Some opponents are too well trained or too wily to fall victim to a simple fight-ending action. It is necessary to ‘feel out’ such opponents in order to discover a weakness, or to ‘train’ them to react the way you want them to. A skilled opponent can be more predictable than a nervous beginner, but on the other hand they are more likely to make effective attacks or ripostes if given the opportunity. We will consider the methods by which we can out-fence a skilled opponent.

• Timing vs tempo
• Denying opportunity
• Creating a pattern – and breaking it
• Triggering set-pieces

Not everyone wants to fence like the manuals show, and many are not capable of it. We will consider how best to deal with those who rush in, unconcerned about the threat of the point or edge; those who endlessly retreat; counter-hitters; and those who want to score points by importing techniques from modern fencing.

• Detached Actions
• Dealing with the endless retreat
• Blade-grabbers and counter-hitters
• Drawing the intemperate response

These bouts are a chance to demonstrate your skills in front of a suitably appreciative audience. Whilst there are some elements of a duel, we are fencing with duelling weapons rather than playing at being duellists. Thus participants will earn more kudos for demonstrating fine skills and humiliating their opponent than for a performing an efficient and socially acceptable ganking.

There is an element of audience participation in these bouts. Cheers and jeers are the norm, along with bribery, corruption and perhaps a little gambling.