On Guard.
This is the elementary position in fencing. Stand at attention, body turned facing opponent outwardly, feet at right angles, the left foot pointing forward, the right foot outward toward opponent.
1. Raise the arm holding foil lightly, extend toward opponent, hand at height of and opposite the eye.
2. Drop the arm and foil, point outward, until it is a few inches from the floor.
3. Sweep the foil across the body so that the foil is horizontal. Grasp the blade close to the guard with fingers of the left hand, palm up. The right hand is reversed.
4. Bend arms over head in a circle, carrying foil upward so it is kept horizontal.
5. Lower right hand to height of the right breast, with foil directed outward toward opponent at the height of her eyes. Drop the left elbow, curving the hand over the left shoulder.
6. Bend the legs, separating them at the knees.
7. Advance the right foot in a direct line from the left heel to opponent. The right knee should be bent over the right foot, both feet should be flat on the floor.
After these seven movements have been practised and the position on guard reached quickly and accurately, the fencer may take up more advanced work. The natural instinct is to defend oneself, so a scientific means of defense is taught. Any movement that turns away an opponent’s foil is called a parry. As the fencing jacket is divided into different lines of engagement, there is a set parry for each. In all parries, it is important to turn the point of the opponent’s foil away from your body. Parries are divided into two main classes, simple and counter. The following are the simple parries: