Even though this list of lessons is long, remember that each lesson is an introduction to a subject and not the subject in its entirety. Every person you work with will be able to give you their unique perspective and insight. If you feel like you are struggling with any of the lessons, feel free to take them again and work with others on them. You can also work with an Officer to make a lesson plan to fit your interests, strengths, and weaknesses as a fencer.
Newcomer Lessons
Introduction
Introduction to the group, how things work, and how you can get involved.
Basics of Dueling
How to gear up, Basic Stance and Footwork, 8 Basic Blocks, how to strike, and how to duel.
Basics of Melee
Melee Safety, Holds, Terminology, and how to be on a team.
Breaking Shots
Emphasize Gauging Shots and how to not hit hard in the first place, but also what to do when it eventually happens.
Newcomer Review & Test Match
Review with an Officer and test yourself on what you’ve learned so far.
Initiate Lessons
Basic Offhand
How you use your offhand in a fight, avoiding grabbing, and how to remember it’s there.
Multiple Attacks
Avoiding sewing machine, attacking different areas, how to resist the urge to reset after each strike
Block/Attack Combos
How to implement block attack combos in general and for each of the 8 basic blocks
Range & Placement
Finding your range, maneuvering with range, your own placement, and how range impacts a fight especially hard shots
Draw & Tip Cuts
What qualifies as a draw & tip cut and how to perform them safely.
Line Fighting
How Line Fighting works, what to be aware of, and how to fight on a line
Two on One Tactics
How to fight as a pair against a single fighter, “45 Maneuver”, and how numbers win
Death from Behind (DFB)
What a proper DFB and how to perform it safely.
Initiate Review & Test Match
Review with an Officer and test yourself on what you’ve learned so far.
Novice Lessons
Dagger
What a dagger is, how to fight with it, and how it impacts the fight.
Deathstick
What a deathstick is, how to fight with it, and how it impacts the fight.
Buckler
What a buckler is, how to fight with it, and how it impacts the fight.
Cloak
What a cloak is, how to fight with it, and how it impacts the fight.
Long Sword
What a long sword is, how to fight with it, and how it impacts the fight.
Case
What case is, how to fight with it, and how it impacts the fight.
Advanced Blocks
Deep dive into advanced block theory and how to optimize your blocks and defense.
Probing Your Opponent
How to probe your opponent and formulate a plan based on your findings. The Chess Game.
Fighting with a Disability
What to do when you lose a hand, arm, or leg. What to do when you face someone with a disability
Rush Attacks
How safely rush your opponent and avoid a charge.
Falling Wedge
How to setup up, participate in, and fight against a Falling Wedge
Kill Pocket
How to setup up, participate in, and fight against a Kill Pocket
Flanking Maneuver
How to setup up, participate in, and fight against a Flanking Maneuver (Cavalry version)
Wall of Swords
How to setup up, participate in, and fight against a Wall of Swords
Basics of Command
Basics on what makes up an army, how to lead a team, and formulate a plan
Novice Review & Test Match
Review with an Officer and test yourself on what you’ve learned so far. Prepartion for Swordsman Rank.
