Patent Publication Number: US-11383142-B2

Title: Fencing training device and method of using the same

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention generally relates to sports training devices and methods, and more particularly to training devices and methods for fencing. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In the sport of fencing, the lunge is one of the most common moves and can often be difficult for beginning fencers to learn. To perform a lunge, the fencer must first extend the weapon arm, after which the front leg moves forward and the fencer pushes off of the opposing leg. The weapon arm and front leg are on the same side of the fencer&#39;s body, such that the fencer must learn to use the arms and legs out of sync with a normal walking gait in which the arms move with the legs on the opposing side of the body. In addition, most people lead with the foot when preparing to move forward, and novice fencers must learn to lead with the weapon arm. 
     Many beginning fencers practice at home using one or more fencing training devices. These training devices typically focus on, for example, building strength and endurance (e.g., with elastic bands) and improving reaction time and accuracy. However, these training devices typically provide no feedback to the fencer regarding improper technique. Thus, there is a need for improved fencing training devices and method for teaching proper lunge form to beginning fencers and for identifying and correcting improper technique. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, a fencing training device is provided which includes: a first part configured to be coupled to a fencing weapon; a second part configured to be coupled to a lower portion of a fencer&#39;s body; and a retractable connector disposed between the first and second parts. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of training a fencer to perform a lunge is provided, the method comprising: coupling a first part of a fencing training device to a fencing weapon; coupling a second part of the fencing training device to a front leg of the fencer, in which a retractable connector is disposed between the first and second parts of the fencing training device; and in response to (i) movement of one of the first or the second part away from the other of the first or the second part, or (ii) movement of the first and second parts away from each other, extending the retractable connector. 
     In accordance with a further aspect of the present disclosure, a fencing training system for providing feedback to a fencer regarding improper technique is provided, the fencing training kit including: a first part configured to be coupled to a fencing weapon; a second part configured to be coupled to a lower portion of a fencer; and a retractable connector disposed between the first and second parts, in which the fencing training system provides the feedback based on improper extension or retraction of the retractable connector. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as forming the present invention, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following description which is taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like designations are used to designate substantially identical elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a side, perspective view of a fencer wearing a fencing training device in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a side, perspective view of the fencer of  FIG. 1  with a weapon arm extended; 
         FIG. 3  is a side, perspective view of the fencer of  FIG. 2  with a front leg partially extended; 
         FIG. 4  is a side, perspective view of the fencer of  FIG. 3  in a proper lunge stance; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic of a retractable connector in accordance with the present disclosure, in which the retractable connector is in a fully retracted, starting position; 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic of the retractable connector of  FIG. 5  in a fully or almost fully extended position; 
         FIG. 7  is a side, perspective view of a fencer exhibiting one example of improper technique while wearing a fencing training device in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  is a side, perspective view of a fencer exhibiting another example of improper technique while wearing a fencing training device in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic of another retractable connector in accordance with the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 10  is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method of training a fencer to perform a lunge in accordance with the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     With reference to  FIG. 1 , a fencer  10  is depicted using a fencing training device  50  in accordance with the present disclosure. The fencer  10  holds a fencing weapon  30  with a weapon arm, which may be the fencer&#39;s right arm  12 , as shown, or left arm  14  (not shown). The fencing weapon  30  depicted in  FIG. 1  may represent any of the weapons commonly used in the sport of fencing, e.g., a foil, épée, or sabre. The fencing weapon  30  may comprise a sword with a blade  32 , in which the blade  32  may comprise a forward section  32 A and a rear section  32 B. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 5 , the fencing training device  50  may comprise a first part  52 ; a second part  54 ; and a retractable connector  56  disposed between the first and second parts  52  and  54  of the fencing training device  50 . The first part  52  of the fencing training device  50  may be configured to be coupled to the fencing weapon  30 . In particular, the first part  52  may be configured to be coupled to the forward section  32 A of the blade  32 . The blade  32  comprises a tip  34 , and in some examples, the first part  52  may be configured to be coupled to the blade  32  at or near the tip  34 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the first part  52  of the fencing training device  50  may comprise, for example, a ring or loop  53  that wraps around and/or over a portion of the fencing weapon  30 . The first part  52  may optionally be secured to the fencing weapon  30  by, for example, an adhesive, a hook and loop fastener, or by one or more ties. In other examples, the first part  52 ′,  52 ″ of the fencing training device  50  may be configured to be coupled to other locations within the forward section  32 A of the blade  32 . 
