then the net time of the fight is 6 minutes and the fight is fought with up to 5 injections.

In accordance with the new FIE rules, at international fencing tournaments and championships, competitions are held using a direct elimination system after 32 or 16 (depending on the total number) of participants remain. In this case, men carry out fights up to 10, and women up to 8 injections, and the fight time is 12 and 10 minutes, respectively. If one of the athletes makes 5 injections before the end of the fight (8 or 10 injections when conducting competitions using the direct elimination system), then in this case the fight ends early. If, after the time of the battle on rapiers and sabers, the opponents made the same number of injections, then the number of injections is increased to the required number minus one injection, and the fight is held without a time limit until the first injection.

If, after the time of the fight, the score is not equal (for example, 3:2), then in this case the number of injections is increased so that the athlete who inflicted a greater number of injections corresponds to the given number of injections (for example, with a score of 4:3 before 5:4, or before 8:7, or before 10:9). In epee fencing, if the count of hits is tied, both athletes are considered a mutual defeat.

Injecting (strikes)

In rapier and epee fencing, only thrusts made with the tip of the blade are counted as valid. In saber fencing, thrusts inflicted by the tip of the blade and blows inflicted by the entire blade and part of the butt of the blade are considered valid.

Blows (injections) can only be applied to the affected surface of the body. Injections (blows) landing on an unaffected part of the body only interrupt the fight.

In fencing there are strict rules of combat. For each attack by the opponent, the fencer must respond with defense (reply), and only in this case is a further response possible, after which the opponent can no longer continue the attack. If a fencer defends himself not with a rebound, but with a counterattack, then the latter is counted only if it is carried out by intercepting the opponent’s clinic in the line of attack or by stopping thrusts and blows at a pace. Tempo is the period of time required for a fencer to perform one simple movement, or a generalized form of time that determines the advance of a thrust (strike). If the fencers hit each other at the same time, the head judge will decide whether it was a mutual attack or whether someone was tactically correct. In the event of a mutual attack, the thrusts (blows) inflicted by both athletes are canceled. In the second case, the judge counts the hit of the athlete who was tactically correct. Only in epee fencing are simultaneous thrusts (with a difference of less than 1/25 sec) counted for both fencers.

Breaking the rules

In case of unsportsmanlike behavior, the fencer is given a warning and is given a penalty hit or is removed from the competition. Such violations include: any type of violence with weapons or body, deliberate collision - in sword fencing only in case of harsh actions; retreat beyond one's own border line, despite a warning; intentionally leaving the side line of the track; facilitating the actions of an opponent or making offensive statements towards him; equipment or weapons that do not comply with the rules, unsportsmanlike behavior towards the referee.

Team competitions. In all fencing competitions, a team consists of 4 people. Each team member fights each fencer from the opposing team.

Tournaments

Video: International fencing tournament among cadets named after. S.A. SHARIKOVA, girl's saber

If competitions in all types of fencing are included in the tournament, they are held in the following order: foil (men), saber, foil (women), epee. In competitions for each type of weapon, individual duels are held first, and then team competitions. The winners are determined in the individual competition and in the team competition in a round-robin system (qualifying round, intermediate round, semi-final and final round) according to a direct elimination system.

In a round-robin system, in one group of 6 athletes, each athlete must face all 2 opponents. The top 3 (or 4) fencers advance to the next round. The rest are eliminated from the competition. The total number of victories in a given circle is decisive.

If athletes have the same number of victories, then the place is determined by identifying the best difference between strikes struck and received.

If in this case the winner is not identified, there will be a interruption. In team matches, there is only one break between the participating teams (for 1st place).

In round robin competitions After intermediate, quarter-final and semi-final competitions, 6 fencers reach the final.

In direct elimination competitions Over 2 rounds, 32 or 16 athletes are selected, each of whom is assigned an opponent for the first fight in accordance with the place occupied in the intermediate round. The loser has one more chance, but after the second loss he is eliminated from the competition. Only 6 athletes make it to the finals (4 directly and 2 athletes after the second fight). Final round-robin battles are held without taking into account previous results. In the case of the same number of victories and injections given and missed, there is a break.

Judges

The panel of judges consists of a senior judge, and in saber fencing, where there is no electrical fixation of injections, a senior judge, 4 side judges. The senior judge gives commands (at international competitions on French), observes the fighting actions of both athletes, makes decisions on the validity and invalidity of injections, controls equipment and fines for violation of the rules.

The decisions of the senior judge, which he makes after analyzing the fencing phrase that led to the touch, are undeniable. If necessary, in saber competitions, side judges stand on both sides of the track and ensure that the injections are applied to the affected surface of the body.

In this case, when awarding hits and determining their validity, the senior judge has 1.5 votes, the side judges have 1 vote each.

Technique

Video: Fencing: fighting technique

Unlike other sports, where technique is the basis of sports results ( gymnastics, diving, figure skating), technique in fencing is a way to achieve the tasks set for the athlete.

The athlete moves along the track in a fencing stance typical for this sport, which allows him to move faster forward and backward with steps and jumps. The legs placed at an angle to each other provide a stable position, and the turn of the body seems to move part of the affected surface away from the opponent. During attacks, the fencing distance (the distance between athletes) is overcome using a lunge or an arrow attack.

Weapon Control carried out by the actions of a large and index finger. The movements of the weapon consist of movements of the arm, hand and fingers. The following are distinguished: a) movements due to which the opponent is hit; b) movements with the help of which the opponent’s weapon is removed from a dangerous position; c) movements that lead to a change of position and counter the opponent’s movements. Positions are distinguished by numbers from 1 to 8. If, for example, an athlete circles the opponent's weapon in a circle and makes a thrust along the opponent's weapon, then this technique is called a sliding circular grip (tying).

Fencing stance

The complexity of fencing technique lies in its accuracy and speed of execution. The movements of the fencer are closely dependent on the entire fencing situation (distance, opponent’s behavior, etc.). All this places special demands on the temporal and spatial coordination of individual movements and the ability to quickly adapt depending on changing battle conditions. Dexterity is the basis for precision in performing movements. The most important physical and conditioning prerequisites are also good reaction and speed. To fully master all technical techniques, depending on the conditions and intensity of training, it takes from 6 to 10 years.

Tactics

In fencing, it is necessary not only to have a good command of the technique, but also to use it correctly depending on the situation. During the fight, each of the athletes tries, subject to the rules, to achieve an advantage over the opponent. To do this, you need to carefully observe your opponent’s actions, quickly recognize his intentions and make instant decisions. With the help of feints, you can misdirect your opponent, causing him to attack, which can be easily reflected, because they were exactly what was expected.

Thanks to constant threatening actions, you can fetter your opponent’s initiative, limit his defensive actions and disguise his attacking actions. Considering all of the above, one can even argue that fencing combat has a strongly pronounced intellectual character.

The difficulty of using fencing tactics is also explained by the fact that the entire combat situation has to be assessed over a very short period of time, while the opponent is trying to achieve success in the same way. In the process of various interactions between fencers, combat actions perform various functions.

Attack

Basic attacks are used against passive opponents. To repel an attack, along with evasions, primarily defenses (weapon defenses) are used. Immediately after a successful defense, retaliatory attacks (riposte) follow. If a successful defense is not followed by a riposte, then the attacking athlete can, after a failed first attack, proceed to continue the attack. But a situation may also arise when the defending athlete must resort to counterattacking actions. This occurs when the attack is executed incorrectly, slowly, or when the opponent has guessed the intentions of the attacking fencer.

False attack

Good fencers disguise their attacks in every possible way and deliver thrusts by translation, when the opponent, misled by feints, performs an appropriate defense (false attack), or calls the opponent with a false attack to a defense-response or to a counterattack, so that with the help of his own defense - response or counterattack to stab him (attack of second intent).

To master fencing tactics, special training and constant improvement of the athlete’s mental qualities are required in close connection with technical training. The more technical skills an athlete has, the more varied and unexpected his actions can be for an opponent. The necessary experience is gained through training with various partners and through extensive competitive practice.

Preparation and training

When selecting children for fencing lessons (taking into account the achievement of the highest sports results), one should first of all pay attention to the development of coordination and functional qualities (dexterity, speed, etc.). The child must have sufficiently well-developed mental qualities necessary for this sport, he must enjoy combat sports, be able to make lightning-fast decisions and not be very short in stature.

It is best to start fencing at age 10, but significant success can be achieved at a later age.

The preparation of a fencer goes through 3 stages: initial training, special training and training at the level of highest sportsmanship.

Initial training

Fencing training begins with the study of basic motor skills, and in particular steps, lunges, thrusts or strikes, basic positions, etc. After initial training in standard training conditions on auxiliary equipment and with a partner, training is carried out during which fighting actions are studied , basics of fencing tactics.

Special fencing training is an integral part of comprehensive training; in a single educational and preparatory process of fencers, there is a parallel harmonious development of the skills and abilities necessary for further competitive practice. The main emphasis at this stage of training is on developing willpower and readiness for combat.

With the help of exercises with a partner, as close as possible to combat conditions, training and training battles, fencing techniques are studied, taking into account the tactical aspect in temporal and spatial dependence on the partner. Special training serves the comprehensive development of special fencing skills and the improvement of the entire technical and tactical repertoire.

To develop functional qualities, first of all, special exercises are used to develop speed and speed endurance.

Training at the level of highest sportsmanship. The goal of training at the level of highest sports skill is to achieve the highest sports results. This requires maximum development of skills and abilities. At this stage of preparation, fencing training is increasingly individualized. The athlete specializes in those actions that he is best at and practices them in individual lessons with a coach. The improvement and stabilization of combat skills is carried out mainly in conditions as close as possible to combat ones. At each stage of preparation, the athlete also receives the necessary theoretical knowledge.

Seven-time world champion, nine-time European champion, countless times champion of our country - in general, the “first saber of the world” Sophia the Great helped to understand the rules of fencing and to love this exciting sport with all my heart.

The World Fencing Championship, held in July at the capital's Olimpiyskiy, gave us a surprise. And it’s not the scale of the event, although they are amazing: 912 athletes from 108 countries entered the competition. And not even in the triumph of the Russian team, which was fully deserved and expected, so it doesn’t look like a surprise.

Arriving at the championship at the invitation of Tissot, the official timekeeper of the competition, we unexpectedly saw a fantastic show that would put any rock concert to shame in terms of entertainment and intensity of passion. The epithet “fantastic” perfectly describes the electrified equipment of the participants, in which they look like alien invaders, and the inhuman speed of their movements. The same word comes to mind when the paths under the athletes’ feet (one would like to call them a “stage”) flash with bright colors in synchronization with the lights on the masks, illustrating the injection. And of course, the spectators produce fantastic decibels while supporting the hosts of the tournament, the Russian national team.

There are a lot of spectators in the stands, and applause is heard every now and then: understanding the rules of sports fencing can be difficult at first. To understand the differences between fights with foils, swords and sabers, it is worth taking a short excursion into history.

Stab, don't chop

The first swords appeared in Spain in the mid-15th century in response to the spread of plate armor. It was almost impossible to cut all-metal plates with a sword, but an accurate stabbing blow to the joint of the armor could bring victory to the fighter. The sword was a long sword with a narrow, double-edged (and later even faceted) blade, designed primarily for stabbing rather than cutting. A characteristic feature of the sword is a complex guard that protects the hand and allows you to repel enemy attacks with economical short movements rather than sweeping forceful ones.

The court dress code of that time required carrying weapons in Everyday life along with civilian clothes. The military sword, despite its narrow blade, was too heavy for this. Its lighter version was called espadas roperas - “sword for clothes”. The term migrated to French in a slightly distorted form - la rapier, or rapier.

Despite the formal presence of blades, the rapier was too light for slashing. And yet it turned out to be a good self-defense weapon. Instead of a shield, a fencer with a rapier used a dagger or daga (a special dagger for the left hand with a developed guard). So the principle of “stabbing, not chopping” carried over into duels, although plate armor was not used in them.

In Italy, sword fencing was taught using a training weapon with a faceted blade without blades and a blunt tip instead of a point. On Italian such a weapon was called fioretto, in English it became known as foil, but in Russian it remained a rapier. Blows were only allowed to be delivered to the torso: firstly, students wore leather protective vests, and secondly, stabbing blows to the arm or leg were considered ineffective - after them the enemy could still continue the fight.

The saber is a universal weapon that can cut and stab equally well. Sabers were especially loved by cavalrymen for their cutting properties, due to the characteristic curve of the blade.

The three main disciplines of modern fencing (saber, epee and foil) are essentially consistent with their historical roots. But you can't tell by looking at the weapon. Externally, a sports epee, foil and saber are so similar to each other that only an experienced fan can distinguish one projectile from another.

All blades are absolutely straight. Of course, none of them have a blade, and each is topped with a blunt tip. All of them bend well, because if they break, they could instantly turn into a sharp military weapon. Yes, the sword is slightly heavier and somewhat stiffer due to the triangular blade (the rapier has a tetrahedral blade, the saber has a trapezoidal blade). There are other features, but the main difference is in the rules of the fights.

The lantern will judge

The most simple rules for epee fencers: the one who makes the first injection gets a point. The count goes on in fractions of a second, so fencers cannot do without electrorecording of injections. The tip of the sword is something like a button, which is triggered by a force of 7.4 N (750 gf). Light touches of the opponent with the sword will not be counted. By the way, good injections with a sports sword are very sensitive.

The two-core wiring from the tip runs along a channel along the blade and connects to a connector hidden behind the guard. A wire is connected to the connector, which passes through the sleeve of the protective jacket and is connected to the device.

