April 2008 [1] 

En Garde

Defined as the Fencing Stance, the fencers stance is imperitive to everything in the sport.  Like a tree without roots, there is no fencing without a base, and the front and back legs provide that ‘trunk’.  Front and back legs are determined by the weapon hand.  A 90 degree position ‘L shape’ is created by the feet with the front foot (and knee) facing forwad.  By standing at least shoulder width apart, a fencer can bend the knees and get more power with a deeper bend.

Relaxed, essential to speed is a relaxed stance – not slouching but upright.

Practice, the more comfortable a fencer is in the en garde position the more natural fencing becomes.

Tip: Practice jumping into the en garde position, when walking forward & back, then again when steping forward & back.