How to Salute When Fencing

The salute is a traditional and mandatory expression of courtesy and respect that is always rendered at the beginning and end of a fencing lesson, assault or bout.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fencing Gear

1. Assume first position.

2. Sweep the foil or spada into line with the adversary's chest with a circular motion from rear to front and from low to high, blade and arm forming a straight line parallel to the floor, hand in fourth position.

3. Flex the elbow and bring the arm back toward the body so that the forearm and weapon form a vertical line, guard of the weapon level with the chin, blade in front of the right eye (left eye for left-handed fencers).

4. Extend the arm and weapon toward the adversary again.

5. Return the arm and weapon back vertically to the body.

6. Salute the officials and spectators on the left by partly extending the arm and weapon diagonally to the left, elbow bent, hand in fourth.

7. Return the arm and weapon to the body to form a vertical line a final time.

8. Salute the officials and spectators on the right by partly extending the arm and weapon diagonally to the right.

9. Return the weapon smartly back to the hip, returning to first position.

Tips & Warnings

• The movements of the salute should appear crisp and deliberate.
• Establish eye contact with the adversary when you salute him or her, and with the officials and spectators as well when they're saluted in their turn.
• It's customary to lift the mask to expose the face and salute the adversary during a bout in which the score is tied and only a single touch remains to determine the winner.
• Avoid saluting in a sloppy fashion, as such a practice may be interpreted as an expression of contempt and a breach of proper fencing etiquette.
• At the end of a bout or lesson, the salute is followed by a handshake with the unarmed hand.
• The salute for saber is similar to that for foil and spada, except that in the first movement the weapon is brought into line directly toward the adversary, from low to high, with the hand in second position.
• Refusal to salute in competition is punishable by dismissal from the event.
• Fencing is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.

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