     The second part  54  of the fencing training device  50  may be wearable and may be configured to be coupled to a lower portion of the fencer&#39;s body. In the example shown in  FIG. 1 , the lower portion of the fencer&#39;s body may comprise a leg portion, which may include a portion of the fencer&#39;s right leg  16  or an associated article of clothing worn by the fencer  10 , e.g., a pants leg, sock, shoe, etc. For instance, the leg portion may comprise the fencer&#39;s right ankle (not separately labeled), and the second part  54  of the fencing training device  50  may be configured to be coupled to the fencer&#39;s right ankle. In other examples, the leg portion may comprise a part of the fencer&#39;s lower leg such as the calf (not separately labeled), e.g., second part  54 ′; a part of the fencer&#39;s upper leg such as the thigh (not separately labeled), e.g., second part  54 ″; or a part of the fencer&#39;s right foot  20 , e.g., second part  54 ′″. As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 5 , the second part  54 / 54 ′/ 54 ″/ 54 ′″ of the fencing training device  50  may comprise, for example, a band  55  of material that wraps around and/or over the fencer&#39;s ankle, calf, thigh, or foot  20 . The band  55  may comprise a continuous band of elastic material or may be adjustable and may be secured via a buckle, one or more snaps, a hook and loop fastener, and the like (not shown). In other examples (not shown), the second part  54 / 54 ′/ 54 ″/ 54 ′″ may comprise a clip, hook, or other attachment that allows the second part  54 / 54 ′/ 54 ″/ 54 ′″ to be coupled to, for instance, a part of the fencer&#39;s clothing. 
     The fencer  10  depicted in  FIG. 1  is right-handed and the fencer&#39;s weapon arm  12  and the leg portion to which the second part  54 / 54 ′/ 54 ″/ 54 ″ of the fencing training device  50  is attached are both located on a same side, i.e., the right side, of the fencer&#39;s body. Although not shown, it is understood that the fencing training device  50  may also be used with left-handed fencers. For a left-handed fencer, the fencing weapon would be held with the left arm  14 , and the leg portion to which the second part of the fencing training device would be coupled would comprise a portion of the fencer&#39;s left leg  18  or an associated article of clothing, such that the fencer&#39;s weapon arm  14  and leg portion are located on a same side, i.e., the left side, of the fencer&#39;s body. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the retractable connector  56  may comprise a pull reel  58 . The pull reel  58  may include a housing  60 , an inner reel  62 , a cord  64 , and a spring  66  (a front face of the housing  60  is removed to illustrate internal aspects of the pull reel  58 ). In the example shown, the spring  66  comprises a spiral torsion spring. The housing  60  comprises a spindle  68  with a slot (not labeled) that is configured to receive a first end  66 A of the spring  66  and fix the first end  66 A in place with respect to the housing  60 . A second end (not shown) of the spring  66  may be fixedly coupled to the inner reel  62 . The cord  64  may be wound or coiled around the inner reel  62  and may be received in a channel (not labeled) formed in the inner reel  62 . The cord  64  may be secured at a first end  64 A to the inner reel  62 . For example, the first end  64 A of the cord  64  may pass through an aperture (not shown) in the inner reel  62  and may form a knot that secures the cord  64  to the inner reel  62 . In other examples, the first end  64 A of the cord  64  may be coupled to the inner reel  62  via an adhesive, tape, etc. 