Until recently, the connection was always wired: moving along the track, the athlete pulled the wire from an inertial coil, like from a tape measure. Today the coil is being replaced by a radio transmitter. “Fencing with a wireless system is very convenient,” says Sophia Velikaya, “the coil provides weak, but still noticeable resistance to movement. In rare cases, the wire does not have time to wind up correctly and gets tangled.”

The device keeps time (the duration of fights is limited in time), records injections, and demonstrates the score. When an athlete’s sword tip is triggered, a flashlight of the corresponding color lights up on his side (one participant is assigned green color, to the other - red). If the opponent then delivers a retaliatory thrust, the lantern on his side will no longer light up: a point is awarded to the one who thrust first. The exception is when participants inject each other within a quarter of a second. Such injections are considered to be made simultaneously: two lights light up, and both athletes receive a point.

In epee fencing, thrusts to any part of the body except the back of the head are counted. Therefore sports swords the largest guard (13.5 cm in diameter), because the hand can also become a target for the opponent. An interesting feature of the modern sword (as well as the rapier) is the pistol grip, which, due to the natural position of the wrist, allows for more precise and economical movements. A sword with a pistol grip is the quintessential piercing weapon: it is almost impossible to strike with it.

Epee competitions are automated to the greatest extent, so it is very easy to watch them: whose lantern lights up gets a point. However, the referee may not count a hit if it is delivered in violation of the rules. It is the referee, and not the apparatus, who starts and stops the fight, guided by the clock. Injections given after the command Halte! (“Stop!”) are not counted.

D'Artagnan, you're wrong!

Fencing with foils is a very delicate art and a little more difficult to observe. Simultaneous injections do not count here, the priority of the first injection does not apply, and with almost every attack two lanterns light up at once. The fact is that in rapiers the so-called rule of correctness of attack applies. When an athlete initiates an attack, he receives priority. His opponent must parry the attack before throwing a thrust. In some cases, the parry and counterattack may be literally one movement, but the fact of repelling the attack and passing priority will not escape the eye of an experienced judge.

The rapier is lighter and softer than the sword, its tip operates with a force of 4.9 N (500 gf). She does not need a large guard: rapier players do not aim at the hands, because only hits to the body count. Remember fencing on fioretto? It has come down to us almost unchanged, except that the leather vest was replaced by an electric one, the fabric of which had conductive wire woven into it over its entire area.

The wire that runs behind the rapier player has not two wires, but three. When the tip on the foil is triggered, the device checks whether the weapon is touching the electric vest. If not, then a white light on the machine lights up and the injection is not counted.

Saber fencing is the most dynamic discipline. Saber swordsmen can deliver both slashing and piercing blows above the waist, including the arms and head. Instead of an electric vest, they put on an electric jacket, to which a mask with a conductive collar is connected using a wire. There is no “button” on the tip of the saber. Any contact of the saber with an electric jacket or mask is considered an effective blow. As in foils, in sabers the principle of correctness of attack applies and priority is determined by the referee.

“In saber fencing, a blow can come at any time and from any direction,” says Sophia. “If a foil player can afford to systematically follow a prepared tactical scheme throughout the entire fight, then a saber fencer must constantly rearrange his tactics and make decisions instantly.” And for the viewer, the saber means the highest speeds, non-standard movements, incredible acrobatic jumps and the most spectacular freeze frames.

One for all and all for one

“Individual and team fencing differ from each other, like two different sports,” says the champion. — When you set yourself up for personal victory, your competitors are a variety of athletes, including compatriots. You fight with them at the main tournaments of your life: European and World Championships, Olympic Games. And literally the next day we need to unite and fight for medals together.”

Team fencing is a rare sport in which the intrigue remains until the very end of the competition, and each athlete has the theoretical opportunity to turn the tide of the meeting and win the tournament until the last match. This becomes possible thanks to special rules for counting strikes.

A team consists of three athletes (one reserve is allowed). They compete in nine bouts, and the bracket is laid out so that no one contestant faces the same opponent twice. In each round, the maximum score increases by five strokes: in the first duel they fence to five, in the next to ten, etc. The duration of the duel is limited to three minutes.

For example, if the third round starts with the score 3:12 in favor of the team on the right, the right fighter can bring it to 3:15 if he wins “clean”. But the fighter on the left can also bring the score in this round to 15:12 in favor of his team. Sofia the Great took advantage of this opportunity at the last World Championship, turning the tide of the meeting with Ukraine: with the score 21:25 in favor of Ukraine in the sixth round, our athlete won the fight against Alina Komashchuk with a score of 9:2. The round ended with a total score of 30:27 in favor of the Russian team, and the championship was awarded to our team with a gold medal.

Paradoxically, it is in team competitions that a fighter’s character is most clearly revealed. There are no guaranteed titles and points victories several stages before the end of the championship, as in Formula 1. By demonstrating an iron will, honed skills and persistent concentration over the years, an athlete can correct even the gross mistakes of his comrades and lead the team to victory. And, having visited the World Championships in Moscow, I can confidently say: the fencers really believe in victory to the last.

If I haven't given enough reasons to go watch fencing, here's another: the judges here speak French. That's very beautiful.

Electric fashion. Affected area in different types fencing is well illustrated by the equipment of athletes. Saber fencers (top) wear long-sleeve electric jackets and conductive masks, foil fencers (center) wear vests and electric gates. And only epee fencers do not wear anything contact - they count an injection into any part of the body.

Time loves counting

For many years, Tissot has acted as the official timekeeper in sports such as hockey, football, basketball, car and motorcycle racing (NASCAR, Superbike, MotoGP). Tissot is a long-time partner of the International Fencing Federation FIE. Therefore, if anyone should be asked about timing in fencing, it would be the specialists of the Swiss watch house.

The Tissot team arrived at the Olimpiyskiy three days before the start of the World Championship - this is exactly the time it takes to install, connect and test all the equipment. The peculiarity of timing in fencing is that competitions take place on multiple tracks at once. The Olimpiyskiy arena has 24 lanes for the qualifying rounds and 8 for the semi-finals and finals (and that’s not counting another 18 training lanes). The key component of the system is a device called KRT. This is a portable computer that can connect to a competition device of any brand and transmit its signals further via a network protocol. Each KRT sends data in three directions: to the scoring system, where the result is documented, to the television graphics generation system (also used for broadcasting to the big screen), and to Internet streaming.

The most important task for a timekeeper is training volunteers, whose role in fencing can hardly be overestimated. After all, it is the volunteer who starts and stops the timing at the referee’s command, and the outcome of the fight may depend on the accuracy of his work.

The perfect partnership. The Swiss watch house Tissot has been providing timekeeping at world fencing championships since 1996. For the international fencing federation FIE, this partnership means impeccably accurate judging, and for the Swiss brand it means loyalty to its core values: a combination of tradition and innovation.

Referee Dictionary

En guard (French: En guarde, “for battle”): participants take positions at the start lines of the battle

Et-woo pre? (French: tes-vous pr?t?, “Are you ready?”): If a participant is not ready to fight, he must give a sign to the judge

Hello! (French Allez!, “begin!”): the battle begins

Alto! (French Halte!, “stop!”): the fight is stopped, blows or thrusts delivered after the command are not counted

A droit (French: A droit, “to the right”): a thrust (blow) is awarded to the athlete on the right

A gauche (French: A gauche, “to the left”): a thrust (punch) is awarded to the athlete from the left

Wed, 04 Apr 2018 19:00:25 +0300

There are only a few days left until the Russian Championship. It's time to figure out how a saber differs from a rapier and what the judges shout in French. The Team Russia guide will not leave any questions.

Story

Fencing is one of four sports that has been included in the program of all Olympic Games since 1896. But its history goes back much deeper. Since the time Ancient Egypt, People different countries and cultures loved to practice combat using edged weapons. Fencing began to emerge as the art of wielding a sword and rapier in the 15th century in Spain. At that time, light and thin weapons were gaining popularity, with which one could hit an opponent dressed in armor, falling between formations in armor. This is how the sword appeared, and then the training weapon - the rapier. This sport acquired a peaceful character only after the advent of automatic firearms. The first modern international rules were formed in 1914 and were refined throughout the 20th century.

Costumes and weapons

Both the equipment and weapons of the athletes were improved. The white suits of the fencers are a tribute to tradition. Now the strikes are recorded by an electronic system, but previously the identifier was black paint, which was applied to the tips of the weapon, and it was easiest to determine the number of strikes on white.

The material of the costumes has also changed. Even 30-40 years ago, cotton fabric and cotton wool were used to make them, but they did not always provide complete protection from damage. Therefore, they were replaced by Kevlar - a lightweight and very durable material, from which body armor is also made. Now the fencing suit can even withstand pistol shots.

Blades for rapiers, sabers and swords were previously made only from high-carbon spring steel, which allowed the weapon to quickly return to shape. But the turning point was the 1982 World Championship, or more precisely, the fight between the Soviet athlete Vladimir Smirnov and Matthias Berg from Germany. The German’s rapier broke, and a fragment of it, piercing Smirnov’s mask, caused him a brain injury that turned out to be fatal. After this incident, experts began looking for a replacement material and eventually came to maragen steel, which is also used in the production of gas cylinders for space stations. It is much stronger than high-carbon and, together with a protective suit, provides the athlete with safety during training and fights. Now a fencer can only get hurt if he doesn’t wear some piece of equipment.

French terminology

Judging in fencing is traditionally conducted in French. But in order to understand referees, it is not necessary to master it perfectly; it is enough to know the basic commands of the referee:

En garde- For battle. Command participants to take their positions.

Et vu pre? (Êtes-vous prêt?)- You are ready? A question before the start of the fight for both participants. If one of them is not ready, he must give the appropriate signal to the referee.

Hello! (Allez!)- Start! Team for the start of the match.

Alto! (Halte!)- Stop! Stopping the fight.

A droite- To the right. The point is awarded to the fencer located to the right of the main judge.

A gauche- To the left. The point is awarded to the fencer on the left.

Coup doubles- Both. Simultaneous hits count for both fencers.

Pa conte! (Pass compter!)- Don't count. Invalid hit.

Rapidity

It is not for nothing that fencing is compared to rapid chess - the athlete has literally a split second to make a decision. Sometimes everything happens so quickly that it can be quite difficult to keep track of events on the platform. In this case, video replays and commentators will help you understand why the injection was counted this way and not otherwise.

General rules

Fencing matches are held on a track 14 meters long and 1.5-2 meters wide. If an athlete crosses the border behind his back, he is given a penalty hit. In the group stages, battles last up to five points; at the final stage, fights are divided into three rounds of three minutes, but can end earlier if one of the opponents scores 15 points. In team competitions, each participant must fight each of the three members of the opposing team. There are nine individual fights in total, in which the count is up to five hits and all the team’s points are summed up.

All injections are recorded by an electronic system, while sound signal and a special lamp lights up. If the injection was delivered in violation of the rules, the judge has the right not to count it. When making a decision, the referee can use a video replay, and the athletes themselves can ask him to reconsider the moment.

The rules vary depending on the main thing in fencing - the type of weapon.

Rapier

A rapier is a piercing weapon no more than 110 cm long and weighing no more than 500 g with a tetrahedral blade, thinned towards the end, and a 9-12 cm guard (a round plate that protects the fencer’s hand). In foil matches, only hits made into the metallic jacket and mask collar are counted. For all other injections, the lamp lights up white.

The main thing in foil fencing is the right of attack or the factor of tactical correctness. This means that the opponent's attack must be repelled before a response can be made. The athlete who starts the attack first is considered the attacker. If the opponents make injections at the same time, it is the attacker who has the advantage. If the defending athlete repelled the thrust and made a retaliatory action, priority is given to him.

RAPIER FENCING

ON RAPIERS

A foil match is regulated by provisions on limiting the affected surface of athletes, which determine the application of injections only to the torso, the advantage of attack and response (counterresponse) in situations with a simultaneous counter attack by the enemy, the need to advance with a counterattack or hedge in case of mutually applied injections. Moreover, the tactical correctness in each fight and the differences in the actions of the athletes according to the time of their start and end are visually determined by the judge-director of the fight.

The objective possibilities of fighting at a distance that allows for various contacts with blades, since the hand is not the target surface (hence the distance between athletes is usually within the limits of a long lunge or step and lunge), determine the difficulty of maneuvering forward and, as a result, somewhat economical in nature movements on the track in the manner of combat, with additional static load on the muscles of the foil fighters’ legs. In turn, due to the large number of invalid injections (in the armed hand, thigh, mask), the participants have to make many more attacks than necessary to win.

The most common attack techniques are lunge and step (or jump) forward and lunge. Moreover, preference is often given to a step and a lunge, since the beginning of an attack with a step is less noticeable than a jump and does not give the enemy an early signal of danger. “Arrow” is rarely used in an attack, because, despite its advantages (length), it does not provide the opportunity to fully continue the fight if it fails.

The main means of combat are attacks, defenses and responses, counter-defenses and counter-responses, since the basis of the motor and semantic outplay of opponents is the intentions and actions that ensure the implementation of the principle of tactical correctness with simultaneous mutual thrusts.

The narrowed spatial possibilities of applying injections (only in the torso) and the relative ease of manipulating the rapier blade due to its light weight, small amplitudes of its movements and mainly in the horizontal plane determined the exceptional possibilities of a variety of protective equipment. For example, you can protect yourself from injections into the internal sector from the 6th position with the 4th straight, 6th circular, 2nd or 8th semicircular, 7th high defenses. It is quite possible to use counter-injections with the opposition in this situation, including those combined with evasion, retreat, and rapprochement.

