Greetings,
There have been many different versions of "Murphy's Laws". Each one of these is focussed on the particular topic to which it is directed. These are a way to gain some amusement from these topics while at the same time learning something about the topic. Many of the lists have some hidden truths in them as well.
There should be no surprise that for the most part each particular area will have its own and fencing is no different. There are many variants of Murphy's Laws of fencing. This is a list which I have assembled based on other lists and also on my experiences in fencing. This will have the laws as well as a little bit of an explanation about where this particular law comes from. In this way, it is hoped that these will be a source of amusement and education simultaneously.
1. If the opponent is within distance, so are you.
2. If you have a tempo, so does the opponent.
Laws one and two are about timing and distance, these are the two key concepts in fencing of all kinds. The important thing here is that they are fluid and what you have the opponent can take, or will also have at the same time. Remember to use these to your advantage.
3. The opponent will attack either when you are ready or when you are not.
4. If you are not attacking, expect your oppoenent to be.
If you are on guard in front of your opponent, expect that they will attack at their convenience, and not yours. This means you need to be prepared at all times. If you do not have the opponent on the defensive then he will take the opportunity to attack you.
5. Incoming attacks always have the right of way.
Make defence a priority against incoming attacks, the opportunity for riposte or counter should be secondary to not being struck
6. What can be seen can be hit.
If you leave an opening in your defence, expect it to be struck. Likewise even if it is covered, it can be uncovered and hit.
7. If your attack is going well, your opponent is using second intention.
8. The only plan to rely on is to strike the opponent while not being struck yourself.
9. If you have read your opponent, he has read you.
Plans are awesome in fencing, but remember that the opponent will also have a plan. Expect that your opponent will have some sort of counter to your attack, and you should plan to counter that.
10. Secret Blows, aren't.
11. Ultimate killing moves, aren't.
12. The brilliant technique you just learnt has a counter.
13. There is no complex action which cannot be countered by a simple response.
The botta secreta (secret blow) is effective until it is used, therefore it can never be used. Once it is used people will learn it and counter it. There is no technique in fencing which cannot be countered in some fashion. Usually the ....
The rest of this article can be found in Un-Blogged: A Fencer's Ramblings by Henry Walker, which is available in paperback from:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Blogged-Ramblings-Henry-Leigh-Walker/dp/098764470X
Booktopia: https://www.booktopia.com.au/un-blogged-henry-leigh-walker/book/9780987644701.html
Among other places...
It is also available in electronic format (pdf) from: https://buy.stripe.com/fZecP419c7CB9VKeUV
... or direct from the author.
About Me
- Henry Walker
- Either an author who fences, or a fencer who tends to write a lot. I found a passion for writing first, then I found fencing. I also found that the pen and the sword work very well together. The pen may be mightier than the sword but together they are much greater.
2. If you have a tempo, so does the opponent.
ReplyDeleteI cant agree with this one, because a moment in time is indivisible. I would rather say
2. What you think is a tempo, with you in the Before, is the opponent cunningly letting you put yourself into the After
A tempo is only a tempo if you use it correctly. If you waste it, it was not a tempo, and thats not the tempo's fault - it is, after all, a moment in time, perfect in itself, and never to be seen again in this world. The fault, rather, was not in the perfect tempo but the imperfect swordsman.
Anton
I also stumbled a bit when reading this second law, though I agree completely with the commentary about the two together. And I also find Anton's comment relevant.
ReplyDeleteAfter some thought I might suggest:
1. Your distance is not the same as your opponent's distance.
2. Your tempo is not the same as your opponent's tempo.
Brandon
Hello,
ReplyDeleteYou both make some interesting points. I think that the word "potential" needs to be inserted in response to Anton's comment, and the addition of Brandon's to the list. Doubt this one will ever be a short one.
I have always found it most interesting how no matter how scientific we go, it is up to the art. It is really up to what the fencer does rather than what they might or could have done.
I intend to post another set of rules, much simpler later on to supplement/replace this lot.
Cheers,
Henry.