Whitman College Fencing
 

 

 

   Home

   Meeting Times

   Events

   Leaders

 

   Gallery

   Articles

   Links

   FAQ

 
 

Ranking Information

Ranks are marked by stars beneath the shoulder patch.

Testing occurs on set dates as a group or on individual occasions as determined by the Head Instructor. Members wishing to test can do so only if the Head Instructor offers to perform the testing. If a member wishes for a testing, the candidate cannot bring the request to the Head Instructor's attention, but must instead convince a member of at least the rank he/she wishes to test for (and at least the 2nd rank) to do so on her/his behalf. That is, the candidate needs a sponsor. This sponsor is also responsible for making sure the candidate is adequately prepared for the rank testing.

When the testing occurs, all actions requiring two people will be performed by the candidate and her/his sponsor. The Head Instructor (the tester) will direct the actions and observe so as to score the candidate. The candidate should not be penalized for mistakes made by the sponsor; instead, the Head Instructor should ask them to repeat the action.
 

First Rank

Second Rank

Third Rank

 

 

 

 


 Permission to Free Fence (1 star) (top)

Requirements:

A) Length of attendance:

It is suggested that a new club member attend regularly (at least twice per week) for at least 1 month before testing for this rank.
Minimum attendance time before testing: none (this allows new members with experience at other clubs to move into the bouting they may be used to if they appear adequately skilled to do so).

B) Candidate should have participated in at least two bouts previously with instructors.

The Testing:

The purpose of the 1st rank testing is for the candidate to demonstrate the knowledge and ability needed to fence safely with the foil in a bouting situation.


Notice, all techniques should be done from a proper guard, attacks should be done with a properly executed lunge, etc. A salute should be made when beginning techniques that touch a living opponent. Failure in these things is equivalent to failure in the technique.

Candidates will be allowed to repeat any given technique once, but will suffer an automatic reduction of 1 point from their score for that technique.


A) Candidate must demonstrate the following skills/techniques:

    i) Skill: Distance Maintaining

Sponsor and candidate should, with blades in hand, measure a proper lunging distance (for the sponsor) and take up their guards at that distance. The sponsor will then begin slowly leading footwork consisting only of the advance, the    retreat, the cross-step, the jump-back, and the lunge. Throughout this it is the candidate's job to maintain the prescribed distance at all times except when the sponsor lunges, at which point the candidate should use his/her defense of measure and move slightly beyond the sponsor's lunging range. This should be done for 1 minute, and then followed by a similar length of time at a faster speed. The tester will assign the candidate a score out of 15 points based on their ability to keep the distance, and use proper technique while doing so, with 5 points for distance in the slow section, 5 points for distance in the fast section, and 5 points for proper footwork.

    ii) Technique: Basic Parries

The candidate shall be tested on the following parries: circular parries in 4th, 3rd and 2nd, simple parries from to 3rd and to 1st, semi-circular parries to 1st and 4th. All parries should be followed by an immediate direct riposte. When the tester announces the parry to be demonstrated, the candidate should offer an appropriate opening for the sponsor to attack via straight thrust, disengagement and lunge, or glide as appropriate. Each parry sequence shall be done at half speed and graded out of 5 points, with 1 point for offering the appropriate opening, 2 points of executing the bladework of the parry correctly, 1 point for remembering to step back to keep proper distance, and 1 point for the properly executed riposte.

    iii) Technique: Simple Attacks

The candidate should be tested on their ability to execute the following basic simple attacks: straight thrusts, disengagement and lunges, and glides - in two lines for each, making sure at least one simple attack is done in each line. Tester will tell the candidate which type of attack, and the sponsor will make an appropriate opening. Each attack will be scored out of 5 points, 1 point for choosing the correct line to attack in (based on the given opening), 1 for remembering to complete a full extension before beginning the foot movement, 1 for proper point control and bladework execution, 1 for proper footwork (dropping the back arm, keeping the back heel on the ground, and not leaning over the front leg), 1 point for proper distance and remembering to close.