     A second end  64 B of the cord  64  may pass through an opening  61  in the housing  60  and may be coupled to or may at least partially form the first part  52  of the fencing training device  50 . For example, the first part  52  may comprise the loop  53 , which may be coupled to or formed as part of a base (not labeled), and the second end  64 B of the cord  64  may be coupled to or embedded in the base. The base may rest against the opening  61  and may prevent the second end  64 B of the cord  64  from retracting inside the housing  60 . In other examples (not shown), the first part  52  of the fencing training device  50  may comprise a section of the cord  64  that has been formed into the loop  53 . The pull reel  58  may be secured to the second part  54  of the fencing training device  50 . For example, a rear face (not visible) of the housing  60  may comprise a clip, hook, or other attachment that secures the pull reel  58  to the band  55 . The pull reel  58  may be disposed anywhere feasible in the retractable connector  56 . For instance, the pull reel  58  may be disposed at or near the first part  52  (e.g., the ankle area of the fencer) or may be disposed closer to the second part  54  of the retractable connector  56  or somewhere in between. 
     The retractable connector  56  is configured to extend in response to movement of one of the first or the second part  52  or  54  of the fencing training device  50  away from the other of the first or the second part  52  or  54  (i.e., one part  52 / 54  is substantially stationary and the other part  52 / 54  moves away from the substantially stationary part) or movement of the first and second parts  52  and  54  away from each other (i.e., both parts  52  and  54  move away from each other at substantially the same time), as described herein in detail. The retractable connector  56  is further configured to retract in response to movement of one of the first or the second part  52  or  54  toward the other of the first or the second part  52  or  54  (i.e., one part  52 / 54  is substantially stationary and the other part  52 / 54  moves toward the substantially stationary part) or movement of the first and second parts  52  and  54  toward each other (i.e., both parts  52  and  54  move toward each other at substantially the same time), as described herein in more detail. 
     For example, with reference to the pull reel  58  shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the first and second parts  52  and  54  may move toward and away from each other, as indicated by arrow A. When the first and second parts  52  and  54  move apart, the inner reel  62  rotates about the spindle  68  and unwinds a section of the cord  64 , which is pulled out of the opening  61  in the housing  60 . Because the first end  66 A of the spring  66  is fixed to the spindle  68  and the second end of the spring  66  is fixed to the inner reel  62 , rotation of the inner reel  62  causes the spring  66  to wind, as shown in  FIG. 6 . When the first and second parts  52  and  54  move closer together, energy stored in the spring  66  causes the inner reel  62  to rotate in an opposite direction and rewind the cord  64  back around the inner reel  62  as the spring  66  moves back toward the position shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     The retractable connector  56  may comprise at least one stop that is configured to prevent the retractable connector  56  from extending beyond a predetermined distance, as described herein. In some examples, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the cord  64  may comprise a stop  70  that is fixedly coupled to the cord  64  and prevents the cord  64  from unwinding/extending beyond the predetermined distance. One or more dimensions of the stop  70  may be greater than one or more corresponding dimensions of the opening  61  of the housing  60 , such that when the stop  70  engages the opening  61 , the stop  70  is prevented from exiting the housing  60  and the cord  64  is prevented from unwinding/extending further. The stop  70  may be positioned at any desired location along the cord  64 . In other examples, the first end  64 A of the cord  64  that is secured to the inner reel  62  (e.g., the knot formed in the first end  64 A and the cord  64 ) may serve as an alternative or additional stop that prevents the cord  64  from unwinding/extending beyond the predetermined distance. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-4 , a proper lunge sequence is depicted. The fencer  10  begins in a starting position shown in  FIG. 1  with the weapon arm, i.e., the right arm  12 , bent slightly at the elbow and the knees slightly bent. The first part  52  of the fencing training device  50  is coupled to the fencing weapon  30  near the tip  34 , and the second part  54  is coupled to the fencer&#39;s right ankle. The retractable connector  56  is disposed between the first and second parts  52  and  54 , with the first and second parts  52  and  54  being separated from each other by a first linear distance D 1 . In  FIG. 2 , the fencer  10  extends the weapon arm  12  while the lower portion of the fencer&#39;s body, e.g., the legs  16  and  18 , remains substantially stationary. As the fencer  10  moves from the position shown in  FIG. 1  to the position shown in  FIG. 2 , the retractable connector  56  extends by an additional distance as the first part  52  of the fencing training device  50  moves away from the second part  54 , such that the first and second parts  52  and  54  are separated from each other by a second linear distance D 2  that is greater than the first linear distance D 1 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the fencer  10  pushes the right leg  16  (also referred to herein as a front leg) forward and kicks off from the left leg  18  (also referred to herein as an opposing leg). As shown in  FIG. 4 , the fencer  10  completes the lunge when the right foot  20  contacts the ground. In transitioning between the positions shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , the fencer&#39;s left leg  18  may shift forward as the fencer  10  leans forward and extends at the hip but the left foot  22  remains substantially stationary (e.g., the left foot  22  does not move or slides forward by a small distance but generally does not leave the ground). The fencer&#39;s weapon arm  12  and front leg  16  move together, such that the retractable connector  56  generally extends or retracts by only a small amount as the fencer  10  moves between the positions shown in  FIGS. 2-4  and the linear distance (not labeled) between the first and second parts  52  and  54  of the fencing training device  50  in  FIGS. 3 and 4  may remain substantially the same as the second linear distance D 2  depicted in  FIG. 2 . 
