Fencing, Old and New. *
As Typified by Angelo and Prévost.

Journal of Western Martial Art
April 2003

by H. A. Colmore Dunn

Originally published in Outing magazine, October, 1894, No. 25, p. 29-34.

After describing the usual method of retiring, by stepping back first with the left foot, followed by the right with a pace of equal length Angelo mentions the "pass," to which we shall briefly allude later, and then goes on to say that there is another method of breaking the measure, "ensautant de deux pieds en arrière;" but this method, although adopted by some, he says he would never counsel anyone to put in practice, "quesurun terrain extrémement uni." Now, oddly enough, it is precisely because the conditions are so different in the open from those in the fencing-room with its level boards that M. Jacob recommends the frequent use of "petite sauts en arrière" and even occasionally "en avant." If it be not an impertinence to adjust the scales between two such notable masters of dispatch, one would be inclined without hesitation to decide that the weights were in favor of the modern, and to regard the case as furnishing

another instance of the mysterious way in which history repeats itself, in that once more an "Angelo" provides the "steps" by which a "Jacob" advances! At any rate, this much is evident, that in advancing or retiring on uneven ground one might likely enough stumble against an obstacle by grazing the sole the body is thus placed in an easy, unstrained position, ready alike to attack or defend, to advance or retire.                     

His objections to withdrawing the left side of the body too far are that the balance is imperiled, which causes the parries to be made too wide, and also that of the shoe which one might have cleared by using the "saut." To return to our comparison between Angelo and the moderns on more essential points, with regard to the primary position to be assumed on guard, we find a certain not unimportant difference. "Il faut," says Angelo, "que le corps soit bien effacé sur la partie gauche." This opinion is fortified by the high authority of Gomard, who also advises that the body should be "bien efface," and who goes on further to say that the object is to present as small a surface as possible to the adversary, thereby conducing to the speed of the parries.

Journal of Western Martial Art
April 2003