Rules for Fencing

I’ve been fencing off and on (mostly off) for over fifteen years now. In that time the main teachers I had were Don Pierce O’Briain, Master Luther Magnus, and Fechtmeister Godfrey von Ravensburg. I was never an official student or cadet to any of them, and a few years ago moved away from Lionsdale. However, when I’m fencing here in Avacal I frequently get asked who taught me.

There was an ongoing joke about Rule One, and of course Rule Two. Well, I’ve now spent some time recently putting together twelve rules, most of which are taken directly from those three men, that I have for fencing. They’re not necessarily ones I can always follow, but I try.

1. Cardio
2. Double tap
3. Don’t be a dick
4. You hold your own honour
5. When you look good, you feel good
6. When you feel good, you fight good
7. Know when they’re in range
8. When they’re in range, you’re in range
9. Parrying is good
10. Not being there is better than parrying
11. If you’re not having fun, why do it?
12. If you’re having fun, express it

If you have any thoughts on “rules for fencing” I’d love to hear about them in the comments.