Fmp Saber Questions

Front 1

How many elements comprise the saber guard adn what are their names?

Back 1

The guard is comprised of four elements: guard, cushion, grip and nut.

Front 2

Of how many elements does the saber blade consist and what are they called?

Back 2

The blade consists of seven elements: blunted end, cut, counter-cut, back cut, grooves, heel and tang.

Front 3

By regulation what is the maximum length that a saber blade may be?

Back 3

The blade must not exceed 88 centimeters.

Front 4

How many different degrees of strength are there in the blade and what are they?

Back 4

There are three equal sections: strong, medium, week.

Front 5

How do we know whether or not a saber is correctly balanced?

Back 5

The saber is correctly balanced whtn its center of gravity is at the strong of the blade, about four fingers from the guard.

Front 6

By regulation what is the maximum weight that a saber may be?

Back 6

By regulation the saber must be under 500 grams in weight.

Front 7

By regulation what is the maximum length that a saber mayb e?

Back 7

By regulation the saber must not exceed 105 centimeters in length, measuring from the tip of the blade to the end of the nut.

Front 8

How is the saber held?

Back 8

The saber is grasped by putting the first phalanx of the index finger under the grip, near the cushion, and setting the ball of the thumb on top of f the grip, in opposition to the index finger; the middle, ring, and little fingers are curled around the grip, with the bottom of the grip resting on the second phalanx of each finger. Correctly seated the grip extends along the base of the fingers, leaving the palm of the hand empty.

Observation: Against heavy handed opponents it is advisable to place the thumb and index finger about a centimeter from the cushion, so that violent blows will not force the guard against the thumb.

Front 9

How many hand positions are there in saber and what are their names?

Back 9

In saber there are seven hand positions. Four of these are termed principal positions, and three, intermiediate positions. The principal positions are first, second, third and fourth; and the intermediate positions first in second, second in third, and third in fourth.

Front 10

Describe the movements of the salute.

Back 10

The saulute is a traditional act of courtesy directed to the advarsary and spectators, and must always be observed at the beginning and end of the lesson and combat.

From first position the saber is brought directly into line. The arm bending at the elbow, is then drawn back toward the body until the forearm and blade form a vertical line, bell guard level with the chin, and blade in front of the right eye, Now the arm is extended and the weapon caried into line again, hand in fourth position; this constitutes the salue to the opponent. Next the observers on the left are saluted: the arm is bent back, and extended again, though not fully, with the hand in third in fourth position. Finally, the viewers on the right are saluted: the arm is drawn back once more, and then extended, elbow slightly flexed hand rotated into second in third position.

The various movements of the salute should be performed smoothly, in a flowing and relaxed manner, with each motion of the blade followed by the eyes.

Front 11

Describe the saber guard in third.

Back 11

In the guard, the weight of the body should be distributed equally between the legs, with the torso profiled, and inclining slightly forward, head up and turned to the right, eyes on the adversary, shoulders down right arm well extended and relaxed, the hand is in second in third hand position and slightly below chest level, point of the weapon at the height of the advarsary's eyes, saber hand forearm and well below othe right of the flank, left hand closed in a fist, and set o the hitp, knuckles down, back of the hand facing left.

Observation: There are in fact, five saber guards, each corresponding to the invitation of the same number. However, other than the saber guard in third, the only guard occasionally encountered today is the guard in second. In this the hand is rotated to first in second position, adn nearly level with the flank, point of the weapon aimed to the right of the opponent's abdomen, and saber hand forearm and elbow to the right of the flank. It should be noted that the weakness of this guard, as well as the guards in first, fourth and fifth, is that the sword arm is exposed to counterattacks.

Front 12

What is done with the left hand in saber during the lunge?

Back 12

The left hand is kept on the hip throughout the action.

Front 13

Is fencing measure the same in saber as in foil?