B) Candidate must answer the following questions:

  1. What are the 3 fencing distances?

  2. Which is more important in fencing, offense or defense? Why? What is the Basic Principle of Fencing?

  3. Why do we extend before lunging?

  4. Why do we study foil before other weapons?

  5. Tell me about the toccato-gratzi scoring system.

Each question will be graded out of 5 points.

C) Candidate must participate in a bout with the sponsor. This bout should be to 3 points. The outcome of the bout (winner/loser) has no bearing on the candidate's success in the testing. Rather, this serves as a chance to teach the candidate what a good bout should be like, and to make sure they can demonstrate the needed control to be safe in a bouting situation. The candidate will be graded out 10 points on their execution of control. The sponsor should execute her/his actions with good control and form to allow the candidate a chance to properly demonstrate his/her skill.

Total possible points: 115. Passing: 75.

First Rank Study Guide (in progress)
First Rank Scoring Sheet

Permissions:

A) Fencers of the 1st rank have the permission to bout and do bladework drills with other fencers of the 1st rank or higher using club gear and at club functions without needing an instructor's direct supervision--as long as the club's standard safety rules are followed!

B) Fencers of the 1st rank are granted the ability to borrow gear from the club outside of club meeting times. However, they must get permission from the Key Bearer, and need to sign for all items using the registry.

Responsibilities:

To always fence safely and honorably according to the rules and principles of Whitman Fencing.
 


 Permission to Study Other Weapons (2 stars) (top)

The purpose of this test is to show that a fencer has a solid understand of the core techniques and principles of foil fencing, and has the ability to execute them, hence allowing the candidate to begin working with other weapons without hindering their growth as a fencer.

Requirements:

A) Length of attendance:

It is suggested that a new club member attend regularly (at least twice per week) for 2 semesters before testing for this rank.
Minimum attendance time before testing: 1 semester (in the case of a new member with previous experience at another club, this time serves to assure that the member has patience, and forces them to review the techniques of foil, which are essential to the practice of all the weapons).

B) Participation in at least 2 events (tournaments, symposiums, etc.) other than weekly meetings.

C) Candidate must be of the 1st rank.

The Testing:

All techniques should be done from a proper guard, attacks should be done with a properly executed lunge, etc. A salute should be made when beginning techniques that touch a living opponent. Failure in these things is equivalent to failure in the technique.

Candidates will be allowed to repeat each technique once if they so desire.

A) Candidate must demonstrate the following skills/techniques:

i) Skill: Distance Maintaining

Sponsor and candidate should, with blades in hand, measure a proper lunging distance (for the candidate), and take up their guards at that distance. The sponsor will then begin to both move slowly, and to, at her/his pleasure, attack the candidate. The candidate's job is to both maintain good distance, and defend against the sponsor's attacks (defense of measure is perfectly acceptable). The candidate may not launch any of their own attacks, nor respond with counter-offensive actions, but he/she is encouraged to riposte after successful parries. The exercise will pause briefly and fencers will return to proper distance after any successful touch by either party. This will continue for 2 minutes, after which the Head Instructor will ask the fencers to increase to normal speed, and the exercise will then be continued for another 2 minutes until the Head Instructor calls a halt. The candidate will be scored out of 25 points, with 5 points for distance in the slow section, 5 points for distance in the fast section, 5 points for proper footwork, 5 points for proper defense, and 5 points for proper ripostes. The number of touches given and received will not effect the candidate's score.

ii) Technique: Defense

The purpose of this section is to have the candidate demonstrate a solid knowledge of defensive foil techniques. The candidate shall demonstrate 5 of the following techniques (of the tester's choice), necessarily including the first 3, with each technique graded out of 10 points.

  • Any combination of 4 circular or simple parries followed by a direct riposte by detaching the blade (tester will dictate starting line, parries, and offensive actions).

