 |
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
List of Techniques For Ranking Tests
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:
-
What are the 3 fencing distances?
-
Which is more important in fencing, offense or
defense? Why? What is the Basic Principle of Fencing?
-
Why do we extend before lunging?
-
Why do we study foil before other weapons?
-
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
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 affect 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 circular 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:
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:
-
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.
-
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.
-
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:
-
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?
-
(Presentation of potential teaching scenario by
tester, candidate to offer an appropriate response)
-
(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.
3rd_rank_exam.htm
(top)
|
 |