A problem for the attacker is also determining the sector of attack based on predicting the possible type of defense of the enemy, since the small amplitude of defensive movements with the blade allows them to be performed at a much higher speed than the ability of athletes to change the direction of movement of the weapon. Therefore, when preparing an attack, you need to make it unexpected and imagine the path of your blade so as not to collide with the enemy’s defense.

The use of counterattacks and healds has significant features, since the affected surfaces of the competing fencers are mutually distant. And to achieve a sufficient lead, the athlete needs to achieve a visually recorded difference in time in the injection movements. The ability to create such a temporary advantage goes beyond simply reacting to a surprise two- or three-tempo attack (response) from an opponent, and is based on tactical play that involves anticipating or inducing the opponent's mood to make an attack sustained long enough to deliver a thrust before the opponent begins the final movement of the weapon. .

The availability of defensive means and their wide range lead to the fact that athletes strive to put themselves in the position of making a response or counter-response. The consequence of this is frequent multi-tempo fights, consisting of attacks, defenses and responses, counter-defenses and counter-responses, both started deliberately and arising involuntarily during the battle (impromptu).

In addition to defenses with weapons, unexpected and rapid approach is also an effective means of defense, because the emergence of close range during an attack entails an increase in technical difficulties for its completion with an accurate thrust, which often entails the need to combine general defense and a step forward, using oncoming movement to to avoid receiving a thrust after a failed attack (response), turning into close combat, the conduct of which is usually for single combat with rapier fighters.

Of particular importance is the accuracy of thrusting, especially in attacks and responses. In this case, it is most difficult to achieve effective responses and counter-responses, since they are made, as a rule, at an opponent who is standing in a lunge, or who has begun closing with a lunge forward or backward. And in these situations, his body is in a strongly inclined position in relation to the blade of the rapier player delivering a response (counterreply), which creates an unfavorable angle for contact with the target surface. It is even more difficult to respond after parrying an attack performed with an "arrow", due to the sharp reduction in distance at the moment of response. All this opens up the possibility of creating additional technical difficulties for the enemy due to the profile position of the body at the moment of completing the attack (response) or bending forward.

It should, however, be borne in mind that during a long bend of the body forward during the attack, the back and shoulders become a sector for delivering thrusts.

The variety of defensive actions in foil matches, which opens up significant opportunities for disguising their varieties, forces athletes to resort to attacks with a series of transfers that do not require prior detailing of the opponent’s defensive intention. The effectiveness of attacks with a series of transfers increases when they are combined with challenging the enemy to a counterattack with a chain of using defense and response as the approach progresses. In turn, against attacks with several feints, counterattacks are widely used, including in combinations with defense and response.

Attacks and counterattacks of subsequent intent, preceding counter-defense and counter-response, and also used for reconnaissance purposes, usually serve as the beginning of multi-act fights, the successful conduct of which, as well as the use of significant volumes of attacks in the outer sector and circular defenses, largely characterize the high qualifications of athletes.

Basic Actions

1. Injections directly (translation) from the upper joints. The final position is fixed. The athlete has the initiative to start the fight. Blade movements are fast and continuous.

2. Simple attacks with a thrust directly (translation) into the upper sectors of the connections.

3. Attacks with one feint in a pre-selected sector on a partner (coach), reacting with direct (semicircular) defense. The attacker's armed hand and blade move forward continuously, the movement of the tip is minimal.

4. Attacks with a double transfer to a pre-selected sector on a partner (coach), reacting with a circular upper defense. The movement of the blade after a feint is accelerated to the maximum level.

5. Attacks that affect weapons. Batman, which precedes a direct thrust, is performed after approaching the enemy. The Batman preceding the transfer is performed simultaneously with the start of the attack.

6. Attacks in three tempos on a partner (coach), reacting with two direct upper defenses. The maximum speed of the beginning of the attack is used, as well as the acceleration of movements in the final phase of the attack. The rhythm of translations is continuous.

7. Attacks with one transfer (series of transfers) on a partner (coach), randomly alternating defenses in different directions.

8. Defenses (counter defenses) 4th and 6th straight from the top positions and connections. Answers (counter-answers) are direct with the opposition.

9. Upper semicircular defenses from the lower position (connections) with a straight response.

10. Circular upper defenses (counter-defenses) 6th and 4th with a response (counter-response) to the upper sector.

11. Lower defenses, most often the 8th, with a response to the upper sector (replaced by the 2nd defense) and the 7th with a direct response (or the 7th high with a response transferred to the back).

12. Combinations of defenses and answers - 4th and 6th straight, 4th straight (or semicircular) and 4th circular, 6th semicircular and 6th circular.

13. Counterattack with a thrust directly to a long attack, transfer to the attack of a partner (trainer) with a batman, counterattack to the lower sector with a retreat (squatting).

Among the tactical intentions in a rapier duel, the desire to use an attack prevails. Hence their largest volumes in successfully ended battles in comparison with means of countering attacks. In addition, a certain part of the attacks are mutual, end in an indestructible surface, and do not reach the target due to the rapid and long retreat of the opponents.

Among the types of attacks, attacks with feints stand out, quantitatively exceeding simple attacks and attacks with an effect on weapons in successful fights. However, one should keep in mind the real interchangeability of the simple attacks used and attacks with an effect on weapons in situations of relative proximity to the enemy with a lack of information about his defensive intentions, in anticipation of a counterattack. In addition, a large number of simple attacks fall into the number of non-counting actions due to the relative ease of parrying them.

Of particular importance is taking into account the moment characteristics of the weapons of the attacking and defending athletes. Thus, the overwhelming number of attacks also become a means of starting a fight. However, the highest relative performance indicators are attacks on preparation, as well as repeated attacks, the use of which requires special preliminary actions.

Penetration in attack (response)
through the protective barrier

In foil combat, attacks (responses) prevail, the motor parameters of which the athlete chooses before the fight, and the starting characteristics correspond to the mechanisms of simple reactions. The explanation for this is seen in the practical impossibility of choosing a sector for a thrust during an attack or switching to a thrust in an opening sector due to the significantly longer duration of weapon movements in attacks (responses with feints) compared to defenses. Therefore, when preparing an attack, the most important thing is the search and analysis of information about the defensive intentions of the opponents, the ability of the athlete to imagine the path of movement of his own blade, based on the intended path and nature of the enemy’s defensive (counter-attacking) movements, in order to avoid a collision with blades until the moment of the injection.

The optimal choice of attack is based on an understanding of the tactical essence of the types of attacks and typical situations, which allows us to assess with a certain probability its compliance with the intended fight, use the necessary speed, amplitude of weapon movements, length of the attack, and take into account the characteristics of the enemy’s movements in defense.

Transfer technique to internal
and outdoor sectors

When improving translations, the most important thing is to solve the problem of narrowing the amplitude of movement of the blade to thrust, as well as creating an optimal spatial and temporal relationship between straightening one’s own armed hand and circling the guard and the enemy’s armed hand. It is also necessary to achieve equally confident transfers to all parts of the body, and the absence of difficulties in transfers to the external sector.

In transfers to the internal sector, tracing the guard and the enemy’s armed hand is not difficult, so the transferring movement of the blade can be performed after the weapon begins to move towards the target surface. In turn, when transferring to the outer sector, the enemy’s armed hand serves as an additional obstacle, which determines the need to begin the transferring movement with the tip of the blade simultaneously with straightening the arm, performing it with maximum speed, which will allow one to avoid hitting the enemy’s armed hand. However, regardless of the sector of the translation, the guard and the armed hand move only forward and along the shortest path to the point of injection, without duplicating the lateral and circular movements of the blade tip.

The differences in the technique of transferring to the internal and external sectors are clearly expressed primarily in the discrepancies in the time relationships between straightening the arm and the transferring movement of the blade tip. Therefore, they master themselves in exercises where the initial distance facilitates or forces them to maintain the necessary structure of movements. For example, it is initially advisable to train a transfer to the internal sector from the sixth connection from a distance slightly greater than close. In this situation, the rapier player will be able to quickly straighten the armed arm and perform a transfer movement before delivering the thrust. At the same time, maintaining such a structure of movements when transferring to the external sector leads to a delay in the transferring movement of the blade and causes an expansion of its amplitude. Therefore, in order for the transferring movement of the blade to occur at the initial phase of straightening the armed arm, injections into the outer sector should initially be trained from a distance slightly shorter than that required for full straightening of the arm. Such a situation forces the athlete to rush with the transfer movement, because otherwise, applying an injection to the outer sector becomes difficult.

Amplitude of transfers, feints

Weapon control in attacks (responses) with translation, attacks with feints (double and triple translation, double translation), attack at three tempos is based on leading movements of the hand and fingers in the process of quickly straightening the armed arm. The guard is directed only forward, without following the blade. Movements in the elbow and shoulder joints lead to a significant expansion of the amplitude of translations and a decrease in the accuracy of injections.

Feints should be done quite sparingly and purposefully, really threatening the enemy, causing his defensive reaction. The persuasiveness of feints is achieved by the speed, length and suddenness of movement of the blade in a certain sector. Performing several feints in an attack (response) is the most difficult, therefore, in training, it is advisable to set the lateral movements of the blade as small as possible, so that in combat conditions athletes do not allow a significant expansion of weapon movements.

Perfecting attacks and responses with feints takes a lot of effort. The problems of mastering them are explained by the difficulties of combining the actions with the weapons of the attacker (dealing a response) and the defender in terms of speed, amplitude and length. Such attacks (responses) should be trained by repeating them many times in situations with spatial and temporal uncertainty, from different initial positions of the weapon.

Standard position
armed hand in injections

At the moment of applying the injection, the armed hand together with the blade should form approximately a single line passing through the point of contact of the tip with the target surface, the guard and the athlete’s shoulder. In this case, the trapezius muscle should be relaxed, and the hand of the armed hand should be slightly secured, since complete relaxation of the fingers at the moment of the injection leads to an increase in the number of misses. Compliance with the standard position of the armed hand when making thrusts creates familiar conditions for the fencer to continue unsuccessful fights and thereby increases the accuracy of the healds, the stability of the execution of counter-defenses and counter-responses, and repeated attacks.

The typical final position of the weapon and the athlete's armed hand in attacks (counterattacks, responses) is mastered by short-term fixation of injections in training their varieties, which allows trainees to focus their attention on standardizing the parameters and makes it easier for the trainer to monitor their compliance.

Features of using attacks
with effect on weapons

The special role of these attacks is explained by the wide tactical possibilities of their use, both against defending opponents and those intending to counterattack. The most common batmans are in the upper connections, and especially in the 4th.

When performing batmans, grabs, and ties, it is necessary to achieve contact with the weak part of the defender’s blade, and to act with the weapon quickly and continuously. The starting part of the attack, in which the batman and grab are performed, as well as the side of the contact of the blades, must be unexpected for the enemy in order to avoid a counterattack.

The power characteristics of weapon movements when performing batmans (grabs) are interconnected with the tactical task of the type of attack. Thus, a more powerful and faster movement of the weapon towards the batman (grasp) is advisable if it directly precedes the thrust. In this case, the batman itself is performed only after the preliminary part of the attack, in conditions of achieving close proximity to the enemy for an irresistible subsequent thrust. In turn, batmans, completed by a transfer (two transfers), like all types of grips, must be done simultaneously with the starting part of the attack in order to provoke a defensive reaction in the enemy, and in the grip also to achieve stable contact of the blades.

As a special case, a light batman (grab) is possible, barely visible to the enemy, used to disguise the starting part of the attack, making it easier to approach and deliver a thrust, but quite visible to the judges.

Transfer attacks, with a series of transfers

The independent tactical essence of transfer attacks is explained by the possibility of successful use if there is information about the enemy’s intention to defend himself. So, in the attack “feint straight and carry from mid-range”, if the opponent (coach) is in the bottom position, the transfer will avoid a collision with the top defense, regardless of whether the defender reacts to the semi-circular feint 6th or 4th . The situation can become more complicated if the defender, having not “caught” the first feint, retreats, adding one or two more direct defenses. In this case, it is realistic to lengthen the attack by switching to a series of transfers in the vertical plane.

In the transfer feint technique, a slight swing or delay (“syncopation”) of the blade tip before sending it for a thrust is acceptable. In attacks with a series of transfers, two or more “tempos” may be missed under the condition of a violent defensive reaction from the enemy.

Training attacks in a choice situation

Situation 1.

Attack by transfer (double transfer) on a partner (trainer), randomly alternating batmans into the 4th and 6th connections. The athlete makes a transfer (double transfer) to the opening sector.

Situation 2.

An attack on a partner (coach) who randomly alternates delayed and timely defenses with a response. The athlete completes the attack or parries the response with a straight upper counter-guard and counters directly.

Situation 3.

An attack on a partner (coach) who randomly alternates delayed defenses and defenses with retreat. The athlete delivers a thrust in the main attack or makes a repeated attack.

Situation 4.

An attack with an effect on the weapon and transfer to a partner (trainer), who randomly alternates defense and counterattack. The athlete delivers a thrust in an attack or parries a counterattack as they approach and delivers a response.

Situation 5.

An attack on a partner (trainer), randomly alternating retreat, approach, and stopping in place. The athlete lengthens or shortens his attacks.

