Once you've developed a solid stance, the foundation of fencing, the next technique to master is the lunge. The standard lunge is both the footwork and body maneuvers used with all three styles of fencing - foil, épée and sabre. Here are some tips on developing a good lunge, the most basic method you will use to score in all three varieties of fencing.

Your Stance

A successful lunge begins with a well-established fencing stance. Your front foot is always pointing directly at your opponent, with your rear, or base foot, ninety degrees perpendicular. If you are having trouble with your stance, take the time to review the basics because to achieve your objective in fencing using the lunge, you must begin with a proper stance.

Lunge Basics

From a solid stance, the basic fencing lunge is a thrust forward with your lead foot. This akin to a jump step forward, one to three feet away from your plant foot. Start out with a short lunge, six to twelve inches, to gradually get the feel for this important fencing skill.

Your back leg straightens with each lunge, the center of your body being closer to floor in direct proportion to how long your lunge step is. The farther you lunge toward your opponent, the lower your body will drop.

Long fencing lunges, three feet outward from your stance or more, are an art perfected by the most skilled fencer. You will soon find that they require superb balance and good leg strength. As your skill level improves you will understand why competitive fencers will repeatedly practice lunging, even without a weapon, to develop both leg power and endurance.

Your Arms

Your weapon arm is always straight, and the beginner should start every lunge with a straight arm, weapon pointed at his or her opponent. The back arm bends to a ninety-degree angle; fingers pointed toward the back your head. As you complete the forward thrust with your weapon, the arm straightens to point directly backwards as you complete the lunge. This acts like a rudder to help improve your body balance.

The Retreat

To return to your basic fencing stance, you will take two short backwards hopping movements. Move both feet at the same time and practice dividing the length of your initial lunge exactly in half with your two steps of retreat. This will keep you in a well-balanced stance at all times, which will allow you to perform aggressive lunges repeatedly.

The lunging is the primary method of attack in fencing. With a good foundation, even a beginner can develop a proficient lunge technique with practice. 

It's always important to make sure you have the proper clothing and shoes so you're aware of how your body moves while wearing fencing gear. Contact a company like Fencing Armor to check out clothing options.