  • Any combination of 3 circular or simple parries followed by a direct riposte by glide (tester dictates starting line and offensive actions, candidate must choose appropriate parries).

  • Any combination of 3 ciruclar or simple parries followed by a compound riposte with 1 direct feint (tester dictates starting line, parries, counter-parries, and offensive actions).

  • Any combination of 2 circular or simple parries followed by a riposte indirect (tester dictates starting line and offensive actions, candidate must choose appropriate parries).

  • Any combination of 2 circular or simple parries finished by using defense of measure (tester dictates starting line and offensive actions (which should get around both parries), and parries).

  • Ceding parry against an envelopement followed by a compound riposte with a feint by glide.

  • A diagonal parry followed by a circular beat parry and compound riposte with 1 feint.

iii) Technique: Offense

The purpose of this section is to have the candidate demonstrate a solid knowledge of attacks in foil. The candidate shall demonstrate 4 of the following techniques (of the tester's choice), necessarily including the first two, and making sure to use a different line for each action. Each technique will be graded out of 8 points.

  • Double Feint with Coordinated Step and Lunge (tester's choice of type of starting feint and parries)

  • Triple Feint and Lunge (as above)

  • Advance with a Blade Seizure, Flanconade in 4th

  • Beat-Cutover and Lunge

  • Balestra, Beat, Feint Direct, Disengage, Lunge

  • Advance-Appel-Lunge, with 1 feint direct (tester chooses parry)

  • Gaining on the Lunge with 1 feint direct (tester chooses parry)

iv) Technique: Assorted Actions on the Blade

The candidate must demonstrate any 4 of the following actions on the blade (with short sequences), each to be graded out of 5 points:

  • Advance with a blade seizure, transport and glide.

  • Riposte by envelopement and lunge (against a retreating opponent).

  • Circular Beat, Feint Direct, Deceive, and Lunge.

  • Pressure, Change of Engagement, Expulsion, and Lunge. (High Line only)

  • Right or left disarm and lunge (considered effective if the desired opening is created and the touch made, even if the blade is caught in a wrist strap or martingale).

v) Technique: Assorted Counter Attacks

The candidate must demonstrate any 4 of the following counter attacks, each to be graded out of 5 points:

  • Inquartata

  • Passata Sotto

  • Imbrocatta

  • Time Thrust

  • Disengagement in Time

  • Arrest against a double feint

  • Appuntata

vi) Technique: Sequences

The candidate must demonstrate the following sequence, graded out of 15 points. C is the candidate, S is the sponsor. Sequences should be executed twice at 1/2-3/4 speed, once at full speed.

Starting out of distance, both guarding in 3rd:
C: Advances twice, cautiously.
S: Advances once, cautiously, then twice rapidly, bringing them into distance.
C: Cross-steps back as opponent advances, staying out of distance.
S: Advances and attempts a beat in 4th.
C: Performs a Circular Beat in Time, Feints Direct.
S: Counter Parries in 4th.
C: Executes Cut-over and Lunges.
S: Performs Simple Parry of 3rd, Feints by Riposte Indirect.
C: Opposes in 4th and Recovers.
S: Feints by Disengage while stepping in.
C: Parries Simple of 3rd.
S: Disengages and Lunges.
C: Hits with inquartata.

The candidate must also demonstrate two sequences presented by the tester at the time of the exam. Both sequences will be examples of second intention actions, one on offense, one on defense. They will be graded out of 15 points each.

B) Candidate must answer the following questions:

  1. Knowledge of the weapon and blade relationships. 5 points each.

    • Tell me about the parts of the Italian Foil.

    • Tell me about the different strengths of the blade; why are they important? Show me.

    • Tell me about the History of the Foil, and in particular, why it was developed.

  2. Tactics, Theory and Form. 5 points each.

    • Describe for me the execution of the circular parry followed by a riposte indirect.

    • Give at least three good reasons why we limit the target area in foil.

    • What is the purpose of a feint? Tell me about the execution of a feint-direct deceive and lunge.