System of defenses and counter-defenses

The main defenses are the 4th and 6th upper, 7th and 8th lower. At the same time, highly qualified athletes sometimes successfully use, for example, the 2nd and 1st defenses instead of the 8th and 7th, since their functions are the same. However, the greatest number of counterattacks and responses. falls on the 4th defense, which is technically more variable than the others. The particular importance of using the 4th defense is also explained by the fact that even in the event of an unsuccessful attempt to parry an attack, an athlete in the position of the 4th defense is much less exposed to the danger of receiving a thrust than when performing other defenses. In such a situation, the armed hand and weapon cover part of the target surface of the defender and leave little room for the injection. In addition, the very movement of the blade to the outer sector is more difficult for the attacker (dealing a response) due to the need to avoid collision with the enemy’s armed hand.

In defense techniques, it is necessary to vary their amplitude depending on the spatio-temporal characteristics of enemy attacks. Thus, when parrying attacks at a considerable distance between athletes, it is advisable to bend the armed hand slightly, and the advancement of the attacker’s blade at a close distance to the target surface necessitates significant bending of the armed hand and bringing the weapon closer to the body of the defender.

However, the parameters of defensive movements vary between 5 - 15 cm. The only exception is the 4th defense, during which the backward movement of the elbow of the armed hand is significant. Moreover, as the guard approaches the body, the amplitude of the protection expands, it goes down somewhat, and the blade moves in the vertical direction.

Random alternation of types of defenses makes it difficult for the enemy to predict defensive intentions. Specific defenses, mostly simple, performed as straight, circular, semicircular, are designed to parry an enemy attack in a specific sector. In turn, generalized defenses, quite wide in amplitude, are combinations of semicircular and circular defenses, used to repel an enemy attack during one of the blade movements.

The most common combinations of straight and circular upper guards, straight upper and semicircular lower guards, circular upper and semicircular lower guards, circular upper and straight upper guards. In this case, defense is most often combined with retreat.

Counter-protections are usually specific - straight and upper, since the use of circular upper counter-protections presents significant technical difficulties, despite their effectiveness. Generalized counterdefenses are found in the form of combinations of straight upper and circular upper, straight upper and semicircular lower.

Single plane in the shoulder-elbow-hand position
when performing defenses

Extension of the elbow outward from a single plane with the shoulder and hand leads to an expansion of the amplitude of defenses and the appearance of movements in the shoulder joint when performing translations, overstraining the muscles of the armed arm and reducing the accuracy of answers and counter-responses.

Control over the position of the forearm, elbow and shoulder of the armed hand when improving defensive movements is facilitated by reducing the speed of performing exercises and fixing the position of the defense in individual fights.

Amplitude of protection,
spatial level of counter-defenses

Movements of the blade in direct defenses should be extremely limited, since after parrying attacks in the absence of enemy advance, it is not at all necessary to move the weapon of the attacker (executing the response) beyond the body. It is enough to come into contact with the strong or middle part of your weapon with the enemy’s blade in order to gain the “right” to retaliate. Therefore, the amplitude of the lateral movement of the guard and the middle part of the blade when parrying attacks (for example, from the 6th position to the 4th defense, from the 4th position to the 6th defense, from the 8th position to the 7th defense, etc.) d.) can fluctuate within 10-15 cm.

As the enemy's attack lengthens and the tip of his blade further approaches the target surface, the defender's armed arm bends somewhat more, and the amplitude of the defense expands to 20-30 cm. The movements of the weapon in all-round defenses should also be significant. Moreover, this position refers to the amplitude of the circular movement of the tip, and the guard can only partially (within no more than 5 cm) duplicate it.

Counter-defense is usually performed in the initial phase of leaving a lunge forward or backward, but sometimes while standing on a lunge. The position of the defender in a lunge is characterized by a low level of shoulders and weapons in conditions of relative proximity to the enemy. Therefore, counter-defense is somewhat wider in amplitude than defense, and in the final phase it is closer to the target surface of the defender (the armed hand is taken over). The weapon becomes more vertical, and the level of the guard is slightly higher in relation to the body, thereby ensuring full parrying of a retaliatory thrust into the upper body, shoulders and back.

Defense with proximity,
close combat technique

Defense with unexpected and rapid approach is an effective means of defense, since reducing the distance at the moment of attack in itself poses additional problems for the enemy; making it difficult for the blade to penetrate into a selected sector of the affected surface and deliver an injection. In addition, counter-defenses are advisable, combined with approaching in order to avoid receiving a thrust after a failed attack (response), which often turns into close combat.

To effectively use defenses with close proximity and master the technique of close combat, you need to master responding with a direct thrust and translation at a close distance. Transfers are carried out in this situation without straightening the armed hand, and sometimes even when taking it upon oneself, and responses are made directly with a significant raising of the guard up or moving it outward. Approaching in order to avoid a retaliatory thrust from the enemy is often accompanied by dodging downwards, to the side, half-turning towards the enemy, moving the guard up or to the side before starting the thrust.

Combining actions in combinations

Conducting multi-act fights is mastered initially in the form of tactically sound combinations of two or three continuously performed actions, and then their occurrence is determined for athletes by an unexpected retreat or approach of the enemy (coach), parrying attacks.

Training bouts in such situations are usually three-act or four-act, such as attack, counter-defense and counter-response; defense and response, counter-defense and counter-response; counterattack and defense and response. However, combinations of a larger number of conditional attacks in defenses with choice also make sense. It is only important that the actions used do not contain a template. Thus, it is necessary to alternate answers (counter-responses) directly and arbitrarily with answers (counter-responses) by translation, direct defenses (counter-defenses) to be replaced with circular and semi-circular defenses (counter-defenses), etc.

After each injection that ends the fight, it is advisable to require the athlete to return the weapon to its original position. This setting forces one to maintain keen attention until the end of the exercise, thereby facilitating the successful continuation of failed fights in fights and maintaining technical standards in weapon movements.

Multi-act fights place increased demands on the accuracy of injections due to the difficulties of applying injections after defenses (counterdefenses), since in responses and counterresponses it is necessary to overcome the inertia of the defensive movement of the weapon. Special problems also arise in an attack with feints when the enemy unexpectedly approaches. Considering the increase in the technical complexity of exercises as the number of continuous interactions between the athlete and the coach (partner) with weapons increases, the use of multi-act bouts will bring the training conditions closer to the competition environment.

in situations of choice
between alternative actions

Situation 6.

The athlete parries with the upper defenses (4th and 6th) the attacks of the partner (coach), randomly alternating attacks with a direct thrust, translation, with a batman and a direct thrust (translation).

Situation 7.

The athlete parries the attacks of the partner (coach) to the upper sectors and delivers replies, parries counter-responses and delivers injections directly.

Situation 8.

The athlete parries simple attacks from the opponent (coach) and strikes back. Does not respond to a false attack, parries the remise and delivers a response.

Situation 9.

The athlete parries the attack of the partner (coach) with a retreat and strikes back. Does not react to false approaches, series of feints, batmans.

Situation 10.

The athlete parries long attacks from his partner (coach) with a retreat and strikes back while standing still. Parries short attacks and counters with a lunge.

Situation 11.

The athlete parries simple attacks from his partner (coach) and strikes back. Counterattacks with a thrust directly to an attack with a long approach (a series of transfers).

Situation 12.

The athlete parries the attack of the partner (coach) with a retreat and inflicts direct replies. He reacts to a short attack by retreating and making an attack (double transfer, batman and transfer).

Situation 13.

The athlete parries the attack of the partner (coach) with a retreat and strikes back. Does not respond to attempts to avoid getting an injection by moving closer, squatting, or turning the body.

Maneuvering and feinting with weapons

Exercise 1.

The athlete moves in steps and maintains a long distance, the weapon is in the 6th position, and does not react with the weapon to the actions of the partner (coach).

Exercise 2.

The athlete maneuvers, makes changes of connections, batmans, short simple attacks. The partner (coach) maintains a long distance and does not react with weapons to the athlete’s actions.

Exercise 3.

The athlete and partner (coach) maneuver arbitrarily, make preparatory movements with weapons, false attacks, false counterattacks, defenses with a response.

The athlete prepares a simple attack or an attack with an effect on the weapon, and the partner (coach) reacts with defense. Then the athlete, assessing the intention of the partner (coach), attacks - feint and translation, batman and translation.

Masking attacks

Situation 1.

Situation 2.

The athlete independently makes changes of positions and connections, false batmans and short attacks, then attacks.

Situation 3.

The athlete makes false defenses or long retreats to the attacks of a partner (coach). In the next fight he is attacked.

Situation 4

The athlete attacks with a lunge to the lower sector. In the next fight he again makes a false attack, then continuously repeats the attack - batman and transfer.

Situation 5.

The athlete retreats from a long attack from a partner (coach). In the next fight he attacks the preparation - batman and transfer.

Masking defensive actions

Situation 6.

The athlete uses the top position, the gun-in-line position, and the bottom position. The partner (coach) makes a series of attacks, and the athlete independently chooses the moment to use defense and response.

Situation 7.

Situation 8.

Situation 9.

The athlete performs a false defense with steps back. In the next fight, he attacks the preparation - Batman and a direct injection (or transfer).

Situation 10.

The athlete makes a false counterattack with steps back. In the next fight, with a step forward, she applies the 7th high defense and responds with a thrust from above in the back.

Calling counterattacks

Situation 11.

The athlete makes a quick long approach with a partner (coach), then defends with a response.

Situation 12.

The athlete makes a long feint attack on a retreating partner (coach). In the next fight he uses a simple attack.

Situation 13.

in standard situations

Model 1.

The athlete alternates simple thrust attacks in different sectors.

Model 2.

Model 3.

The athlete alternates between a real attack (thrusting) and a false attack with counter-defense and counter-response.

Model 4.

The athlete alternates direct defense with response and circular defense with response.

Model 5.

The athlete alternates between a standing response and a lunge response.

Model 6.

Model 7.

Model 8.

The athlete alternates the response of the first intention (nano-sieve injection) and the response of the second intention with counter-defense and counter-response.

Model 9.

The athlete alternates direct counter-defense from a response and a circular counter-defense with a direct counter-response (translation, double translation).

Model 10.

Combination 1.

The athlete makes a preparatory approach into the 6th connection, parries attacks on the preparation or attacks with three transfers of the retreating partner (coach). The coach randomly alternates direct upper defenses and an attack on preparation by transferring to the internal sector.

Combination 2.

The athlete counterattacks long attacks with the opposition, uses the 2nd defense against the heald of the partner (coach), makes an attack with a double transfer to his retreat.

Combination 3.

The athlete attacks with a grab, uses a circular defense against a counterattack, and makes a transfer to the defending partner (coach). The partner (coach) randomly alternates a translation counterattack and direct defense.

Combination 4.

The athlete attacks - batman in the 1st connection and transfer to the upper sector. The partner (coach) randomly alternates a combination of upper defenses (4th and 6th) and a direct counterattack.

Probabilistic Sequence Modeling
actions in a duel

Model 1.

The athlete consistently performs top defense and response, counterattack with the opposition, a combination of defenses: direct and circular defense and response, circular defense with approach and response, attack on preparation.

Model 2.

The athlete consistently performs an attack with an action on the weapon, an attack with a series of transfers, approach and defense with a response, an attack at three tempos, a false attack and a counter-response.

Countering the guns-in-line position

Exercise 1.

The athlete attacks - batman and thrust to the side.

Exercise 2.

The athlete attacks - a grab at the 6th and 7th joints and a direct thrust into the lower sector.

Exercise 3.

The athlete attacks with an effect on the weapon, parries the counterattack with a circular defense and delivers a response.

FENCING

CHARACTERISTICS OF MODERN FENCING
ON SWEEDS

In the technique and tactics of epee fencing, first of all, the provisions of the competition rules are implemented, allowing injections into any part of the athlete’s body with the exception of the back of the head (torso, arms, mask, legs), regulating the possibility of outpacing the opponent during mutual injections by 1/25 of a second (0 .04-0.05 sec). In addition, the weight of the weapon (within 700 grams), the significant dimensions of the guard, and the awarding of simultaneous hits to both fencers are of no small importance. These features of combat are clearly expressed in the composition of the actions of attack and defense, the tactical components of their preparation and use, the requirements for the accuracy of the injections, the manifestations of visual-motor reactions, and weapon control.

For sword fighting, long distances between athletes are typical, high vigilance to the positions and movements of the enemy's weapon, constant attention to ensuring the safety of one's own armed hand and front leg (since they are closer to the enemy than other parts of the body), the desire for maximum accuracy injections. In this case, the enemy’s armed hand is the main target, which determines the special significance of the speed and accuracy of the fencer’s visual and tactile reactions, and their specialization in accordance with the conditions of epee combat.

All types of attacks are used, ending with a thrust in the torso, arm, mask, leg, including attacks with one feint, batman (grab) and their combinations. However, simple attacks with a thrust in the hand and attacks with an effect on the weapon with a thrust in the arm and torso prevail in battle, since their use narrows the prospects for an enemy counterattack.

In defense, the most common means are counterattacks, which represent, as it were, the first barrier for the attacker, supplemented by defense and response as the fight continues. The proximity of the athlete's armed arm and thigh to the opponent at the moment of the end of the attack, as well as the “minimum” time required to get ahead, determined the high effectiveness of repeated attacks, counterattacks and halters. Therefore, opposition is an integral component of weapon movement techniques, especially in attacks and responses.

As you move towards the enemy, both in attack and when countering his attack, the possibilities for delivering injections to individual parts of the affected surface expand. So, if an athlete repels with the 4th defense an attack with an “arrow” aimed at the hand, but the attacker has already advanced quite deeply, then the injection will be made into the thigh of the front leg or the lower sector of the body, and before the retaliatory injection or simultaneously with it. In the same way, an attack (response) with a transfer to the body will end with a thrust in the arm if the enemy unexpectedly gets close during the fight or moves his armed arm forward.

