Learning Fiore De Liberi

Footwork is the foundation of fencing. Without footwork you cannot move to an advantageous position, or move away from a dangerous one. Fiore boils down footwork into 4 basic types, in two different directions.

The key to good footwork is to make sure that you are up on the balls of your feet. As long as you are on the balls of your feet, with your heels off the ground, it's virtually impossible to move incorrectly. Keep your knees bent, and your back straight. While moving and fighting, it will be nearly impossible to actually keep your heels off the ground, this is the ideal we strive for.

You can move forward, or traverse around the circle. You can advance, or you can pass. You don't even need to take large steps, small steps are faster and easier to make.