Back 13

Fencing measure is the same as in foil with the following changes:
1) From out of distance the opponent's trunk can be touched by taking a step forward and lunging, and his arm by lunging directly.
2) From correct distance the adversary's torso can be hit by lunging, and his arm by remaining in the guard position.
3) From close distance the opponent's trunk or arm can be reached without lunging.

Observation: Because the sword arm is valid target, saber fencers tend to keep a greater distance between themselves than foilsmen.

Front 14

Describe the limits of the saber target.

Back 14

The saber target consists of the head, arms and torso above a line extending through the higest points where the ghighs and trunk meet.

Front 15

Identify the lines of attack and specify the target areas in saber.

Back 15

The target is divided into four quarters; each representing a line of attack.
1) inside (head, left cheek, chest, abdomen, and internal arm)
2) outside (head, right cheek, chest, flank and external arm)
3) high (head, righ and left cheeks, chest and top of arm)
4) low (flank, abdomen and bottom of arm)

Front 16

How many invitations are there in saber and what are their names?

Back 16

There are five saber invitations: first, second, third, fourth and fifth.

Front 17

How many engagements are there in saber and what are their names?

Back 17

Engagements are contact invitations in which the opposing steel is dominated and deviated from the line of offense. There are five engagements: first, second, third, fourth and fifth. In these the hand and weapon occupy preicisely the same position they did in the invitations.

Front 18

How many engagements in saber are prefered today and why?

Back 18

In modern saber fencing engagements are generally effected only in second and third. Engagments in first, fourth, and fifth tend to be avoided because they expose the sword arm.

Front 19

List the changes of engagement that can be effected in saber.

Back 19

In saber, changes may be made from second to first or fifth and vice versa, or from third to fourth and vice versa.

Front 20

In making changes of engagement, where should movement be centered, at the elbow or wrist?

Back 20

In changes of engagement movement is centered at the elbow, with the weapon, hand, and forearm functioning as a single unit. Wrist motion must be excluded.

Front 21

List the transports that can be made in saber?

Back 21

Transports in saber may be executed from first to third and vice versa, from second to fourth and vice versa and from third to fifth.

Front 22

Indicate the function of the six preliminary saber excersises.

Back 22

The six preliminary saber exercises are designed to develop blade control.

Front 23

Describe the execution of the first preliminary exercise in saber.

Back 23

The hand is turned from second to third position
1) The hand is brought back near the right temple, elbow flexed, and at shoulder height.
2) The motion is reversed; the hand is carried forward and down, arm fully extended, hand in third position, and level with the shoulder.

Front 24

Describe the execution of the second preliminary exercise in saber.

Back 24

The hand is kept in second position.
1) The hand is drawn back along a horizontal plane to the chin, elbow bend, and at shoulder height.
2) The movement is reversed; the hand is brought forward, arm completely extended, hand in second position, and level with the shoulder.

Front 25

Describe the execution of the third preliminary exercise in saber.

Back 25

The hand is rotated from second to first in second position.
1) The hand is carried back in an arc from high to low, past the left temple, and down to chin level, elbow flexed, and at shoulder height.
2) The hand is brought foreward in an arc from low to high, arm fully extended, hand in first in second position, and level with the shoulder.

Front 26

Describe the execution of the fourth preliminary exercise in saber.

Back 26

The hand is turned from second to third position.
1) The hand is raised a little higher than an imagined adversary's head arm straight, and movement centered at the shoulder.
2) The hand is lowered to shoulder level, arm still extened, and fingers tightening progressively on the grip as the movement nears completion.

Front 27

Describe the execution of the fifth preliminary exercise in saber.

Back 27

The hand is rotated from second to third in fourth position.
1) The hand is brought ack near the right temple, elbow bent, and at shoulder height
2) The hand is carried forward and downard to shoulder level in a diagonal motion from right to left, and then turned, with a circular movement, to the guard in third.

Front 28

Describe the execution of the sixth preliminary exercise in saber.

Back 28

The hand is turned from second to second in third position.
1) The hand is carried back near the left temple, elbow flexed, and at shoulder height.
2) The hand is brought forward and downward to shoulder level in a diagonal motion from left to right, and then rotated, with a circular movment, to the guard in third.