The increase in the possibilities of piercing the enemy as the distance in the fight decreases predetermines the high effectiveness of repeated attacks and hemmings, retreats with the sword pointed at the enemy’s hand. An outstretched arm in a fight, if the opponent misses in the initial attempt to stab or parry it, is an effective method of countering attacks (responses), since the opponent risks running into the tip of the blade, bringing his hand or other part of the body closer to the tip of the forward sword in the process of attack. The armed hand itself, with the sword extended forward, is not defenseless, since it is covered by a large guard. That is why an attack with a thrust in the hand usually ends with a repeated attack with a thrust in the torso (mask) or a heddle in the arm (leg), and a counterattack in the arm precedes a defense with a response in the torso. In turn, after a failed response to the hand, a repeated attack most often follows with an effect on the weapon and a thrust in the body with opposition, a heddle in the hand.

The variety of means of defense, including counterattacks, defenses and counterdefenses, reinforced by multidirectional movements (retreat, approach, evasion), leads to the fairly frequent occurrence of close combat. Moreover, fights in close combat are fleeting, replete with a series of repeated injections, half-turns in different sides and evasions, and are also distinguished by some forceful fighting with weapons at the moment of collision with guards or strong parts of blades.

Injections into the arm with an angle and overlap are of independent importance in battles, especially in attacks and counterattacks. Used unexpectedly, they deprive the enemy of the necessary accuracy of attacks.

The movements of the fencer have certain distinct features. In particular, in a fighting stance, the legs are slightly bent, the distance between them is within 1.5 feet, and maneuvering along the path is free with frequent crossing of the legs. "Arrow" occupies a significant place, although the leading role of attacks with a lunge, step (jump) forward and lunge remains.

In attacks, responses, and initial positions of the weapon, there is a clearly expressed desire to direct the tip of the blade as close as possible to the enemy’s hand, and to widely use movements of the guard in order to protect the armed hand.

The basic techniques and tactics of epee fencing have much in common with rapier fencing. First of all, this is the structure of weapon movements when applying injections to the body, the spatiotemporal characteristics of feints, the need to maintain a single plane between the shoulder-elbow and the hand in the final position of defenses, the technique of direct defenses and counter-defenses. There is also a leading role of circular upper protections.

Sword fighting tactics dictate the need to alternate defenses with retreat and approach. However, direct defenses are used to a much greater extent than semicircular and circular ones, since attacks and responses are most often one-tempo and two-tempo.

When preparing attacks (responses), an important role is played by the athlete’s ability to imagine the direction of movement of his own blade, taking into account the intended path and spatio-temporal parameters of the enemy’s defensive actions with the weapon. Therefore, the attacker needs to understand the tactical essence of combat operations, which allows him to avoid collisions with the enemy’s defense and opposition, optimize the choice of the most effective means for each situation, as well as the speed and amplitude of his movements with weapons, the length of movements along the fencing track, etc.

Single combat between epee fencers occurs against the background of constant interaction with weapons, leading to the emergence of multi-act fights, most often fleeting, with significant difficulties in maintaining technique in conditions of unexpected lengthening of the distance of the fight. Therefore, as standard actions are improved, significant time should be devoted to training various combinations, both consisting of deliberate actions and randomly alternated by the trainer during classes.

To achieve mastery in sword fencing, you need confident control of the weapon, an optimal ratio of types of attacks and counterattacks (counterattacks and responses, healds and counterresponses). In addition, good maneuverability of athletes, suddenness of attacks, specialized visual and tactile reactions, ensuring the accuracy of injections and reliability of countering unexpected attacks, create the prerequisites for achieving stable sports results.

Basic Actions

1. Simple attacks and attacks with one feint - a thrust in the hand. Advancing towards the opponent (trainer) in a lunge.

2. Attacks with an effect on a weapon, most often with a batman, an injection in the arm (torso). The athlete begins the contractions independently, and also attacks the preparations.

3. Counterattacks and healds with a direct thrust and transfer to the hand from above with the opposition. The athlete retreats or lunges (“arrow”).

4. Defenses (counter-defenses) straight upper (4th and 6th) and direct response with a thrust in the arm (torso), direct counter-response with the opposition.

5. Circular upper defenses (most often circular 6th defense) and direct response.

6. Lower defenses (8th or 2nd) against attacks. In close combat, 7th defense (or 1st).

7. Attack with tying - two sequential grabs in the upper and lower joints. Answers with a lunge into the lower sector of the body or into the leg are performed in the same way.

8. Attacks (counterattacks) with a thrust in the hand with an angle (overlap) - an outward thrust with an angle to the left, an inward thrust with an angle up and to the right, raising the guard up or to the left.

9. Combinations of actions:

a) a simple attack with a thrust in the arm and a heddle in the arm (leg) with approach;

b) counterattack with a thrust in the hand and a remise (a series of counterattacks and remises) with a retreat;

c) attack with a thrust in the hand in the internal sector and a repeated attack by transfer to the external sector;

d) counterattack with a thrust into the hand from above, upper defense with a choice and response with a direct thrust;

e) circular 6th and straight 4th defense and response with a direct thrust.

Injection technique directly and with translation
in the arm and torso

When performing transfers, in the athletes' desire for free and minimal amplitude movements of the tip to the injection, there are differences in the technique of transfers with an injection in the arm and an injection in the outer sector of the body.

Injections into the arm by transferring to the internal and external sectors are identical in rhythmic pattern, and the movement of the tip and straightening of the armed arm begin simultaneously. In turn, when transferring to the outer sector of the body, in comparison with transferring to the internal sector, the transferring movement of the blade tip to the outer sector should be as fast as possible in order to outstrip the full straightening of the armed arm and avoid expanding the amplitude of movement of the blade.

The peculiarities of transfers to the internal and external sectors of the body, expressed in different time relationships between straightening the arm and the movement of the blade in transfer, are easier to master from distances that dictate the required structure of transfer. For example, the inward transfer from the sixth joint should initially be trained from a slightly greater distance than the short one. In this case, the athlete, even with the fastest possible straightening of the armed arm, will have time to fully complete the translation. However, when performing a transfer to the outer sector, it is advisable to circle the guard in the initial phase of straightening the armed hand, the objective conditions for which arise at close range, even shorter than that required for making an injection. Such a spatial relationship between the athlete and the coach forces the tip to accelerate in translation, because otherwise applying an injection to the outer sector of the body becomes difficult.

Oppositions in injections

The use of all types of attacks and responses is complicated by the danger of receiving an anticipatory injection, and primarily in the hand of the armed hand and the thigh of the leg in front. Therefore, it is advisable to combine the execution of attacks with methods to protect the armed hand from a counterattack (remise) of the enemy, the most effective of which are oppositions.

Opposition is created by a slight movement of the guard and the strong part of the blade towards the perceived threat from the tip of the enemy’s sword. It is performed in parallel with straightening the armed arm in the injection. The effectiveness of the opposition lies precisely in the simultaneity of multidirectional movements of the weapon towards a thrust and to the side to counter a possible thrust from the enemy.

At the same time, too early opposition, performed in the initial phase of straightening the arm to the thrust (found in replies and counter-responses), will make it easier for the opponent to apply the heddle due to an additional tactile signal. In the same way, delaying the opposition and performing it after straightening the armed arm will not protect the athlete from the opponent’s thrust.

Opposition is the most common in answers, which is explained by the athlete’s proximity to the opponent at the moment of taking the defense, and the real danger of receiving a second injection for the defenders, especially in the leg.

Mastering oppositions should begin when performing injections in the torso from the 6th and 4th joints. This automates the standard positions of the armed hand in the final phase of the injection. So, with opposition to the 6th joint, the guard is slightly deflected to the outside and upward, and opposition to the 4th joint is created by deflecting the guard to the inside and down.

Coordination of weapon movements when performing
attacks and returns to the starting position

In attacks, replies, counterattacks, and preparatory actions with weapons, it is advisable to early bring the tip of the blade into the projection of the enemy’s armed hand, since the direction of the tip of the sword forward in itself poses the threat of a thrust in the event of an oncoming movement.

Returning the armed hand to its original position when closing back after an unsuccessful fight should complete the lunge movement, especially in situations where the enemy’s defense has failed or when he parries attacks at a considerable distance. In this case, the athlete’s outstretched armed hand and the tip of the sword threateningly directed forward are an additional means of counteracting the enemy when he unexpectedly approaches.

Bending the armed arm at the end of an attack, anticipating the athlete’s arrival in a fighting stance, makes sense only as a reaction to the opponent’s defensive parrying of the blade at a distance of a possible response with a thrust in the torso, since the risk of being late with the use of counter-defense increases.

Injections in the arm with an angle and overlap

Their use makes it possible to simultaneously solve the tactical problem of inflicting a thrust and makes it difficult for the enemy to achieve accuracy in an attack (counterattack) due to the unexpected removal of the armed hand from the projection of his blade moving towards the thrust. In addition, creating an angle between the hand and the sword, as well as deflecting the blade at the moment of injecting, allows you to avoid a collision with the enemy’s guard and thereby freely inject him in the hand.

The tip of the blade in injections with an angle should cover the shortest possible path, identical to that used in injections directly and with translation in the standard technique. When creating an angle, the guard moves in any direction from the shortest path to the injection point within 20-30 cm. Bringing the tip of the blade to the target and creating an angle must take place simultaneously and continuously, otherwise the enemy will receive a signal for an adequate response.

Angled thrusts are most common in attacks and counterattacks with a thrust to the arm. At the same time, simple attacks are characterized by creating an angle by moving the guard down and inward, and in counterattacks - an angle up or outward. It is only necessary to take into account that the counterattacking (as well as the counterattacking) fencer is usually in a fighting stance and therefore his armed hand is located higher than that of the attacking athlete, thereby making it easier for the defender to create an upward angle.

In fights, thrusts are also used with an angle that is not necessarily directed exactly in the vertical or horizontal planes, in particular counterattacks with a simultaneous angle up and to the outside, attacks with an angle to the inside and down.

Instead of an angled thrust, an “overwhelm” is often used due to the deflection of the sword created by a slight swing of the weapon and a sharp movement of the hand. In this case, in parallel with the straightening of the armed hand to deliver a thrust, an overlap of the blade occurs, in which the tip bends around the enemy’s guard.

Composition of attack types

Among the types of attacks, simple ones and attacks with an effect on the weapon by a thrust in the hand are distinguished. Moreover, one should keep in mind the real interchangeability of the simple attacks used and attacks with an effect on weapons due to the relative proximity of the enemy’s armed hand, their greatest effectiveness in situations with insufficient information about his defensive intentions, and the relatively lower probability of a successful counterattack. In addition, a large number of simple attacks to the hand due to hitting the guard simultaneously solve the problems of preparatory actions and allow one to obtain data about the enemy’s intentions.

Taking into account the momentary features of the interaction of athletes in a fight, the most common attacks are preparation and repeated attacks. And this is natural, since in a preparation attack the time for moving the tip of the blade into the projection of the armed hand or thigh of the enemy’s front leg is reduced due to mutual convergence, and in a repeated attack the athlete already has the inertia of moving towards the enemy and the conditions for some reduction in the distance.

By the nature of the athletes' reactions, attacks prevail, the motor parameters of which the athlete chooses before the fight, and his starting characteristics correspond to the mechanisms of simple reactions. The explanation for this is the practical impossibility of choosing a sector for a thrust during an attack or switching to a thrust in an opening sector due to the significantly longer duration of weapon movement in attacks compared to defenses.

Therefore, when preparing an attack, it is important to search and analyze information about the opponents’ defensive intentions, the athlete’s ability to imagine the path of movement of his own blade, based on the expected path and nature of the enemy’s defensive (counterattack) movements, in order to avoid collision with blades until the moment of the injection, to use the necessary speed and range of movements weapon, execution length.

Weapon control in attacks is based on movements of the hand and fingers in the process of quickly straightening the armed arm. The guard is directed forward without repeating the lateral movements of the blade.

Feints should be kept to a minimum, really threatening the opponent, causing him to react defensively. The persuasiveness of feints is achieved by the speed, length and suddenness of movement of the blade in a certain sector.

Improving attacks with feints requires significant effort, which is explained by the difficulties of combining actions with the weapons of the attacker and the defender (in terms of speed, amplitude and length), which is achieved by repeated repetition of attacks with feints in situations with different spatial and temporal parameters, from different initial positions of the weapon.

At the moment of applying the injection, the armed hand together with the blade should form approximately a single line passing through the point of contact of the tip with the target surface, the guard and the athlete’s shoulders. Compliance with the standard position of the armed hand when making thrusts creates familiar conditions for the fencer to continue unsuccessful fights and thereby increases the accuracy of the healds, the stability of the execution of counter-defenses and counter-responses, and repeated attacks.

When performing a batman, grabbing, tying, it is necessary to achieve contact with the weak part of the defender’s blade, and to act with the weapon quickly and continuously. The starting part of the attack, in which the batman is performed, the capture, as well as the side of the contact of the blades must be unexpected for the enemy in order to avoid a counterattack.

Tying as a type of grip is characterized by a significant force of influence on the enemy’s weapon. Its effectiveness is determined by the continuity of contact between the strong or middle part of the attacker's blade and the weak part of the enemy's blade during the attack. The most common is tying in the 4th and 2nd joints with an injection in the leg ( bottom part torso) and tying at the 6th and 7th joints with an injection in the torso.