    • What are the basic principles that guide our choices of which parry to use in any given situation?

    • Which leg provides the primary activity in the recovery from the lunge? Describe in full the recovery.

    • What are the 4 primary guards in foil? What openings are created by each guard?

    • How are the different fingers of the gripping hand used in foil?

    • What does and does not constitute a good touch in foil? Why?

    • Describe the execution of the Advance-Lunge.

    • What are first and second intention?

    • What are the 6 main hand positions in foil? Give some examples of how/when/why they are used.

  3. Club policies, procedures, and principles. 5 points each.

    • Why do we score touches against fencers instead of for them?

    • Why do we require you to pass this test before studying other weapons? When can you study other weapons with the club without passing this test?

C) Candidate must participate in a bout with the tester. This bout should be to 5 points. The outcome of the bout (winner/loser) has no bearing on the candidate's success in the testing. The purpose of this bout is to test the candidate's learning of tactics and control. The candidate will be scored out of 18 points, with 10 points for control, and 8 points for technique/form.

Total possible points: 295. Passing: 200.

Second Rank Study Guide
Second Rank Scoring Sheet

Additional Permissions:

A) Fencers of the 2nd rank, having demonstrated sufficient skill with and understanding of the foil, and allowed to study and train with epees, duelling sabres, rapiers, and other Western fencing weapons. Bouts with these weapons can be performed with the permission of a 4th star with training in the appropriate weapon. It should be noted that prior to achieving this rank fencing with these weapons is still allowed (under supervision) at events--such as Western Martial Arts conventions--that the club attends away from Whitman. However, continued training in these weapons at club meetings and events at Whitman is not allowed until this test has been completed, so as not to distract the fencers from learning the basic principles of all fencing weapons, which are trained through the use of the foil.

B) Upon achieving this rank fencers gain the option of using the wrist strap when fencing.

C) Fencers of the 2nd rank can serve as judges for foil tournaments held at Whitman.

D) Fencers of the 2nd rank can propose candidates for the 1st and 2nd rank to the Head Instructor (serve as sponsors for 1st/2nd rank).

Additional Responsibilities:

To always fence safely and honorably according to the rules and principles of Whitman Fencing.

 



 Permission to Instruct in Foil at Whitman (3 stars) (top)

The purpose of this test is for the candidate to demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the Italian foil and techniques for its use. This knowledge should be complete and of a degree such that the club is comfortable with the candidate teaching all of this information to other students.

Requirements:

A) Length of attendance:

It is suggested that a new club member attend regularly (at least twice per week) for 4 semesters before testing for this rank.
Minimum attendance time before testing: 2 semesters

B) Participation in at least 4 events (tournaments, symposiums, etc) other than weekly meetings.

C) Candidate must be of the 2nd rank.

D) Candidate must have served as a sponsor for at least 2 fencers.

The Testing:

Notice: A 3rd rank exam is always open to observers. The candidate must be comfortable enough with their knowledge to teach it to other people, and so they should be able to be tested on it in front of other people. A fencing instructor must be comfortable working in front of a group, and moreover must not be so prideful that they cannot handle being wrong or having their knowledge questioned in front of said group. An instructor that is full of pride is not open to acknowledging their mistakes when discovered, and hence may fall into a pattern of imparting incorrect knowledge to their students because they are not willing to admit that they simply do not know. Honesty is a key attribute in any teacher.

A) Candidate must demonstrate the following skills/techniques:

i) (A standard test should be developed, but any foil technique in Gaugler's book should be fair game at the whim of the tester, within reason.)

ii) Ten of the following fifteen techniques/sequences should be demonstrated in time with mobility. The listed actions are those which should be performed by the candidate. The candidate should tell the sponsor what to do to prompt his/her actions.