     With reference to the pull reel  58  illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , when the fencer  10  is in the position shown in  FIG. 1 , a length of the cord  64  corresponding to the first linear distance D 1  unwinds/extends from the inner reel  62 , and the spring  66  winds by a corresponding amount. The spring  66  may exert a first amount of tension on the cord  64 , with the cord  64  being prevented from rewinding/retracting by the connection of the first part  52  to the fencing weapon  30 . When the fencer  10  extends the weapon arm  12  as shown in  FIG. 2  and the first part  52  of the fencing training device  50  moves forward with the fencing weapon  30 , an additional length of the cord  64  will unwind/extend, such that the cord  64  extends by an amount corresponding to the second linear distance D 2 . The spring  66  winds by a corresponding additional amount, which may cause the spring  66  to exert a second, greater amount of tension on the cord  64 . As the fencer  10  transitions to the positions shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the linear distance (not labeled) between the first and second parts  52  and  54  of the fencing training device  50  may remain substantially the same, such that the cord  64  may unwind/extend or rewind/retract only by a small amount. The winding of the spring  66  and the tension exerted by the spring  66  on the cord  64  may also remain substantially the same. 
     The fencing training device  50  comprising the first and second parts  52  and  54 , as shown for example in  FIG. 5 , may be part of a fencing training system  80  for providing feedback to a fencer regarding improper technique. The feedback may be provided based on improper extension or retraction of the retractable connector  56  and may comprise at least one of audible feedback or tactile feedback. 
       FIG. 9  is another example of a retractable connector  156  for use with a fencing training device  50  (see  FIG. 1 ) in accordance with the present disclosure. The retractable connector  156  may comprise a double pull reel  158  with a housing  160 . First and second sections of cord  164 - 1  and  164 - 2  extend from opposing ends of the housing  160 . Similar to the pull reel  58  shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , each section of cord  164 - 1  and  164 - 2  may be secured at one end (not shown) to one or more inner reels (not shown) of the double pull reel  158  and at the other end (not shown) to a respective one of the first part  52  or the second part  54  of the fencing training device  50  (see  FIG. 5 ). The sections of cord  164 - 1  and  164 - 2  may be unwind/extend and be pulled out of the housing  160  in opposing directions as the distance between the first and second parts  52  and  54  of the fencing training device  50  increases. The double pull reel  158  may comprise one or more springs (not shown) that rotate in one direction as the sections of the cord  164 - 1  and  164 - 2  unwind/extend and rotate in an opposite direction to rewind the sections of cord  164 - 1  and  164 - 2  as the distance between the first and second parts  52  and  54  decreases, as described herein with respect to the pull reel  58  in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . 
       FIGS. 1-4  and the preceding paragraphs represent a correct sequence of movements and footwork technique for performing a lunge. Beginning fencers may engage in a variety of improper movements while learning to perform the lunge and other footwork techniques. Fencing training devices and methods in accordance with the present disclosure may be used to help quickly identify and correct these improper movements. 
