[Artemisia] Fencing pedagogy.... was Actual learning ... was 4 Dons

[Marten van Rosenveldt]

Don Rob said: I must take exception to this one.  I have always taught beginners  with the modern parrys and attacks and ripostes I leave out right of  way and modern footwork.  This tends to give them a basic grasp of  fencing before getting into period terms and practices.  Once they  get the modern stuff down,  I start them fencing in the round and  using the off hand.  

So my question to my fellow fencers is: what is the proper (or at least your) pedagogical approach to teaching fencing, SCA style?  Start with the parry riposte (dui tempi was known in the 1400-1600) or go right to more modern stuff?  My thought is that the equipment dictates the technique.  If you are using a period rapier simulator then the weapon has so much inertia that the parry riposte become more difficult.  If you are using lighter blades (and I include schlager/small swords amongst these) then the dui tempi game becomes more possible.

Both should be taught.  Not sure of the order though.  And always, footwork, footwork, footwork.

YIS, Marten (sticking to English)


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