Front 29

State the purpose of the exercises with circular cuts and describe their execution,

Back 29

Exercises with circular cuts develop loose and elastic arm motions, and impart precision to the direction and placement of cuts. Movement is centered at the elbow, with slight assistance from the wrist. The weapon, hand, and forearm must function as a single unit, with the fingers tightening progressively as the action nears completion.

Front 30

Describe the execution of the circular cut to the head from the left.

Back 30

The circular cut to the head from the left is performed with the weapon in line, or from the guard position in third, in two motions.
1) The saber is cared tothe left to a position appoximating the invitation in first, arm raised and betn, hand at the height of the temple, so that the line of vision passes under it.
2) With the elbow serving as a pivot, the weapon is roated rapidly in a clockwise circular movement forward, past the left shoulder, arm extending, hand in third position, fingers tightening progressivly, with the cut deliverd vertically to the supposed adversary's head.

Front 31

Describe the execution of the circular cut to the head from the right exercise.

Back 31

The circular cut to the head from the right is accomplished with the saber in line, or from the guard position in third, in two motions.
1) Turning the cutting edge of the weapon to the left, the arm is lifted and flexed, hadn at the height of the right temple, elbow up, cutting edge to the left.
2) With the elbow functioning as a pivot, the saber is rotated switfly in a counterclockwise circular movement forward, past the right shoulder, arm extending, hand in third position, fingers tightening progressivly, with the cut delivered tothe imagined opponent's head.

Front 32

Describe the execution of the circular cut to the right cheek.

Back 32

The circular cut to the right sheek is made with the weapon in line, or from the guard position in third in two movements.
1) The hand is turned to first in second position, arm raised and bent at the elbow, saber brought to the left, with the point describing a counterclockwise arc toward the rear, hand at the height of the left shoulder, and the forearm and weapon forming a single line, cutting edge to the left.
2) With the elbow serving as a pivot, the arm is extended quickly forward, fingers tightening progressively, with the cut delivered horizonntally to the supposed advarsary's right cheek, ahnd at chin level, cutting edge diagonaly up toward the right.

Front 33

Describe the execution of the circular cut to the left cheek,

Back 33

The circular cut to the left or inside cheek is effected with the saber in line, or from the guard position in third, in two motions.
1) The hand is turned to fourth position, arm lifted and flexed at the elbow, weapon carried to the rear, with the point describing a clockwise arc towards the rear, hand at the height of the right temple, and the forearm and saber forming a single line, cutting edge to the right.
2) With the elbow functioning as a pivot, the arm is extended rapidly forward, fingers tightening progressively, with the cut delivered horizontally to the imagined opponent's left cheek, hand at chin level, cutting edge diagonally up toward the left.

Front 34

Describe the execution of the circular cut to the flank

Back 34

The circular cut to the flank is executed with the weapon in line, or from teh guard position in third, in two motions:
1) The hand is turned to first in second position, arm raised and bent at the elbow, saber brought to the left, with the point describing a counterclockwise arc toward the rear, hand at the height of the left shoulder, and the forearm and weapon forming a single line, cutting edge to the left.
2) With the elbow serving as a pivot, the arm is extended switftly forward, fingers tighening progressively, with the cut delivered horizontally in an ascending motion to the supposed adversary's flank, hand at chest level, cutting edge diagonally up toward the right.

Front 35

Describe the execution of the circular cut to the abdomen.

Back 35

The circular cut to the abdomen is performed with the saber in line, or from the guard position in third in two motions:
1) The hand is turned to fourth position, arm lifted and flexed at the elbow, weapon carried to the rear, with the point describing a clockwise arc towards the rear, hand at the height of the right temple, and the forearm and saber forming a single line, cutting edge to the right.
2) With the elbow functioning as a pivot, the arm is extended quickly foreward, fingers tightening progressivly, with the cut delivered horizontally in an ascending motion to the imagined opponent's abdomen, hand at chest level, cutting edge diagonally up toward the left.

