Teaching... success?

[doctorcurly]

We've switched over to a formal class structure at fencing practice. Previously, experienced fencers just worked one-on-one with individuals, followed by free-play for the rest of the evening. It worked pretty well for some time, but the problem is one of scalability. Now that we have over a dozen fencers on an average night, there's really no way

Comments

[queenserenity42]

I admit I'm no expert, but it really seems a bad idea to teach the bending the wrist thing--especially when you see how dangerous it can be in a fight. In terms of body mechanics, it's also really bad for your wrist, especially when you're using a schlager instead of a foil. You may not want to teach the entire Cappo Ferro system, but keeping the sword in a straight line with your forearm would be a much better idea and it's not just a Cappo Ferro thing. Fabris uses it, and I'm pretty sure Giganti does, too.

Listen to your brain. If you aren't convinced of it, don't teach it. Teach what you know are good body mechanics, within a system or not, because once you develop a bad habit in your body mechanics, it's a monster pain to correct.

And yeah, I personally think Cappo Ferro just feels weird. Adrian taught me the stance this past weekend, and we discovered that I can't do it without going into Fabris stance first. Much wackiness.

[doctorcurly]

If you don't have your body entirely behind the sword, it's almost impossible to gain a line of attack without bending the wrist.

I'm also not convinced that it's bad for the wrist. To the contrary, the women in my practice complain that keeping the wrist straight places a huge strain on their wrists.

It's not that they're necessarily weaker. Girl hips work differently from boy hips. Same goes for wrists, as I've learned.

[queenserenity42]

I'm trying to picture how you can fence without having your body behind the sword, but it's not working. I think that's one of those things I'd have to see to really understand what you mean.

True that girl hips and wrists work differently. I remember that keeping my wrist straight used to be really hard, but that got better once I built up my forearms a bit. (I have really wimpy wrists and a nasty bit of carpal tunnel.) Perhaps it's a personal preference thing. I've done some studying, but again, I'm not an expert by any means. I'm going to see a specialist soon for an unrelated wrist problem anyway--if I get a chance, I'll ask about this and see what he says.

[flechyr]

The concept, here, is "union of forces." Any time that the body isn't in "alignment" you lose power/focus/stability/etc.

Bending the wrist violates this principle.

Unfortunately, this isn't explained in the manuals, but is implied, if you know what to look for. I learned this from several folks much more expert in body mechanics, martial arts, and research than I am.

[mightyjesse]

Thank you for helping to direct my Joe-friend to practice!

He is now CONVINCED that I know EVERYONE - being as I have never been to Indiana for any significant amount of time, and I was still able to introduce him around. *grin*

[doctorcurly]

... you don't?

[drydem]

I find Thibault cancels out Capo Ferro, don't you?

[doctorcurly]

... not always... ;)

[doctorcurly]

The system isn't perfect, but it's better than what we've been doing.

We should start seeing the results within a month or two. We'll re-evaluate, and make adjustments if needed.

[queenserenity42]

I didn't mean to sound critical. I was just offering thoughts based on what was said originally. I hope y'all didn't take it as criticism/dissing!

[doctorcurly]

I did not take it as a critique. I think that lapis_lorelei is merely offering her own encouragement.

[iarroganti]

Let's talk at Gulf and look at constraint in Fabris, Thibealt, and how it relates to CF. If I'm reading you right, it sounds like you are using the modern method of closing the line with the point on target. I've discussed this with some others in the past and while it works well with light blades like foils and epees, it has some problems with the heavier rapiers.

For the teach:student ratio. You might break the students into groups of 2-3 to work with an instructor observing. I kind of like groups of 3 as it gives each student a chance to play both parts, and also to observe the action from the outside. If you go with that route, be sure to also bring that third student in to help train their eye as an observer. Some people also learn better from that outside perspective than from doing the action, especially as the pressure to perform is not there.

Asa last note, was slow on getting thepackage mailed, so I will just bring your Bronze Ring gift to Gulf.

See you next week.

[doctorcurly]

That is correct, we are using the modern method of closing the line.

That's a very good idea, about breaking up into smaller groups. I had forgotten that's what we did in Taekwondo class.

I look forward to seeing you at Gulf!