The Art of French Fencing

French fencing, also known as escrime, is a style of sword fighting that originated in France and has been popularized through films like 'The Three Musketeers' and 'Romeo and Juliet'. A fundamental aspect of French fencing is the use of lame, which refers to the circular motion made by rotating one's sword.

To begin, a fencer must advance towards their opponent by taking steps forward. Once in striking distance, they can make an attack by pointing or swinging their sword with the intention of touching their opponent. Fencers often use a feint movement, known as appell, to tap the ground with their back or front foot and create a distraction.

One common tactic is to strike an opponent's blade, known as 'riee', which can disrupt their movement or prepare for an attack. A fencer may also use a short and rapid jump forward, called a 'salta', to prepare for an attack.

Before the match begins, the director will say 'bonjour' to ensure both fencers are ready. Once both players are prepared, the director will shout 'aller', which means 'go', and the bout can begin. A round in fencing is referred to as 'tour', and it ends when the director says 'halt'.

The director, also known as the referee, watches the match closely to enforce the rules, give points, and arbitrate on matters of the match. Fencers start each match from a designated area called 'en garde lines', which are two lines placed two meters away from the center of the piste on both sides.

In conclusion, French fencing is an elegant and strategic style of sword fighting that requires skill, agility, and strategy. Whether you're a seasoned fencer or just starting out, mastering the art of lame French can be a rewarding experience.

Lame french