Front 36

Which parts of the saber blade may be employed in offense?

Back 36

In saber fencing simple attacks are effected with the point, the cut and the counter-cut.

Front 37

In saber, how many simple attacks with the point are there, and what are their names?

Back 37

There are three simple attacks with the point. Point thrusts may be: 1) direct, 2) by disengagment and 3) by glide.

Front 38

In saber, how many simple attasks with the cut are there and what are their names?

Back 38

There are three types of simple attacks with the cut. Cuts may be: 1) direct, 2) circular and 3) descending.

Front 39

Describe the execution of a cut to the head.

Back 39

From the guard in second or third, or from one's own invitation, the direct cut to the head is performed by rotating the hand to third position, extending the arm simultaniously, and, with a tight downward snap of the wrist, directing a vertical cut to the top of the head, blade moving forward in a slicing action. The movement is completed with a swift lunge.
At the end of the action the sword arm should be fully extended, hand in line with the right shoulder, point of the weapon a little higher than the hand.
The direct cut to the head may be effected in opposition to the opponent's invitations in second, third and fourth, and from one's own engagements in third and fourth.

Front 40

Is the direct cut to the head pushed or pulled.

Back 40

Cuts to the head, right cheek and flank are pushed forward across the target in a slicing action.

Front 41

Describe the execution of the direct cut to the abodmen.

Back 41

From the guard in second or third, or from one's own invitation, the direct cut tothe abdomen is executed by rotating the hand to fourth position, extending the arm simultaniously, and, with a tight snap of the wrist to the left, delivering a horizontal cut to the abdomen. The blade must be drawn backward in a slicing movement.
At the completion of the action the sword arm should be fully extended, hand at shoulder level and to the right.
The direct cut to the abdomen may be executed in opposition to the opponent's invitations in second, third and fifth, and from one's own engagement in fourth.

Front 42

Is the direct cut to the abdomen pushed or pulled?

Back 42

The direct cut to the abdomen is pulled.

Front 43

How do curcular cuts differ from decending cuts?

Back 43

Circular cuts describe a circular route, describing a route around the opposing steel. Descending cuts reach the target by passing over the point of the opposing steel.

Front 44

To which target areas are ascending circular cuts directed?

Back 44

To the Flank, Abdomen and Arm.

Front 45

From which engagements are decending cuts performed?

Back 45

Descending cuts are performed from the adversary's engagementin third and foruth.

Front 46

Indentify the target areas of the arm indicating the part of the blade that may be used in the cutting action, and the hand position employed for each cut.

Back 46

Cuts to the internal arm are performed with the cut and counter-cut, hand respectively in third in fourth and second in third position; cuts to the external arm are effected with the cut, hand in firsta in second position; cuts to the top of the arm are accomplished with the cut, hand in third or third in fourth position; and cuts to the bottom of the arm are made with the cut and counter-cut, hand respectively in first in second, and in second in third position.

Front 47

How many simple parries are there in saber, what are their names, and which target areas do they defend?

Back 47

In saber fencing there are six simple parries, each covering certain parts of the valid target: thust the parry of first protects the left cheek, inside chest, abdomen and internal arm; the parry of second the flank, and bottom of arm; the parry of third, the right cheek, outside chest, flank and external arm; the parry of fourth, the left cheek inside chest, abdomen, and internal arm; the parry of fifth, the head, and top of arm; and the parry of sixth the head and top of arm.

Front 48

How many ceding parries are there in saber, what are their names, and against which attacks are they used?

Back 48

There are two ceding parries in saber fencing: the ceding parry of first, and the ceding parry of fourth. They are use, respectively, in opposition to the glide in third, and the glide in second.

Front 49

What is the function of the three parry excercises in saber?

Back 49

The parry exercises are designed to develop precision in placement of the parry. Movement of the arm must be controlled and smooth.

