105.  After men have fenced in pairs, practice should be given in fencing between groups, equally and unequally divided.  When practicable, intrenchments will be used in fencing of this character.

In group fencing it will be necessary to have a sufficient number of umpires to decide hits.  An individual receiving a hit is withdrawn at once from the bout, which is decided in favor of the group having the numerical superiority at the end.  The fencing salute is not required in group fencing.

RULES FOR FENCING AT WILL.

106. 1.  Hits on the legs below the knees will not be counted.  No hit counts unless, in the opinion of the instructor, it has sufficient force to disable.

2.  Upon receiving a hit, call out “hit.”

3.  After receiving a fair hit a counter attack is not permitted.  A position of engage is taken.

4.  A second or third hit in a combined attack will be counted only when the first hit was not called.

5.  When it is necessary to stop the contest—­for example, because of breaking of weapons or displacement of means of protection—­take the position of the order.

6.  When it is necessary to suspend the assault for any cause, it will not be resumed until the adversary is ready and in condition to defend himself.

7.  Attacks directed at the crotch are prohibited in fencing.

8.  Stepping out of bounds, when established, counts as a hit.

SUGGESTIONS FOR FENCING AT WILL.

107.  When engaging in an assault, first study the adversary’s position and proceed by false attacks, executed with speed, to discover, if possible, his instinctive parries.  In order to draw the adversary out and induce him to expose that part of the body at which the attack is to be made, it is advisable to simulate an attack by a feint and then make the real attack.

108.  Return attacks should be frequently practiced, as they are difficult to parry, and the opponent is within easier reach and more exposed.  The return can be made a continuation of the parry, as there is no previous warning of its delivery, although it should always be expected.  Returns are made without lunging if the adversary can be reached by thrusts or cuts.

109.  Endeavor to overcome the tendency to make a return without knowing where it will hit.  Making returns blindly is a bad habit and leads to instinctive returns—­that is, habitual returns with certain attacks from certain parries—­a fault which the skilled opponent will soon discover.

110.  Do not draw the rifle back preparatory to thrusting and lunging.

111.  The purpose of fencing at will is to teach the soldier as many forms of simple, effective attacks and defenses as possible.  Complicated and intricate movements should not be attempted.

HINTS FOR INSTRUCTORS.