In the previous article we saw how to do various levels of forward and backwards steps. This time we shall expand on this to cover travelling beyond the straight line.
Essentially, the directions available to you are either sideways or diagonally. As the principles remain the same in both cases, this should make it easier to assimilate.
Going to the Right
Sometimes you want to be able to step off-line, either for an attack or a defence. The choices available to you are either diagonally forward, directly sideways (a 3 o'clock if you will) or diagonally backwards.
In all cases, the main thing you need to remember is that if you go to the right, your right foot moves first.
If you go directly sideways, move your right foot directly to the right and bring your left foot in its starting position, to regain your en-garde position. If you go diagonally forward, whatever the angle, the principles are the same, only you would go slightly forward with your right foot as well. If you go diagonally backwards, moving your right leg first prevents your feet from being in an awkward position which could jeopardise your balance. Again you then bring your left foot to regain your original en-garde position.
Going to the Left
As I am certain you will have guessed by now, while travelling to the left, you first move your left foot, then bring your right foot in line.
Going directly sideways (at 9 o'clock this time) you move your left foot the length you wish to move it and regain your en-garde with your right foot. Going diagonally forward, you may notice that this principle turns your body slightly towards your opponent. This is done on purpose. Again going diagonally backwards prevents your feet from coming too close to each other.
Going directly sideways (at 9 o'clock this time) you move your left foot the length you wish to move it and regain your en-garde with your right foot. Going diagonally forward, you may notice that this principle turns your body slightly towards your opponent. This is done on purpose. Again going diagonally backwards prevents your feet from coming too close to each other.
The main reason for these methods of travelling is simple: You should never turn your back to your opponent.
Exercises
As an exercise, you should try to combine these sideway steps with the backwards and forwards steps we discussed in the previous article. If you can work with a partner, decide who leads and who follows. The steps the follower does should be the exact opposite to the leading person. This is also a very good exercise to work on measure which we shall discuss in a future article. You may notice that as you practice, the original line between you and your partner will move in all sorts of directions. Remember to always adjust your feet so you are always facing your partner, even if you are the leader. You could also go further and try to take over the lead half-way through the exercise. This is a very good way to test your wits and the leader often ends up being the offensive swordsman in a duel, while the follower will be more defensive.
You can also do these simple exercises of travelling in all directions on your own, at home. Sometimes when I do them myself I find it almost reminds me of dancing. You could put some suitable music and exercise those steps to the beat.
Hopefully these guidelines will help you get a strong basic understanding of rapier footwork. If you want to go beyond those and study a particular treatise, you may find you will have to adjust to the techniques described in it. Yet the ideas behind the feet movements will often be the same. Next time, we shall try to discuss the lunge and the associated positions that go alongside its principles.