Training attacks in choice situations
between alternative actions

Situation 1.

Attack (counterattack) by transfer to a partner (coach), randomly alternating the batman into the 4th and 6th connections. The athlete makes an injection into the opening sector of the arm (torso).

Situation 2.

An attack on a partner (coach) randomly alternating delayed defenses (counterattacks) while standing still and timely defenses with retreat. The athlete makes repeated attacks (healds) with a thrust in the arm (torso, leg), reacting to the retreat.

Situation 3.

An attack on a partner (coach) who randomly alternates delayed defenses and timely defenses with a response. The athlete parries replies with straight upper counter-guards and counters with a thrust to the body.

Situation 4.

An attack with a weapon effect on a partner (trainer), randomly alternating defense and counterattack. The athlete parries a counterattack as he approaches.

Situation 5.

An attack with a batman on a partner (coach), randomly alternating retreat, approach, and stopping in place. The athlete lengthens or shortens his attacks.

System of defenses and responses (counterresponses)

The main defenses are the 4th and 6th upper, 7th and 8th lower. At the same time, some athletes successfully use the semicircular 2nd protection instead of the 8th and 7th.

In defense techniques, it is necessary to vary their amplitude depending on the spatio-temporal characteristics of enemy attacks. Thus, when parrying attacks at a considerable distance between the athletes, it is advisable to bend the armed arm slightly; the advancement of the attacker’s blade at a close distance to the target surface necessitates greater bending of the arm of the defender and some approaching of the weapon to the body.

However, varying the parameters of defensive movements makes sense only within 5-10 cm. The only exception is the 4th defense, during which the backward movement of the elbow of the armed hand is significant. Moreover, as the guard approaches the body, the amplitude of protection expands, the guard falls slightly down, and the blade moves in the vertical direction.

Combinations of circular and straight upper guards, straight upper and semicircular lower guards, circular upper and semicircular lower guards, circular upper and straight upper guards are common. In this case, defense is most often combined with retreat.

Counter guards are usually straight and overhead, since the use of circular upper counter guards presents significant technical difficulties. Combinations of counter-defenses are found in the form of straight upper and circular upper, straight upper and semicircular lower.

In the final position of the upper protection, a single plane between the shoulder, elbow and hand is necessary, since extension of the elbow outward leads to an expansion of the amplitude of protection and the appearance of movements in the shoulder joint when performing transfers, overstraining the muscles of the armed arm and reducing the accuracy of answers and counter-responses.

Control over the position of the forearm, elbow and shoulder of the armed hand when improving defensive movements is facilitated by reducing the speed of performing exercises and fixing the position of the defense in individual fights.

Blade movements in direct defenses should be limited, especially in situations where the enemy stops moving forward. However, as his attack lengthens and the tip of the blade further approaches the target surface, the defender’s armed arm bends somewhat more, and the amplitude of defense expands. In turn, the movement of the blade tip in circular protections should be significant. At the same time, the guard can only partially (within no more than 5 cm) duplicate it.

Counter-defense is usually performed in the initial phase of moving back from a lunge, but sometimes while standing on a lunge. The position of the defender in a lunge is characterized by a low level of shoulders and weapons in conditions of relative proximity to the enemy. Therefore, counter-defense is somewhat wider in amplitude than defense, and the weapon is closer to the body of the defender (the armed hand is taken over). The weapon becomes more vertical, and the level of the guard is slightly higher in relation to the body, thereby ensuring full parrying of a retaliatory thrust into the upper body, shoulder and back.

An effective means of defense is defense with unexpected and rapid approach, since reducing the distance at the moment of attack in itself poses an additional problem for the enemy, making it difficult for the blade to penetrate the selected sector of the target surface. At the same time, to use them, you need to master making responses with a direct injection and translation at a close distance. Transfers are carried out in this situation without straightening the armed hand, and sometimes even when taking it upon oneself, and responses are made directly with a significant raising of the guard up or moving it outward.

Movements of the weapon to thrust in replies and counter-returns do not have any significant features, with the exception of the need to maintain the contact of the blades in the thrust directly, thereby facilitating the execution of the opposition.

The types of responses include injections directly into the rukhu from above from the upper defenses (4th and 6th), answers and counter-responses with an injection directly into the body, answers by transferring from the 6th connection to the inner and lower sectors of the body (thigh). In some situations, responses are observed from the 8th (2nd) defense by transferring to the upper sector, responses by an injection directly in the leg. There are also responses with tying, in particular from the 4th defense - an injection in the leg with tying in the 8th connection, from the 6th defense - an injection in the lower part of the body with tying in the 7th connection.

Counterattacks and relays

Counterattacks and responses are aimed at solving tactical problems of getting ahead or delivering a thrust with opposition (evasion).

The choice of type of counterattack is determined by the distance from which the attack begins, the speed of the enemy’s approach, the intended sector of his thrust, the unique coordination of the movements of the legs and armed hand during the attack. It is the conditions of the upcoming battle that dictate the advisability of carrying out a counterattack on the initial (starting) phase of the attack, implementing an approach to outpacing the enemy due to differences in the length and speed of weapon actions and movements, and the use of rapprochements or retreats.

The most common counterattacks are injections into the arm from above, since the technical simplicity of their execution is combined with the vulnerability of this part of the affected surface of athletes. Counterattacks with a thrust into the arm from below, as well as with an angle upward and outward, downward and inward, are widely represented in combat.

Counterattacks with the opposition are usually performed with a thrust into the arm from above and a thrust into the body into the internal and external sectors from the 6th position or from a position with the weapon lowered. In turn, healds are most often applied by a direct injection into the arm and a direct injection into the torso from the upper joints, as well as by transferring inwards into the arm and thigh of the front leg.

Training defenses with response and counterattacks
in situations of choice
between alternative actions

Situation 6.

The athlete parries with direct upper defenses (4th and 6th) the attacks of a partner (coach), randomly alternating direct attacks, transfer, batman and direct thrust (translation).

Situation 7.

The athlete parries simple attacks from his partner (coach) and strikes back. Counterattacks long range attacks.

Situation 8.

The athlete parries the attacks of the partner (coach) and inflicts replies, parries voluntary counter-responses and inflicts injections in the torso.

Situation 9.

The athlete parries the long attacks of the partner (coach) and strikes back. Does not react to false approaches, series of feints, batmans.

Situation 10.

The athlete parries the long attacks of the partner (coach) and strikes back. Does not respond with a response to a short attack, parries the remise and delivers a response.

Situation 11.

The athlete parries long attacks from his partner (coach) and strikes back while standing still. Parries short attacks and responds with a lunge (“arrow”).

Situation 12.

The athlete parries long attacks from a partner (coach) and delivers direct replies, parries an arbitrary short attack and makes an attack with one feint and a thrust in the arm (leg).

Direction of the sword's tip into space
most likely location
enemy's armed hand

Aiming the tip of the sword at the enemy's armed hand during preparatory movements of the blade and combat with weapons will play a positive role primarily in unexpected situations and during the continuation of unsuccessful attacks, i.e. in fights with more difficult conditions for maintaining attention, achieving adequate reactions and accuracy of injections. Implementation this provision made easier by the fact that no matter what part of the arm or sector of the body the enemy directs his thrust, the final positions of his armed arm will be almost identical. That is, it is possible to conditionally determine in advance the place in space in front of the fencer with the most likely appearance of the armed hand of the enemy committing an attack. This space will be smaller than a volleyball (15-20 cm) if you describe an imaginary circle in front of the fencer with the tip of the sword. Therefore, the improvement of counterattacks, attacks on preparation and repeated attacks, healds and counter-responses should be interconnected with the direction of the tip of the sword into the space with the most likely location of the enemy’s armed hand.

Typical exercises are structured as follows: the coach (partner) makes rotational, vertical and horizontal movements with the armed hand, randomly alternates various initial positions of the weapon, and the athlete changes the direction of the sword tip, trying to keep it aimed at the opponent’s hand. Then, as the coach (partner) approaches and moves forward, he attacks with his weapon, lunges at the preparation and inflicts a thrust. In turn, when the coach (partner) attempts to make an attack, he counterattacks with a direct injection in the arm.

Then exercises are used in which the coach (partner) attempts to grab (tying) into the lower and upper joints, moving towards the student and retreating to his attacks, and the student serially applies transfers to the hand. With similar actions, it is also advisable for the coach (unexpectedly for the athlete) to complete the execution of techniques known to the athlete, thereby creating multi-act bouts.

Preparing attacks in martial arts with blades

The composition of varieties and the use of preparatory actions in epee fencing have significant features. Thus, playing with weapons is distinguished by its variety and significant contact with the enemy’s blade, aimed both at diverting his attention in order to disguise intentions and possible actions, and at creating a protective barrier through combat with blades, making it difficult to choose a type and start an attack.

Among the means of preparation are imitation attacks in various sectors of the arm and leg, false defenses, changes in positions and formations. This includes performing various movements of the weapon, which differ in the structure of movements from the standard technique of using a blade.

Improved maneuvering
and false actions with weapons

Exercise 1.

The athlete and partner (coach) fight with blades and threaten to inject an injection into the arm.

Exercise 2.

The athlete and partner (coach) maneuver, arbitrarily approach each other average distance, change the initial position of the weapon.

Exercise 3.

The athlete and partner (coach) maneuver, randomly performing false attacks and counterattacks with a thrust in the arm.

Choice of attacks. Ideomotor training

Exercise 1.

The athlete makes a preparatory approach (entering a connection) or a false simple attack, and the partner (coach) does not use his weapon or reacts with defense. The athlete then attacks with a feint and delivers a thrust to the arm.

Exercise 2.

The athlete makes a feint attack with a feint or action on the weapon, and the partner (coach) reacts with a counterattack. The athlete then attacks with opposition or parries a counterattack and counters.

Masking attacks

Situation 1.

The athlete independently maneuvers forward and backward, then attacks after a step back or step forward.

Situation 2.

The athlete independently changes positions (connections), false batmans, then attacks the hand.

Situation 3.

The athlete makes false counterattacks (defenses), retreating from the attack of the partner (coach). In the next fight, he is attacked while leaving with a lunge.

Situation 4.

The athlete makes a feint attack with a lunge to the arm (thigh). In the next fight he makes a false attack again, then continuously repeats the attack.

Situation 5.

The athlete retreats from a long attack from a partner (coach). In the next fight he makes an attack on preparation - batman and a direct thrust (translation).

Masking counterattacks and defenses with response

Situation 6.

The athlete uses the top position, the gun-in-line position, and the bottom position. The coach makes a series of attacks, and the athlete retreats, reacts with a false defense, and chooses the moment to launch a counterattack.

Situation 7.

The athlete performs a false straight defense with a step back. In the next fight he uses all-round defense and response.

Situation 8.

The athlete performs a false defense with a step back. In the next fight he uses a counterattack with the opposition.

Situation 9.

The athlete performs a false defense with steps back. In the next fight, he counterattacks with a thrust into the arm from above (mask), removing the front leg back.

Calling counterattacks

Situation 10.

The athlete makes a quick and long approach with a partner (coach), then an attack with an effect on the weapon.

Situation 11.

The athlete makes a long feint attack on a retreating partner (coach). In the next fight, he uses a simple attack with "opposition", an attack with an effect on the weapon.

Situation 12.

The athlete makes an approach and a false batman. In the next fight, he attacks with batman, parries the counterattack of his partner (coach) and responds with a lunge.

Independent choice of actions
in standard situations

Model 1.

The athlete alternates attacks in various sectors of the arm, torso, and leg.

Model 2.

The athlete alternates a real attack and a false attack with a counter-defense and a counter-response.

Model 3.

The athlete alternates between various counterattacks.

Model 4.

The athlete alternates between attacks with feints and attacks with weapons.

Model 5.

The athlete alternates direct and circular upper defenses, upper and lower defenses with a response.

Model 6.

The athlete alternates defense with response and counterattack.

Model 7.

The athlete alternates defense with retreat and defense with approach, a response while standing still and a response with a lunge.

Model 8.

The athlete alternates between answering directly and answering with translation.

Model 9.

The athlete alternates the response of the first intention (throwing a thrust) and the response of the second intention with counter-defense and counter-response.

Model 10.

The athlete alternates direct counter-defense from the answer and circular counter-defense from the answer, counter-response directly and counter-response by transfer (double transfer).

Model 11.

The athlete alternates defense with response and a two-tempo attack on the retreating partner (coach).

Combinations of actions with probabilistic
tactical decisions of the enemy in battle

Combination 1.

Counterattack into the hand from above with the opposition, top defense and response.

Combination 2.

Counterattack to the hand from above, attack with a thrust to the body, 2nd defense against the heald of the partner (trainer) and response.

Combination 3.

An attack to the arm with a step and a lunge, then a repeated attack with an “arrow” - batman to the 4th joint and a thrust in the torso.

SABER FENCING

CHARACTERISTICS OF MODERN FENCING
SABER

Saber fencing has changed significantly over the last 20 years. New provisions in the rules of combat, and above all the reduction of the fencing track, the elimination of stopping the fight to warn the athlete about approaching the “border” line, the prohibition of the “arrow” and running forward, caused significant changes in the composition of combat operations, the tactics of their preparation and use in fights .

The modern combat system was formed largely due to the improvement of technical and tactical training methods. In particular, today they immediately teach saber fencing, without first introducing students to other types of weapons, and regular training often begins at the age of 9-10.

To hold the saber, athletes use the entire length of the handle; in a fighting stance, the legs are slightly bent, the torso is half-turned towards the enemy, movements are without standardized parameters.

