h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I look forward to the continuation of this entry.

My own, limited, exposure to the art was during a visit to a fencing academy. I was most interested in epee, but stayed to watch some bouts. Sabre fencing seemed [at this academy] to consist of one 'attacker' rushing, full-speed, at his opponent, whilst the 'defender' retreated, again full-speed, until they collided. It didn't look exactly like the Steed and Peel sort of fencing I'd imagined.

I realized that what I really wanted to learn was 'stage combat'. Still, my respect for the combative arts suggests that this would find a grateful audience on h2g2.

Bob Anderson, one of Hollywood's most respected fight directors (LOTR, Star Wars) was the head coach of British Fencing for a long time, so it's all connectted.....

Ah; related, yes, but with entirely different goals, eh?

Stage combat is much more flamboyant fencing choreography, than dueling. One must keep one's sword out of contact reach, not step into it; and the goal is to let your opponent 'know' where your sword will be, not feint and hit. And, finally, it must be repeatable performance after performance.

The ultimate goal is to merely entertain, with only the apparent risk of injury.

Different goals indeed - in fencing as you say, the aim is to hit the target without blade contact.

Now, in stage combat, you want lots of blade contact for lots of noise. Film is slightly different again, as it needs to be filmed from various angles.

Bob is great at both.

it depends on the weapon in fencing. with the foil in sport fencing, you gain the right of way by beating your opponents blade, be it an attack, or a parry.

The Professor
Societas Eruditorum

True enough, but a direct attack is best..... with one light!