  • Feint direct and disengagement

  • Feint by disengagement (with an advance) and deceive

  • Feint by glide and disengagement

  • Feint by flanconade in fourth and disengagement

  • Feint by disengagement and disengagement, counterparry and direct riposte

  • Double feint direct (coordinated step) and deceive

  • Engages, performs one simple parry against a disengagement and lunge or two against a feint disengage, riposte indirect

  • Invite, simple-circle-simple, riposte direct

  • Engage, simple-simple-circle, riposte by feint disengage (with lunge)

  • Feint direct and cut-over

  • Balestra-beat, feint direct and disengage

  • Blade cover, feint direct, and deceive

  • Disengagement and lunge, redoublement with feint by disengagement and deceive

  • Engages, simple parry, inquartata

  • Blade seizure in fourth, simple parry of third and riposte in countertime

iii) (With more emphasis than parts 1 and 2, sequences should be given to the fencer who is acting as the student, and the candidate must demonstrate appropriate sequences to allow the student to execute the given sequence, ending in the student making the touch.)

B) Candidate must answer the following questions:

  1. The questioning part of the 3rd rank exam will be written instead of oral due to time constraints. There will be 25 theory/technique questions on the exam. The questions may include (but are not limited to) any foil question from Gaugler's book. Below are examples of some possible questions. Notice also that any question from a previous rank exam may be asked on the 3rd rank exam.

    • How do we know when a foil is correctly balanced?

    • Describe First Position.

    • What is the Line of Offense?

    • What are the prerequisites for an efficient lunge?

    • How many placements of the weapon are there, and what are they?

    • How do the French and Italian numbering systems for the invitations correspond?

    • Describe in detail the execution of each of the simple attacks.

    • What are parries, how many kinds are there, and what are they called?

    • How do opposition parries differ from beating parries?

    • Where can a simple riposte be directed after a parry of . . .

    • What are compound attacks, and what three groups can they be placed into?

    • What is a feint?

    • Describe the execution of the feint direct and disengagement in opposition to the invitation in first, indicating botht he master's and pupil's movements.

    • Describe the coordinated step that accompanies the double feint.

    • How does one elude a simple parry, followed by a circular parry, followed by a simple parry?

    • What is the cut-over?

    • Define actions on the blade and list those that are used in foil.

    • Describe the execution of the simple beat, change beat, and circular beat in fourth followed by a straight thrust.

    • What are blade seizures and how are they executed?

    • What is fencing time?

    • List the counterattacks used in the Italian School.

    • What is countertime and how is it used?

    • What are probing actions and actions of concealment?

    • What is the basic principle of fencing?

    • What is the distinction between second intention and countertime?

    • When a right handed fencer executes the inquartata against a left handed fencer, where does he direct his thrust?

  2. (Presentation of potential teaching scenario by tester, candidate to offer an appropriate response)

  3. (Questions about club policies and principles)

C) Candidate must participate in a bout with the tester. This bout should be to 10 points. The outcome of the bout (winner/loser) has no bearing on the candidate's success in the testing. The purpose of this bout is to test the candidate's learning of tactics and control. The bout should be judged out of 25 points, with 5 points for general control, 5 points for offensive technique/strategy, 5 points for defensive technique/strategy, 5 points for maintaining distance, and 5 points for form.

D) The candidate must teach one group foil lesson under the supervision of the Head Instructor. The purpose of this is for the candidate to learn what it is like to lead and instruct a group. This is not graded, however, after the lesson a feedback session will be held with the instructed students to allow them to offer constructive criticism to the candidate. Moreover, the Head Instructor will hold a private feedback session with the candidate allowing him/her to pass along some of her/his experience, and to comment on the students' comments.

Total possible points: 300. Passing: 235.

Additional Permissions:

A) Fencers of the 3rd rank have permission to teach the weekly lessons without needing the Head Instructor's supervision.

B) Fencers of the 3rd rank can propose candidates for rank testing for any rank to the Head Instructor.

C) Fencers of the 3rd rank can serve as directors in foil tournaments held at Whitman.

Additional Responsibilities:

To always fence safely and honorably according to the rules and principles of Whitman Fencing.

(top)