Saber

For the Spring Session, our focus will be classical saber. We will learn how to fence a saber and the history of the Saber, from its military origins to its sporting use on the Fencing Strip.

The 9-week Spring Session will be led by Senior Instructor Zeke Talmage, the full title for this session is “What Happens When You Bring an Officer’s Weapon to a Sporting Event”.

Each night of fencing will consist of one hour of instructed lesson time, followed by one hour of open/supervised fencing.

1. “Stand and Deliver”  | 4/7/2025
   We will learn the fundamentals of Saber Fencing, namely how to hold the saber, how to stand at Guarde, and how to deliver a lunge. We will also practice lunging through the saber thrust and cuts 1 and 2.
   

2. “At the Barricades of Freedom” | 4/14/2025
   We will practice using Barricade 1 & 2, against cut 1 & 2. The slide show will focus on revisiting cuts 1 & 2, and using barricades 1 & 2. "Freedom" is gained through the repost.
   

3. “The Segno of the Cross” | 4/21/2025
   We will focus on using the first 4 standard cuts and parries. The slide show will unveil the full symmetry of the Segno, practicing cuts 1-4, and Barricades 1-4.
   

4. "The Importance of Being Forward” | 4/28/2025
   We will be focusing on taking ROW. Not using preparations, and speedy footwork.
   

5. “Return to the Cross” | 5/5/2025
   We will revisit the Segno as we learn and practice 1-8.
   

6. “Contrary to Common Belief” | 5/12/2025
   We will focus on how there are 40 guards with 32 cuts and parries.
   

7. “Refereeing Saber”  | 5/19/2025
   The slide show will review semaphores and rules/penalties. Students will take turns refereeing speed rounds.
   
   NO FENCING - 5/26/2025 - Memorial Day
   

8. “Mock Tournament” | 6/2/2025

9. “Saber Wrap-Up” | 6/9/2025