     For example, a fencer  100  may attempt to execute a lunge sequence using an improper technique as shown in  FIG. 7 . The fencer  100  may begin in the position shown in  FIG. 1  but may then improperly push out the front leg  116  prior to extending the weapon arm  112 , which causes the second part  54  of the fencing training device  50  to move toward the first part  52 . A linear distance D 3  between the first and second parts  52  and  54  in  FIG. 7  may become less than the linear distance D 1  shown in  FIG. 1 , such that the retractable connector  56  retracts. In another example (not shown), a fencer may move from the position shown in  FIG. 1  by improperly pushing out the front leg at substantially the same time that the weapon arm is being extended. This movement may cause one or both of the first and second parts  52  and  54  of the fencing training device  50  to alternately move toward and away from each other and may cause the retractable connector  56  to correspondingly retract and extend. 
     The fencing training device  50  may be configured to provide feedback to the fencer  100  when the retractable connector  56  retracts due to improper technique. As described above with respect to  FIGS. 2-4 , the retractable connector  56  generally retracts only by a small amount when the fencer  10  engages in the proper sequence of movements, such that the linear distance between the first and second parts  52  and  54  of the fencing training device  50  remains substantially the same as the linear distance D 2 . When the retractable connector  56  retracts (e.g., by more than a predetermined amount, such as up to about half of D 1 ) due to improper technique, the fencing training device  50  may provide one or more forms of audible feedback, e.g., clicking or beeping, and/or one or more forms of tactile feedback to the fencer  100 , e.g., a reduction in tension exerted on the cord  64  by the spring  66  (see  FIGS. 5 and 6 ) or a vibration that transmits from the retractable connector  56  to the fencer  100  via the first part  52  coupled to the fencing weapon  30  and/or the second part  54  coupled to the fencer&#39;s ankle. In this manner, the fencing training device  50  provides consistent and real-time feedback to the fencer  100 , which may help the fencer  100  to more quickly identify improper technique and reinforce proper movement, i.e., leading with the weapon arm  112 . 
       FIG. 8  is a depiction of a fencer  200  exhibiting another example of improper technique, in which the weapon arm  212  is extended and the opposing leg (i.e., the left leg  218 ) is moved forward, but the front leg (i.e., the right leg  216 ) remains stationary. The fencer  200  may arrive at this stance via one or more improper movement sequences. For example, the fencer  200  may properly move from the position shown in  FIG. 1  to the position shown in  FIG. 2  by first extending the weapon arm  212  forward, but from this position, the fencer  200  may then improperly move the opposing leg  218  forward instead of the front leg  216 . In other examples, the fencer  200  may push out the opposing leg  218  prior to the weapon arm  212  being extended or at substantially the same time that the weapon arm  212  is extended. 
     As described above, the linear distance between the first and second parts  52  and  54  of the fencing training device  50  remains substantially the same as the linear distance D 2  when the fencer engages in the proper sequence of movements. When the fencer  200  arrives at or approaches the position shown in  FIG. 8 , a linear distance between the first and second parts  52  and  54  may approach or exceed the linear distance D 2 . The fencing training device  50  may be configured to prevent the retractable connector  56  from extending substantially beyond a predetermined (maximum) distance, which is depicted in  FIG. 8  as linear distance D 4 . In some examples, the linear distance D 4  in  FIG. 8  may be substantially the same as the linear distance D 2  shown in  FIG. 2 . In other examples, the linear distance D 4  may be greater than the linear distance D 2  and less than a maximum linear distance (not shown) by which the fencer  200  could separate the first and second parts  52  and  54  of the fencing training device  50  in the absence of the retractable connector  56 . 
     As described herein, the fencing training device  50  may comprise one or more stops that may be configured to prevent the retractable connector  56  from extending beyond the predetermined distance D 4 . With reference to the pull reel  58  in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the stop  70  and/or the stop defined by the first end  64 A of the cord  64  may be configured to prevent the cord  64  from extending substantially beyond the predetermined distance D 4 . A length of the retractable connector  56  may be configured to substantially correspond to the predetermined distance D 4 . In some particular examples, the length of the retractable connector  56  may be configured to substantially correspond to the linear distance D 2  between the first and second parts  52  and  54  of the fencing training device  50  when the fencer&#39;s weapon arm  12  is fully extended and the lower portion of the fencer&#39;s body is stationary and has not yet moved, as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     In some examples, a total length of the cord  64  may be configured to substantially correspond to the predetermined distance D 4 , such that the attachment of the first end  64 A of the cord  64  to the inner reel  62  serves as a stop. For instance, the length of the cord  64  may be configured such that the cord  64  is fully or almost fully unwound/extended when the fencer  10  is in the position shown in  FIG. 2 . In other examples, the stop  70  may be configured such that the cord  64  is able to extend from the housing  60  by a length that substantially corresponds to the predetermined distance D 4 , with the stop  70  being engaged if a user attempts to extend the cord  64  beyond the predetermined distance D 4 . 
