Activity Update for the Elemental School of Fencing on December 8th, 2010

Incorporating the Critical Hit guidance during our Round Robins seems to be taking hold. Ultimately, the theory of the guidance is simple. Hard touches to the torso and head are likely to mortally disable an opponent. Where as hard touches to the limbs will only disable that limb. Soft touches continue to amount to incrementally diminishing the opponent's ability to fight.

During our discussions this week, we pondered the art of timing, and guiding an opponent to make a move. We focused on Fencing's foundation in the arts of defence, and realized the metaphor this represents for human interaction during perceived conflict.

Remember THE QUESTION, but more importantly, ITS ANSWER. ;0

The placement of our sword, and self, can guide an opponent to an action...

Once again, here is the critical hit, guidance.

1. "Know when you are hit." As always.
2. If a strike feels significant enough, it is critical. (Ie: if you are stunned by the force/placement of the strike, it must be critical.)
3. A critical hit to an arm prevents the further use of that arm.
4. A critical hit to a leg forces the stricken fencer into a kneeling position.
5. A critical hit to Torso or Head results in the fencer's losing the bout.
6. Otherwise the three touch rule holds.
7. In a round robin, a fencer may not call for help upon receiving a critical hit that results in his immediate loss.

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