How does classical teaching differ from modern coaching?
Fencers in the “old days” would fence conventionally because they had been molded into a system. From the first time they picked up a foil, the master was very much in charge, molding the student into his idea of what fencing should be. Conversely, modern pedagogy, particularly in the United States, is more about student-initiated actions, explosive footwork (which changes the distance), and correspondingly simplified bladework. Coaches are less concerned with the exactitudes of technique than with its results. This is in keeping with the overall development of athleticism in sports and produces independent, tactically flexible students. Obviously, much of the old way is not suited to our modern world. I am not a Luddite: I believe that much of modern teaching is valuable and makes the process more enjoyable for the student. Rather than slavish historical recreation, the ultimate goal should be to produce a fencer who is not robotic but who still displays all the hallmarks of classical