There are practically no connections between blades when maneuvering and preparing attacks due to the long distance of the fight. During a fight, the weapon is usually in the upper position, most often in an intermediate position between the 3rd and 4th, or lowered down with the guard extended forward and the tip directed towards the enemy.

The fundamentals of saber fencing technique and tactics are determined by the possibilities of delivering both blows and thrusts to the enemy, and the advantage of attacks during mutual and simultaneous actions of the participants in the fight. In addition, the light weight of the weapon and the significant surface affected (torso, mask, hands) predetermine the ease of striking in any plane. All this makes attacks and counterattacks the most effective means conducting a duel and creates difficulties for the use of defenses.

The modern athlete strives to attack as much as possible from any part of the track. First of all, he attacks immediately after the command of the jury president: “Begin.” Hence the very frequent mutual attacks as a consequence of the fight between the participants in the fight for the right to launch an attack earlier.

High effectiveness of attacks is achieved by increasing their duration by starting from a distance of four meters or more, combining two attacks into a continuous combination. In this case, the attacker, especially when catching up with the enemy, gets the opportunity to strike at the opening sector, or parry a counterattack in the process of approaching and strike back.

The defense has also changed. In it, the main place is occupied by various combinations of actions, consisting of defenses with a response, counterattacks, retreats, and attacks on preparation.

In saber fighting, a special role is given to attacks used on the basis of an alternative choice between their varieties, which makes it possible to achieve results without prior detailing the offensive and defensive intentions of the enemy. Only at the moment of the start of the fight is there a need for certain information about the enemy, mainly about the mood to use a simple attack or an attack with feints, a counterattack or defense with a response. Consequently, the situation at the beginning of the fight is characterized by tactical combat with plans according to the scheme “the enemy thinks that I think that he thinks.” In the same way, direct tactical contact between athletes and the implementation of the received information in subsequent fights and duels are maintained.

The repetition of mutual attacks introduces an independent element into the tactics of saber combat, making mutual attacks a means of influencing the decisions and actions of the enemy in a duel related to the initiative to start the fight, the space of the battlefield, and the duration of preparation of attacks. Therefore, in conditions of an advantage in the score or, conversely, in a losing position, the use of mutual attacks in order to destroy the tactical connections that have arisen is justified.

Basic Actions

1. A simple attack with a blow to the mask from the 3rd position. The blow precedes the completion of the lunge.

2. Attack with a series of feints to the left and right side With alternative choice strike sectors. The rhythm of feints is continuous. Swinging the blade, pauses, and oscillations with the guard are excluded.

3. A simple attack by transferring to an opening sector (right or left side). The amplitude of the blow is minimal, the forward movement of the guard is straightforward.

4. Attack with batman in the 4th connection. It begins with a long approach, then a batman and a strike are performed.

5. Upper protections (3rd, 4th, 5th) with an alternative choice of their variety. The amplitude of protection and the degree of approach of the athlete’s weapon to his own body are commensurate with the distance to the attacking opponent.

6. Counterattack with a blow to the hand in the outer sector with a retreat, as well as after a false approach. Counterattack with a blow to the mask.

7. 4th semicircular (circular) defense and response with a blow to the mask in order to deprive the enemy of the initiative to start an attack.

8. Direct thrust (translation) from the “weapon in line” position with a retreat of various lengths.

9. Attack on the enemy’s preparation with a blow to the mask (with a series of feints and a blow to the opening sector).

10. Attack with a long approach and subsequent defense and response (with an effect on the weapon in situations where the enemy uses the “weapon in line” position).

Relationship between types of attacks

The most common attacks are simple attacks with a blow to the mask lasting more than one fencing tempo and attacks with a series of feints and a choice of sector with a blow to the right or left side.

The situation for using a simple attack can be either the expectation of an enemy counterattack, or a complete lack of information about the enemy’s disposition to a certain counterattack. It is only important to anticipate the direction (forward or backward) and the length of the defender’s movement. In turn, the use of an attack with feints requires predicting the enemy’s intentions to counteract with defense.

Almost all attacks (except for preparation attacks) are performed in the form of combinations consisting of two consecutive attacks, the first of which is a preparation simple attack with a blow to the mask with a lunge (leap forward and lunge), and the second is an actual simple attack with a blow to the mask (or with a series of feints and a blow to the opening sector).

In saber fencing, attacks with a feint into a pre-selected sector, as well as attacks with a batman and a strike into a pre-selected sector (a series of feints), have also been preserved. Their use is usually preceded by a preparatory approach to the enemy or a preparatory retreat.

Leading movements in the striking (thrusting) technique

In attacks, the main ones are two weapon movements.

1. Hit the mask from the 3rd position. The main attention is paid to the starting speed and straightness of the movements of the hand and weapon.

2. A series of feints on the left and right side with an alternative choice of the strike sector.

They also constantly train strikes by moving them on the right and left sides to the opening sector.

A strike is a single, rapid and continuous movement of the armed hand and saber. It actively and comprehensively involves the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints, as well as the fingers. The main effort is performed by the wrist joint, and the actual blow is performed only by the wrist joint and fingers. Moreover, the inclusion of all of the listed components most often does not occur simultaneously, which makes it possible to conditionally divide the movement of the blow into “delivery” and “cutting”. In this case, the straightening of the armed arm in the shoulder and elbow joints, performed with maximum initial speed, is complemented by movement in the wrist joint, directing the blade of the blade to the target, and the efforts of the fingers create a clear contact with the affected surface, easily perceptible by ear. This structure of movements is especially noticeable in blows on the mask, combined with a slight tilt of the body forward. Failure to comply with the required coordination of movements of the armed hand and weapon when striking, or anticipatory movement of the hand to strike, leads to premature withdrawal of the blade tip into the projection of the affected surface. The consequence of this will be a miss or a sliding touch of the enemy, reminiscent of a thrust.

Transfer and transfer (carryover attacks are typical for saber fighting) are performed following the beginning of the straightening of the armed arm to strike, and only due to the efforts of the hand. Moreover, the movement of the guard should be straightforward, and the hand, changing the direction of the blade of the blade before the blow, turns without moving to the side.

Deviations from the standard technique are advisable when performing replies and counter-responses by striking the mask from close range. Early movement of the wrist in this case will only speed up the strike. In addition, in responses on the left and right side, close-range conditions require additional energetic movements in the shoulder and elbow joints to strike (especially in responses from the 5th defense).

In a thrust, the time distribution of efforts to move the weapon and armed hand differs from that adopted for a strike. Rapid pronation of the forearm and movement in the wrist joint, bringing the point to the target, precede the moment of full straightening of the armed arm and injection.

The tip of the blade in a blow (thrust) is directed towards the target along the shortest possible path, and the guard, moving in a straight line, in the final phase is at the level of the deltoid muscle along the outer border of the body of the attacker (dealing the response) along the mask. The exception is responses on the right side, when applied, it makes sense to send the guard to a position slightly lower than the typical one in order to avoid an unwanted collision with the enemy’s guard.

Series of feints

The technique of feints in attacks (responses) with the choice of an opening sector consists of a short send of the weapon forward and a series (5-10) of extremely fast and economical in amplitude (20-30 cm) oscillatory movements of the blade, performed due to sharp forces with the hand fixed in the fingers saber handle. Feints are performed against the background of a gradually accelerating straightening of the armed arm and weapon. The tip of the blade should not extend more than 45 0 forward from the vertical due to the danger of collision with the enemy’s defense.

Moment and distance
to start performing a blow (injection)

Coordination of movements with weapons and legs in saber fencing when performing attacks is subject to the need to begin the final movement of the blade at the moment of approaching the enemy to a distance sufficient for the fastest and continuous straightening of the armed hand and striking. For an attack made a moment earlier from a slightly greater distance will end in a miss. In addition, the armed hand, pushed forward in the attack (response), is a target for an advanced counterattack (remise), and delaying the strike by lengthening the attack increases the counterattacking opponent’s opportunities to gain momentum.

The moment and distance for the final movement of the armed hand to strike are also interconnected with the speed of the attacker’s approach to the enemy, which, in turn, determines the depth of weapon movements in feints, the moment of performing the batman (grab), the number of feints, etc.

By making attacks (responses) with feints on a stationary coach (partner) from various distances (from medium to ultra-long), in various movement techniques (lunge, jump forward and lunge, combination - jump and lunge + lunge), the saber fencer masters the rational for each situation, coordination of movements with weapons and legs. One should strive in each attack to strike with the first third of the blade from the tip. Moreover, depending on the type of attack (simple attack, attack or response with feints, attack with an effect on a weapon), the initial distance and speed of approach, the depth of the feints, the moment of performing the batman (grab), and the number of feints vary. Consequently, an attacker approaching an opponent at high speed can begin the final movement of the strike from a distance slightly greater than the slower attacking athlete.

The retreats and approaches of the coach (partner), as the student masters the technique of attacks, randomly and unexpectedly for the student vary in depth and speed. But the most important thing is to improve attacks on quickly and long-retreating opponents, characteristic of saber combat. As a result of training, the ability to anticipate the distance and momentary parameters of fights will be formed, and to regulate the spatial and temporal features of actions depending on the movements of the enemy.

Performing a thrust at the moment of the final movement of the weapon differs from a blow. The movement of the tip begins slightly earlier than the straightening of the arm in order to have time to bring the blade to the target. Otherwise, a miss is possible, caused by the tip of the blade passing behind the opponent’s body in an attempt to thrust, shifting the guard to the side, performing translations in the shoulder joint, etc.

Training attacks in situations of choice between
alternative actions

Attack training is most effective when the trainer simulates situations with conditions for choosing from two alternative actions or tactical components of their implementation.

The athlete performs attacks specified by the coach (a simple attack with a blow to the mask, an attack with a series of feints, an attack with an action on a weapon), based on one of the combinations of leg movements (lunge + jump forward and lunge, jump and lunge + lunge, a series of steps forward + lunge ). Reacting during the attack to the actions of the coach, he implements one of the alternative tactical tasks.

Situation 1.

An attack on an enemy (trainer) who randomly alternates between retreating, approaching, and stopping in place. The athlete lengthens or shortens the attack, anticipating the distance and moment parameters of the fight.

Situation 2.

An attack on an opponent (coach) who randomly alternates counterattack and defense. The athlete strikes a given or opening sector.

Situation 3.

An attack on an enemy (trainer) randomly alternating timely and delayed counterattacks from various distances. The athlete parries timely counterattacks as they approach.

Situation 4.

An attack on an opponent (coach) who makes too early and late counterattacks and defenses. The athlete should not react to false actions.

Attacks in situations with probabilistic choices should be practiced in almost every lesson. At the same time, the coach (partner) always clearly defines for himself at least two alternative actions or tactical components of their use, and alternates them unexpectedly for the athlete

Initially, the athlete’s actions in each situation are trained separately, then this rule is mandatory only for the start of training. In the future, different situations can be combined in one exercise. It is most advisable to combine training of the athlete’s actions in situations one and two, one and three, two and four, three and four.

The relationship between types of protection

Among defensive actions, there are five of their varieties, performed by substituting a weapon for an attack with the task of fending off an attack in a certain sector. However, between the 3rd and 2nd, 4th and 1st defenses, there is a duplication of functions in the defense of the right and left sides, and therefore their use in the same volumes is inappropriate. The main ones are the three upper defenses: 3rd, 4th, 5th, which provide stable defense against attacks from the outside, inside, from above, both from attacks and from countering attacks and replies. In turn, the lower defenses - 1st and 2nd - are retained as auxiliary for deliberate use in individual combat situations.

Parrying attacks is usually combined with retreating, because even timely defense is often ineffective if the enemy advances deeply during the attack.

Among the methods of performing defenses, substitution defenses are the most typical for saber fencing, since by removing the armed hand, the athlete protects himself from a blow to the hand or forearm and retains the ability to repel a second attack. In addition, the movement of the weapon towards its own affected surface ensures that the strong part of the blade is opposed to the weak part of the enemy’s weapon, which reduces the likelihood of receiving a blow when the enemy’s blade bends. All this makes substitution defense a highly effective means of countering strikes.

Impact defenses are designed to combat attacks with a long advance approach and a vertical position of the weapon, but especially against attacks with feints, and passing defenses are usually performed in the 4th defense with a response on the right side and in the 1st defense with a blow to the mask (left side).

The overwhelming majority of defenses are presented as simple and one-tempo actions. The reason is that it is not difficult to bypass the defense, which began a little earlier than the final phase of the attack, by switching to a strike in another sector. Therefore, the main thing when performing defenses is their spatio-temporal accuracy, the achievement of which is most realistic only in simple defenses. Hence the desire of athletes not to react to feints or actions with weapons, but to use defense only for the final phase of attacks.

Direction and amplitude of protective movements

In the technique of defenses and counter-defenses, the depth and amplitude of weapon movements can vary significantly. They depend on the length and speed of the enemy’s attacks, the distance at the moment of parrying, the position of the weapon before attempting to defend, on the intentions of the defender, etc.

The depth of the defensive movement towards oneself and the amplitude of the lateral movement of the weapon when parrying with the 3rd and 4th defenses are not standard. Only when mastering the basics of the technique are the typical final positions of defenses improved, when performing which the elbow of the armed hand is located 5-7 cm from the body. Then the technique of defensive movements is mastered, allowing one to fend off attacks while making maximum use of the anatomical capabilities of the hand. So, when defending against short attacks, the armed arm is slightly bent, while at close range it bends until the elbow moves behind the body in the 3rd defense and the forearm touches the body in the 4th defense.