     In one embodiment, D 1  may range from 3 feet to about 5 feet, D 2  may range from about 5 feet to about 6 feet, D 3  may range from about 4 feet to about 6 feet, and D 4  may be greater than about 6 feet. It is understood that the retractable connector  56  may be configured for an average user or may be configured for individual users or groups of users based on age and/or dimensions, such as height, arm length, and the like and that the cord lengths may vary according to the fencer&#39;s height, arm length, weapon, etc. It is also understood that any feasible combination of values for these distances can be configured by a coach and is contemplated in the present invention. 
     As the fencer  200  arrives at or approaches the position shown in  FIG. 8 , the fencing training device  50  may provide audible and/or tactile feedback as the fencer  200  attempts to extend the retractable connector  56  up to and/or beyond the predetermined distance D 4 . In particular, the fencing training device  50  may cause a force to be exerted on the lower portion of the fencer&#39;s body and/or on the fencing weapon  30 . For example, when one or more of the stops are engaged as described herein, a pulling force may be exerted on the fencer&#39;s right ankle via the second part  54  of the fencing training device  50  and/or on the fencing weapon  30  via the first part  52  of the fencing training device  50 . In some examples, the pulling force may cause a tip  34 ′ of the fencing weapon  30  to be deflected downward slightly, as shown in  FIG. 8 . This pulling force provides real-time feedback to the fencer  200 , which may help the fencer  200  to more quickly identify incorrect footwork and learn to engage in proper technique, i.e., extending the arm and leg on the same side of the body. In other examples, the fencing training device  50  may provide one or more forms of audible feedback, e.g., clicking or beeping, as the fencer  200  attempts to extend the retractable connector  56  up to and/or beyond the predetermined distance D 4 . 
       FIG. 10  is a flowchart illustrating a method  1000  of training a fencer to perform a fencing technique such as a lunge. The method  1000  begins at Step  1010  with coupling a first part of a fencing training device to a fencing weapon. At Step  1020 , a second part of the fencing training device is coupled to a front leg of the fencer, in which a retractable connector is disposed between the first and second parts and of the fencing training device. In response to movement of one of the first or the second part away from the other of the first or the second part or movement of the first and second parts away from each other, the retractable connector extends at Step  1030 , after which the method may conclude. 
     As described herein, the retractable connector may extend as a weapon arm of the fencer extends and the front leg of the fencer remains stationary, in which the weapon arm and the front leg are located on a same side of the fencer&#39;s body, i.e., the right side as shown in  FIG. 1  or the left side (not shown). A length of the retractable connector may be configured to correspond to a particular linear distance. For example, with reference to  FIG. 2 , the length of the retractable connector may be configured to correspond to the second linear distance D 2  between the first and second parts of the fencing training device when a fencer&#39;s weapon arm is fully extended. Also as described herein, a stop (e.g., the stop  70  or the first end  64 A of the cord  64  in  FIG. 6 ) may be engaged, in which the stop is configured to prevent the retractable connector from extending beyond a predetermined distance. The stop may be engaged, for example, when the front leg of the fencer remains stationary and an opposing leg of the fencer moves forward (see  FIG. 8 ). When the stop is engaged, the fencing training device may provide one or more forms of feedback. For example, a force may be exerted on the front leg of the fencer and/or the fencing weapon. In response to movement of one of the first or the second part of the fencing training device toward the other of the first or the second part or movement of the first and second parts of the fencing training device toward each other, the retractable connector may retract, as described herein. 
     The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm.” In addition, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern. 
     While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.