fencer vs. Taiji/Shaolin Straight sword

[cnholmes]

He was very surprised when the other person took out black clothing/armour and later found out that this is the sign of a fencing master

It isn't - anyone can buy and wear a black jacket. However, you look like a twit if you do it and can't fence to a high standard. Bit like a black belt in Karate.

the other person used only one technique 'parry, riposte' and won clearly and cleanly, then was gracious enough to correct my friends techniques and offer some suggestions and advice.

That is

Yeniseri,

Thanks for the information

It brings up another issue. The grip you are referring to is the traditional 'french' grip. The modern 'pistol' grip can be seen here... http://www.leonpaul.com/armoury/foil/foil_parts.htm

[drunken boxer]

I've just been searching old threads on all things weapon / sword / sabre related and have found some gems of which this is one! Chris and Darryl Siheng, loving the fencing stories and information! Although if it is a gentleman's art then how come I didn't know this and haven't practised it before... oh wait, I think I know...

[Mark CH]

Although if it is a gentleman's art then how come I didn't know this and haven't practised it before... oh wait, I think I know...

Paul I think you did practice it one night in Malaysia recently with a cane

Hope all is well and thanks for bring up these old posts.

[drunken boxer]

Ah yes thats true! And what a bunch of fine gentlemen there were to practise with!

Thanks for bringing back happy memories Mark, hope you and your bro are enjoying life as always.

[Mark CH]

Yes Paul both of us are very good and life is great, I am back home and Gregg is still in New Zealand.

Happy weapons training brother

[Josh]

Hey Paul Sihing!!!

Thanks for dredging up some old sword stuff. Just after our course I had the opportunity to try some western fencing (epee)...in Taiwan, of all places. It was very interesting, especially after all the weapons work at the course. I went to the local university fencing club with a friend of mine who's been fencing for some time. The head of the club was kind enough to drill me in stance, footwork, and spacing for about 1/2 an hour, then taught me the basic parries...and was quite surprised that I could keep the distance and parry with relaxed, small movements. The hardest part was adjusting to the awkward, non-Shaolin stances and the rules (epee has certain silly rules that allow you to score a point even if you're hit). But it was lots of fun and a lot of what we learned at the course helped me, even in the "game" of epee. In fact, in my first round they were all surprised when I effectively used textbook circular parries which they hadn't shown me. Of course I still lost, but was highly complimented by everyone. I just wish I'd had a chance for a 3rd round; I would have liked a chance to give up the epee style and just treat it like Chinese straight sword. It would've been an interesting experiment! I'd also be curious to try saber, as I believe the target area includes more of the body (head, and maybe arms as well)...being restricted to the torso is a little odd after the free-for-all of Chinese weapons sparring!
Anyway, hope all's well with you...

All my best,
Josh

[drunken boxer]

Hey Josh, nice to speak to you again! Next time in Penang, we should get pizza on the first day!

Great story on the fencing. I might have a look at saber etc in fencing on youtube. Might check the local uni's etc where I live, see if I can go along and try it sometime too.
I was surprised to learn they could score points even if hit too, but I thought one good thing about this might be to train to not get hit even if you have landed a blow because in reality I guess there is a chance the person could still strike after being cut/stabbed, depending on how severe.

I think I could probably find a club, maybe even learn the rules, use some moves etc... my main problem is pretending I'm a gentleman...

Happy weapons training brother

And same to all you guys,

Paul