The position of the weapon in the 5th defense varies significantly in depth depending on the length of the opponents' attacks. Changes in the level of protective movements at a distance from the mask should not exceed 10-15 cm. Similar requirements apply to the technique of the 1st and 2nd lower defenses. Their distance from the body varies only within small limits.

The implementation of the 3rd and 4th counter-defenses does not have any significant technical features. When parrying a response, the armed hand, as a rule, travels only a longer distance, and counter-defensive movements, due to the dangerous proximity to the enemy, are almost always as fast and energetic as possible.

General requirements for the technique of all types of defenses: a sharp and clear turn of the blade towards the attacker’s blade, performing actions with a weapon without connection with the movements of the body and head, eliminating lateral vibrations of the body.

Armed arm elbow position
and the edge of the blade when performing defenses

The anatomical shoulder and forearm of the armed hand at the moment of upper protection should form a single plane, not disturbed by the elbow extending beyond the projection of the torso. Supination of the armed arm in the shoulder joint within the limits of its possible mobility will ensure the required position of the arm in defense. However, maintaining sufficient supination of the shoulder is not an easy task, since when performing the 3rd and 5th defenses it is necessary against the background of almost maximum pronation of the forearm. Therefore, with insufficient mobility of the arm in the shoulder joint, overstrains of the deltoid muscle occur, to overcome which special exercises are needed to expand the amplitude of movement of the arm in the shoulder joint.

Moving the elbow outward from the single plane formed by the forearm and the anatomical shoulder deprives the strike (puncture) movement of the necessary straightness and introduces movement in the shoulder joint into the defensive technique. And this, to a certain extent, negatively affects the effectiveness of hand movements in weapon control and reduces the speed and accuracy of making replies and counter-responses.

The elbow tucked inside also makes it possible to more accurately maintain the required amplitude of lateral movements of the weapon in defense. This is especially true for the 3rd protection, which, in addition to the body, also insures the armed arm from outward blows. In addition, the elbow protruding outward, as well as insufficient projection of the blade beyond the projection of the body (mandatory minimum 5-10 cm) turn the armed hand into a target for a successful attack.

A peculiar technique is inherent in the 1st and 2nd lower defenses. When performing them, it is precisely pronation of the forearm and shoulder, semicircular movements of the weapon in the elbow joint and some upward movement of the elbow, not exceeding the level of the guard, that is required.

The quality of the defense largely depends on the position and direction of the blade tip. When parrying attacks into the hand away from the body, the blade of the defending fencer is directed up and forward at an angle of approximately 45 0 in the 3rd defense, forward-up-inward in the 4th, forward-inward (and slightly upward) in 5th. th. As the weapon approaches the body when parrying deep attacks from opponents, the tilt of the tip forward (in the 3rd and 4th defenses) decreases and thereby creates a larger defensive “front”. A completely vertical position of the weapon should not be taken, as this will lead to collisions with the weapon of the attacking enemy at an angle unfavorable for the defender. There will be excessive vibrations of the weapon at the moment of defense, leading in some situations to an incomplete parry, a certain gap in time between the defense and the retaliatory strike, which reduces their accuracy.

Changing the direction of the blade tip in the 5th defense when parrying attacks of different lengths is impractical and it only makes sense to vary the position of the 5th defense in height. In the same way, in the 1st and 2nd defenses, when they approach the body (it is advisable only a little), the angle of inclination of the tip forward and downward towards a more vertical position of the weapon changes slightly.

Weapon in line position

As a means of countering attacks, this position has become widespread in saber due to the conditions of ultra-long distance, the use of two-stage offensive combinations, in which the attacking athlete often reacts late to the blade smoothly exposed in the thrust, especially if the defender does this against the backdrop of retreat. The success of thrusts from the “weapon in line” position is also explained by the long duration of attacks, often up to two or three seconds, and the defender’s objective opportunities to vary the moment parameters of the blade’s movements and create the effect of surprise.

At the same time, the use of the “weapon in line” position goes beyond the intention of inflicting a counter thrust on the enemy. The initial position of the fencer before the fight with an outstretched arm and a blade pointing forward, containing the threat of a thrust when countering an attack, forces the enemy to increase the duration of preparation of the attack due to the complexity of choosing its type, and allows the defender to switch to positional combat with less risk, which in some situations , in particular at the border line, is forced. Therefore, an outstretched arm is also an independent means of preparation aimed at restraining the enemy’s attack initiative.

Training defenses with response, counterattacks
(attacks on preparation) in situations of choice
between alternative actions

Countermeasures to attacks are initially trained under given parameters of their use in a duel (from certain distances, at the initial or final phase of an attack, with approach or retreat). Then the main ones are situations with an alternative choice of two (three) actions or tactical components of their implementation.

The most important and difficult to master are defenses with a response, which are trained both separately and in general exercises with counterattacks, attacks on preparation, attacks after a deep retreat.

Situation 5.

The athlete parries the attacks of the partner (coach) and delivers replies (counter-responses). The defensive side is determined during the attack.

Situation 6.

The athlete parries the attacks of the partner (coach) and strikes back. Does not react to false (short) approaches, feints and batmans.

Situation 7.

The athlete parries the long attacks of the partner (coach) and strikes back. Does not react to short attacks and parries healds.

Situation 8.

The athlete parries the long attacks of the partner (coach) and responds with a blow to the mask. Parries short attacks and delivers replies to the right side.

Situation 9.

The athlete parries simple attacks from his partner (coach) and strikes back. Counterattacks with an outward strike to the arm to attacks with a series of feints.

Situation 10.

The athlete parries simple attacks from his partner (coach) and strikes back. Countersattack with a blow to the mask to attacks with a long approach.

Situation 11.

The athlete parries the long attacks of the partner (coach) and strikes back. Parries short attacks and attacks (with a jump and lunge) with a blow to the mask (parries the heddle or strikes the opening sector).

Situation 12.

The athlete parries simple attacks from the partner (coach) by stepping back and striking back. Attacks with a lunge at the beginning of the enemy's approach, attacks with feints after a deep retreat and completion of the attack by the partner (trainer).

Each standard situation given is mastered separately; various combinations of them are also advisable.

In the training of qualified fencers, situations 5, 6 and 7, as well as situations 9 and 10, are most often combined.

Specialization of complex visual-motor reactions places high demands on the psyche of the athlete and coach, which determines the need to dose exercises.

Combinations of actions in defense

In defense, combinations of actions are widely used, consisting of a counterattack with a retreat (approach) and continuously performed defense with a response, defense with a retreat and a counterattack with a blow (puncture) in a given sector. The tactical task of the first action in combination is to complicate the enemy’s reaction, speed up his attack (predetermine the sector and depth), or make it longer (lengthen) to get ahead with a counterattack (attack on preparation). Combinations with visual interference are especially effective.

Combination 1.

Counterattack (false) with a blow to the mask with a retreat and defense with a response.

Combination 2.

Counterattack (false) with an outward blow to the arm with a retreat and defense with a response.

Combination 3.

Attack on preparation (false) with a thrust with a lunge and 1st semicircular defense with a response.

Combination 4.

Defense with retreat (false) and counterattack with an outward blow to the arm.

Combination 5.

Attack on preparation (false) with a blow to the mask with a lunge and the 5th defense with a response.

Combination 6.

Defense with retreat (false) and counterattack with a thrust.

Exercises to improve saber movements

Delivering a blow (puncture), using defense with a response are distinguished by large simultaneous efforts. As a result, the muscles are overstrained, the intensity of attention and the general tension of the mental sphere increase to the limit.

Regulating the level of general tension of an athlete and eliminating residual strains in the muscles after individual movements are achievable in exercises consisting of several continuously and sequentially performed weapon actions. Combines blows to the hand, mask, body, defenses and replies, healds. In terms of tactical content, sequence and rhythm, simple attacks and attacks with feints, counterattacks and halts, defenses against responses and counterresponses are imitated.

Exercise 1.

A series of blows: on the hand from above, on the mask, on the hand from above as the saber moves to the 3rd position (supplemented by defense and response).

Exercise 2.

A series of blows (transfer) on the right side, on the left side, on the right side and return to the 3rd position (supplemented by defense and response).

Exercise 3.

A series of defenses and responses with a blow to the mask, counter-defenses and counter-responses with a blow to the mask.

In the training of qualified saber fencers, the most important thing is to increase the level of tactical adequacy of the selected actions for use in a standard situation. To solve this pedagogical problem, tactical models are designed in which the athlete independently chooses combat action among interchangeable ones in a certain situation, it works adequately when modeling probabilistic tactical decisions of the enemy in a fight, and then in a duel.

The main effect of the proposed models is the transfer of the functions of selecting actions from the coach (who determines only the general content of the exercise, the situation of application of the actions) to the trained athlete.

Independent choice by the athlete
of two (three) actions in a standard situation

Model 1.

The coach (partner) attacks with a blow to the mask (with a series of feints). The athlete randomly alternates a generalizing 4th defense with a response with a blow to the mask and an attack on preparation - batman in the 4th connection and a blow to the mask.

Model 2.

The coach (partner) attacks with a blow to the mask (left side, with a series of feints). The athlete randomly alternates combinations of actions: a) an internal thrust with a lunge and a generalizing 1st defense with a response; b) a counterattack with a thrust with steps back and a generalizing 1st defense with a response.

Model 3.

The coach (partner) counterattacks with an outward blow to the arm. The athlete randomly alternates a simple attack with a blow to the hand from above, a simple attack with a blow to the mask, a preparing attack and a 2nd defense with a response.

Model 4.

The coach (partner) makes deep approaches before the attack. The athlete randomly alternates an attack on preparation with a blow to the mask, an attack on preparation with a series of feints with a blow to the right or left side, an attack with a series of feints after a quick and deep retreat.

Simulation of probabilistic
tactical decisions in battle

The probabilistic choice of actions is initially mastered in fights that begin with a preparatory action and are completed, depending on the enemy’s actions, by switching to attack or defense and response (counterattack).

Model 1.

The partner (coach) randomly alternates simple attacks during preparation and counterattacks with a blow to the hand (mask) after retreating. The athlete takes a preparatory step forward (lunge), then parries the attack and strikes back, attacks with a jump and lunge the retreating and counterattacking partner (coach).

Model 6.

The partner (trainer) randomly alternates attacks on preparation with a lunge, a counterattack while standing still, steps back and a counterattack. The athlete attacks with a jump and lunge with a blow to the mask, reacts with acceleration when approaching (stopping in place) and attacks again with a blow to the mask when the partner (coach) retreats.

Simulation of probabilistic
tactical decisions in a duel

The fencer must strive to predict the opponents' intentions, focusing on their probabilistic tactical decisions based on the results of each past fight. To do this, the coach selects actions for the athlete to perform in a certain sequence.

Model 7.

The partner (coach) defends, consistently alternating counterattack and defense. The athlete alternates between performing a simple attack, an attack with a series of feints, an attack with a switch to defense and response, and an attack with an effect on the weapon.

Model 8.

The partner (coach) attacks, successively alternating a simple attack, an attack with feints, a combination of two attacks, and a deep preparatory approach. The athlete alternates between defense and response, counterattack, a combination of actions (false counterattack and defense with response), and preparation attack.

Model 9.

The partner (coach) and the athlete take turns attacking and defending, successively alternating simple attacks and attacks with feints, defense with a response and counterattacks (preparatory attacks).

FEATURES OF COMBAT AND TRAINING
ON ELECTRIC SABERS

Observations of coaches and generalization of the experience of the world's strongest athletes in electric saber competitions make it possible to verify the invariance of the basic laws of combat, despite the electrofixation of blows (injections). This is explained by the absence of the problem of target accuracy in saber fencing due to the almost equal possibilities of striking in different planes.

An analysis of the composition of actions in fights revealed an increase in the number of counterattacks due to a decrease in the volume of defenses with a response, as well as a tendency to increase the effectiveness of remits.

There is a noticeable desire among athletes to preferentially use single-tempo actions, especially counterattacks, replies, and halters, intuitively assuming a greater likelihood of their effectiveness.

When assessing the structure of the use of offensive and defensive means, it should be borne in mind that the process of athletes’ adaptation to the electric saber (weapon, equipment, striking and thrusting techniques) coincided with changes in the distance and moment characteristics of preparation and execution of actions due to the elimination of the “border” warning line fencing track. And this created new conditions for conducting a duel, since it became more difficult to estimate the length and duration of attacks, the moment of the start of counterattacks and defenses with a response.

Fights have become even more fleeting as a result of reducing the time spent preparing and delivering a blow (puncture) to 2-6 seconds.

Experts note the appearance of countable blows to the hand in attacks, with visual judging practically not recorded, repeated blows after a failed counterattack or response, thrusts and blows with the opposition.

“Strong” blows became unnecessary, the purpose of which was to stimulate the judge’s decision to deliver a real blow, and justified - to increase the requirements for the technique of weapon movements, since it is necessary to more clearly differentiate the efforts of the hand and fingers at the moment of the collision of the saber with the enemy’s blade and the execution of feints and strikes.

In the movements of electric sabers, in particular in attacks with a batman and defenses with a response, a certain time interval is required between the moment of collision of the blades and the delivery of a blow (injection), because otherwise the device will not record them. It is also advisable to rethink the injection technique with a “straight hand”, since its fixation requires dynamic forces at the moment of sticking into the electric jacket.

Thus, further adjustments are needed in the technical and tactical training of saber fencers in order to speed up the process of athletes’ adaptation to changes in competition conditions and the introduction of new training methods.