anotheranon | notes to self re: practice

This won't make sense to anyone who doesn't fence foil, but they're public for interested parties nonetheless:

Nothing like the power of a good on-guard position - makes it hard for your opponent to get near you while offering a number of ways to attack.
Always, always parry octave from a good guard. If you try and start this from the quarte position, you will draw your opponent's blade into your knee - not a valid target, but crap fencing and leaves your knee perpetually bruised up :P Parrying octave from a good guard will take your opponent right past your leg and give you room to riposte.
The other A.'s parry quarte is too strong - you aren't ever going to get past it, so don't attack her high inside line; it is doomed to failure. Rather, feint there and attack her low outside.
A. with his pistol grip does not disengage - his blade will bind yours forever if you get too close. Maintain distance so you can. Also, go back on a good guard after every motion or he will hit you.
You are still trying to hit B.'s front shoulder, even though she's a lefty. Optimistic, aren't you?

Had some interesting revelations in fencing class. My knee is forever grateful :P