One of the specializations available in fencing is sabre fighting. This specialization is one that offers the athletes that are engaged in the activity a much wider range of movement and strike options than they traditionally would have.
Therefore, the specialization is almost a sport in and of itself, because of the way that the athletes must change up their game in order to stay competitive. The traditional elements of the sport are still useful in the wider context of the setting, but they have to be adapted to the new elements present as well.
In traditional fencing, participants face each other on a long line. Athletes cannot leave this lane, and must either move forward or backward.
The swords that are user are gripped and extended in front of the person, where they can be utilized in both offensive and defensive ways. Traditionally, points are awarded to the person who manages to hit the other person with the tip of their sword on the opponent's chest or back.
This makes for a fairly small target, and is one that is constantly moving as well. Additionally, the person who is attempting to score points must figure out an effective way to evade the defensive swings of the opponents in order to land a strike effectively.
Sabre fighting takes this traditional style and makes some very key changes that make the sport almost entirely different in nature. Unlike the other two forms, sabre fighters are allowed to score points with the sword using any part of the blade, instead of being restricted to the tip.
This changes up the overall dynamic considerably. This is because of the paradigm that many athletes have regarding what is safe and what is not in the context of the sport.
When a person is engaged in sabre fighting, they can strike their opponent anywhere on the upper body, including the head, with any part of the blade. Whereas traditional fencing is a very tactical and strategic sport that utilizes smooth and determined motions, this specialization is very different.
Sabre fighters must worry about covering the entire area of their upper body, as well as their head, and the slashing part of the specialization renders some of the traditional techniques moot. There is more acrobatic motion, as well as a greater emphasis on striking.
Slashing is an effective way to score points. In other fencing specialization types, slashing is bad from, and can lead to a person getting penalized.
The sabre is a weapon that goes back to the cutting rapier that was developed centuries ago in Europe. It is a utilitarian weapon that rewards smooth strokes and constant motion.
Therefore, wielding it requires people to rethink their fencing paradigm a bit. Their sword is no longer an instrument that must be used for pointing and stabbing, and the elegantly simple defense must be replaced by more hard hitting strikes.
The best way to capitalize on the strengths of this sword is to learn how to flick the wrist in order to whip the blade about. Long dramatic slashing strokes are not valid in this circumstance, because they leave the athlete exposed and vulnerable to counterattack.
Instead, the blades flick about in front of the participants, dancing around and looking for an opening. A good wrist flick can cause the blade of the sword to quickly whip out toward the opposition, and is very difficult to dodge if the action is an unforeseen one.
Momentary exposure is key to this experience. If the other person lowers their guard for even a second, then they will be vulnerable to a quick strike.
Above all else, reflexes and discipline are rewarding in this sport. If athletes are able to reflexively be on form and accurate, then they will be very effective in quickly finding holes in the opposing defense and quickly exploiting them in order to score some easy points.
Sabre fighting is a specialization in fencing that throws many of the traditional elements of the sport out in order to give the athletes a wider range of freedom. Since they have to worry about their entire body being a target, the participants need to be extra wary of incoming strikes that may score points.
Author Resource:-
Ronald Pedactor is a fitness trainer. He has been coaching athletes for more then 20 years. He recommends the bestExercise Equipment to achieve your fitness goals.
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