How to Retreat When Fencing

The retreat is a step backward, taken with both feet, to increase distance between you and your adversary. The retreat is also known as "breaking ground."

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Fencing Gear

1. Begin the retreat from the guard position.
2. Lift the rear foot and carry it rearward, as far as required, along the line of direction, then set it down, ball of the foot first.
3. Bend the rear knee and carry the leading foot swiftly back to a distance of one and a half shoe lengths from the rear foot.
4. Land the front foot on the floor, heel first.

Tips & Warnings

• Move smoothly throughout the retreat, maintaining balance and keeping the torso profiled.
• Keep your feet close to the surface of the floor as they move, but avoid dragging them.
• Be sure that at the end of the retreat your feet are correctly spaced as they were previously, in the guard position.
• Avoid the natural tendency to straighten the legs and rise up from the guard when retreating, so as to maintain the ability to thrust and lunge when necessary and to prevent falling over backward.
• 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.