flicker

[anotheranon]

Over the past few weeks I've been learning to flick (to non fencers, this means handling the foil rather like a bullwhip to land a touch indirectly).

Yes, I know every time I l flick, [$deity] kills a classical fencer.

Yes, yes, I know that I myself have said repeatedly that if I wanted to flick I'd use a whip.

But V. has demonstrated to my satisfaction that there is a use for such a thing in modern sport fencing. Specifically, when my opponent has a quick or very protective parry, it's a way to get around it without contorting my arm/body/everything to "go around the corner". It can also be a surprise finish after circular parrying (around and around we go!) as the constant blade motion hides the attack.

It is kind of rough on my forearm and wrist, so I'm being very careful, using a lighter blade than I would usually to practice. V. also suggests as homework making parrying motions while holding a dumbell bar to strengthen it up. I'll try this, with both hands because if I'm gonna look like Popeye I want to at least be symmetrical :P

Lesson: never say never.

Comments

[anotheranon.livejournal.com]

Yes, that's exactly how it's working. The momentum can "pull", so this is less painful with a lighter/more flexible blade than I usually use.

One would hope Alatriste would approve. The Spanish Circle can be kind of indirect at times :P

[jlsjlsjls.livejournal.com]

Alatriste approves of anything that means you get your opponent before they get you ***GRIN***

[jlsjlsjls.livejournal.com]

Speaking of Alatriste, I've found out why there's always such a long lag between the original Spanish releases and the English editions ... seems that, to enhance the authenticity, Pérez-Reverte writes those novels in sixteenth century Spanish rather than modern. Translation into contemporary language is apparently quite challenging and research-laden.