How to Go on Guard in Spada Fencing

The guard is a position of readiness assumed by a fencer with his or her body and weapon to prepare for attack, defense and counter-offense. When a fencer first assumes the guard, the fencer does so from 1st position.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fencing Gear

1. Sweep the spada upward in a circular motion, from rear to front, and from low to high, while simultaneously sweeping the rear arm in an identical fashion, but in the opposite direction.

2. Conclude these circular movements with both arms extending in a straight line, level with the floor and in opposite directions, with the point of the weapon directed at the adversary, hand in 4th position.

3. Step directly forward with the leading foot along the line of direction approximately one and 1/2 shoe lengths.

4. Set the foot down heel first, toes directed at the adversary.

5. Bend both knees and open them away from each other, rear knee positioned perpendicular to the rear toe and front knee over the instep of the right foot.

6. Draw back the sword arm slightly while flexing the rear forearm upward, perpendicular to the floor, elbow slightly above the shoulder.

7. Bend the rear hand forward at the wrist, fingers together and thumb out.

8. Position the weapon with its guard level with the chest, point directed toward the adversary's wrist, and the blade forming a straight line with the forearm, parallel to the floor.

Tips & Warnings

• The entire body is a valid target in spada.
• Whereas the point of the weapon must be directed at the adversary's collar bones in foil, it must be directed toward the adversary's wrist in spada so as to threaten it, while at the same time hiding one's own forearm behind the guard of the weapon.
• 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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[jenzinas]

on 10/5/2006 Is Spada the same thing as Epee or is it something else?