Observation: It should be noted that the circular movements in the second and third parry exercises, for the sake of uniformity, all move counterclockwise. This is the reverse of the direction normally taken by counter of first and counter of fifth.

Front 50

Descibe the execution of the first parry exercise/

Back 50

From the position with the saber in line, parries in first, second and fifth are assumed. As each parry is achieved, the forearm, with the elbow serving as a pivot is flexed and extended three times, so that the weapon is drawn back towards the body, and then returned to its exact parry position.

Front 51

Describe the execution of the second parry exercise.

Back 51

From the position with the saber in line, parries in first, second and fifth are assumed. As each parry is achieved, the forearm, with the elbow serving as a pivot is rotated three times in a counterclockwise motion that grows progresively smaller, and brings the weapon back to its origininal parry position.

Front 52

Describe the execution of the third parry exercise.

Back 52

The first and second parry exercises are combined, with the flexing and extending movements in the second and third parry exercises followd by the circular motions. Each of the actions should move from large to small and slow to fast.

Front 53

Specify the target areas where simple reposts may be dircted after the parry of first.

Back 53

After the parry of first the repost may be performed with a point thrust to the chest, or direct cut to the flank or bottom of arm, or circular cut to the head, right or left cheek, chest abdomen or top of arm.

Front 54

Specify the target areas where simple reposts may be dircted after the parry of second.

Back 54

After the parry of second, the repost may be effected with a glide with the point to the flank, or a point thrust above to the chest, or direct cut to the right cheek, head, top of arm or external arm, or abdomen under the opposing steel with a cut or coutner-cut, or circular cut to the head or left cheek.

Front 55

Specify the target areas where simple reposts may be dircted after the parry of third.

Back 55

After the parry of third, the repost may be accomplished with a glide with the point to the outside chest or point thrust below the flank, or direct cut to the head, flank, top of arm, or left cheek with the cut or counter-cut, or circular cut to the chest, abdomen, or internal arm or ascending cut to the bottom of the arm.

Front 56

Specify the target areas where simple reposts may be dircted after the parry of fourth.

Back 56

After the parry of fourth the repost may be made with a point thrust to the inside chest, or direct cut to the right or left cheeks, head chest, abdomen top of the arm or internal arm, or circular cut to the flank.

Front 57

Specify the target areas where simple reposts may be dircted after the parry of fifth

Back 57

After the parry of fifth the repost mayb e achieved with a point thrust to the chest, or direct cut to the flank or bottom of the arm, or circular cut to the head, left cheek, chest, abdomen, or internal arm.

Front 58

Specify the target areas where simple reposts may be dircted after the parry of sixth.

Back 58

After the parry of sixth the repost may be executed with a point thrust to the chest, or direct cut tot he left cheek, chest, abdomen, or internal arm, or circular cut to the head or flank.

Front 59

Describe the execution of the feint with the direct point thrust or direct cut in opposition to the invitation in first, indicating the master and student's movements.

Back 59

M) invites in first
S) First movement: simulates a point thrust or direct cut to the flank.
M) Parries second
S) Second Movement: eludes the parry of second with a disengagement clockwise with the point to the chest above, or a cut to the right or left cheek, head, chest or arm.

Front 60

Describe the execution of the feint by glide with the point from engagement in second, indicating both the teacher and student's movements.

Back 60

S) First movement: from his own engagement in second simulates a glide with the point to the flank.
M) Parries Second
S) Second movement: eludes the parry of second with a disengagment clockwise with the point to the chest to above, or cut to the right or left cheek, head chest or arm.

Front 61

Describe the execution of the double feint with the direct point thrust or direct cut in opposition to the invitation in fifth, indicating both the master's and pupil's movements.

