• Put the point on the target.
  • Move the point toward the target.
  • Keep the point aimed at the target.
  • Do not move the point from the target unless you must.
  • If you must move the point from the target, move it as little as possible, for as brief a time as possible.

• Feel the Steel
  • If there is blade contact by your volition, attack.
  • If there is blade contact by your opponent's volition, defend.
  • If there is absence by your volition, attack.
  • If there is absence by your opponent's volition, defend.

• Keep your Distance
  • All touches are made from lunging distance or closer.
  • Maintain the distance at which you can be most effective.
  • On defence, be out of distance.
  • On attack, be within distance.

• Take your time
  • Do not let your opponent set the pace of the bout.
  • Be neither too slow nor too fast for your opponent.
  • Fight only at the pace at which you can fight well and keep control.

• Continue the Phrase
  • Do not stop if you "make a mistake;" fight your way out of it.
  • Do not stop just because you think you may have touched.
  • Do not stop unless your opponent acknowledges a touch or the president commands "Halt!"

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