Back 61

M) Invites in fifth
S) First movement: simulates a point thrust to the flank or a direct cut tothe flank, left cheek, chest or abdomen.
M) Parries second or fourth
S) Second movement: eludes the parry of second with a feint by disgengagement clockwise with the point tothe chest above, or cut to the right or left cheek, head, chest or arm; or eludes the parry of fifth with a feint by disengagement clockwise with the point to the outside chest, or cut the right cheek (also circular), arm, or head (also descending).
M) Parries, first, third or fifth.
S) Third movment: eludes the parry of first with a disengagement counterclockwise with the point to the flank, or cut the flank, or arm; or eludes the parry of third with a disengagement counterclockwise with the point to the inside chest, or cicular cut to the left cheek, chest, abdomen, arm or head (also descending); or eludes the parry of fifth with a disengagement counterclockwise with the point, or cut to the flank, or circular cut to the left cheek, chest, abdomen or arm.

Front 62

Describe the execution of the double feint by glide with the point from engagement in third, indicating both the teacher's and student's movements.

Back 62

S) First movement: from his own engagement in third simulates a glide with the point to the outside chest.
M) Parries third
S) Second movement: eludes the parry of third with a feint by disengagement counter-clockwise with the point to the inside chest, or circular cut to the left cheek, abdomen, arm or head (also descending).
M) Parries fourth or fifth
S) Third movement: eludes the parry of fourth with a disengagement clockwise with the point to outside chest, or cut tothe right cheek (also circular), arm or head (also descending); or eludes the parry of fifth with a disengagement counterclockwise with the point, or cut to the flank, or circular cut to the left cheek, chest, abdomen or arm.

Front 63

How many circular parries are there in saber, what are their names, and which target areas do they protect?

Back 63

There are five circular parries:
Counter of first defends the the flank, and bottom of the arm
Counter of second defends the chest, abdomen and internal arm
Counter of third defends the left cheek, indside chest, and internal arm
Counter of fourth defends the right cheek, outside chest and external arm
Counter of fifth defends the chest and bottom of the arm

Front 64

How are half circular parries executed in saber?

Back 64

In saber fencing half circular parries are formed by moving from second to fourth, from third to first and to fifth and from fifth to first.

Front 65

Describe the execution of the feint with the direct point thrust and deceive in opposition to the invitation in first, indicating both the master's and pupil's movements.

Back 65

M) Invites in first.
S) First movement: simulates a point thrust to the flank.
M) Parries counter of first
S) Second movement: eludest he parry of counter of first with a decieve counterclockwise to the flank.

Front 66

List the actions on the blade employed in saber.

Back 66

The glide with the point is an action on the blade effected in one motion. Blade seizur, changes of engagement, transports, beats, expulsions, and pressures are actions on the blade used in attacks of two or more blade movements.

Front 67

Describe the execution of blade seizure in fourth and direct cut to the right cheek.

Back 67

First movement: from the guard in third, invitation or blade in line, engagement is taken in fourth, strong against week, and without interrupting the flow of motion, or breaking contact, the blade is pressed along the weak and medium of the opposing steel, until it has been gradually moved to the left.
Second movement: a point thrust is directed to the inside chest, or direct cut to the right or left cheek, abdomen, top of the arm or internal arm, or circular cut to the flank.
Observation: while it is possible to attempt blade seizure in first and fifth, these actions tend to be risky, and should therefore be avoided in combat.

Front 68

Describe the execution of the simple beat in fourth with the back edge of the blade and direct cut to the right cheek.

Back 68

First movement: from the guard position second, third, or fifth, or blade in line, the hostile blade is deviated with a blow diagonally downward to the left.
Second movement: the sword arm is straighted promptly, and a point thrust delivered to the inside chest, or direct cut to the right or left cheek, head, chest abdomen, top of the arm or internal arm, or circular cut to the flank.

Front 69

To which target areas is the point thrust or cut directed after the grazing beat in fourth?

Back 69

The grazing beat in fourth is succeeded by a point thrust or cut tot he flank, or cut to the external arm.

Front 70

List the counterattacks employed in saber by the Italian school.

Back 70

There are six counter attacks in saber fencing. 1) the arrest, 2) the disengagement in time, 2) the time thrust or cut to the arm, 4) the appuntata 5) the inquartata, and 6) the time thurst