The technique of French fencing is based on a way of movement that significantly involves the forms, with a styled method of making the patterns of form evolve from the movement, and the movement emerge from the forms.

The structures are so varied as to put into play every part of the body from the smallest joint to the largest muscle. Harmoniously designed and masterfully patterned, they are done with flowing continuity, finesse, smoothness and evenness. Precise balance and calmness is the traditional French fencing way.

The basic qualities of the technique are exemplified by the perfect weaving of the dynamics of movement by the weapon hand exhibiting fine movement in circular, lateral, diagonal and semicircular actions and by the subtle movements of the legs in stepping, passing, sliding and hopping forward or backward. Above all, these qualities quiet the mind and regulate the emotions.

It is finesse in the style of exercise which develops energy by never allowing one to expend oneself in a ferocious gesture of violence. This finesse contrasts with the hard or over-energetic force that does not permit reserve of action in the art of fencing. Natural body behaviour with a fluid and continuous style of moving eliminates any possibility of becoming too rigid or hard.

In learning the French technique of fencing, the fencers should keep themselves mentally stimulated as the technique develops from form to form. The mind cannot be anywhere but on the action, as the variation and repetitions demand total attention. Because the structure does not evolve correctly without this mental participation, control of the conscious mind inevitably develops and proper concentration is a natural result of such technique and form. Moving with smooth actions prevents the body from becoming tense or hard and makes the muscles more resilient and pliable. Strength cannot be wasted or falsely propelled, because smooth movement requires attentive control.

The entire system is warmed up gradually as the actions accumulate. Patterns and movements in subtle succession activate different parts of the body and never, at any time, repeat themselves in over-concentrated units. This enables the body to do more without causing the heart to beat unduly fast in an effort to keep up with the body's exertions.

Breathing is natural, light or deep depending on the structure and the positions of the fencing techniques themselves. However, the fencer must not concern himself with the breathing process. This aspect is developed gradually in the process of learning.

The fundamentally smooth finesse and tempo are the essence of the French classical technique and contribute to the ability to sustain conscious control and aid in the building of experience in the science of fencing. With flowing alteration between light and strong dynamics, and fluid and solid forms, the technique allows the fencer to execute actions accurately and freely with the mind in harmony with the body.

The method of the French classical fencing movement is, in a deeper sense, related to the movement of the mind; the mind must direct the body's movement in the defensive, offensive or counter-offensive. The alertness and concentration needed to do this are developed as the techniques are being learned by taking lessons from the Fencing Master. One of the great advantages of the French traditional method is that one can never be mechanical when doing it. The benefit of this is perhaps obvious since fencing has, as one of its goals, the development of awareness, quickened reflexes and an alert mind.

The coordinated aspects of movement within movement by the legs to advance, retreat or attack and by the weapon hand in the execution of attack, defence and counter-attack demands complete attention; the subtle regulation of the timing of each small part within the whole is precise coordination. The mind moves from form to style to tempo to coordination to plasticity to dynamics and finally to feeling and yet seems to acknowledge all at the same time. Concentrated by this variety, the mind's attention and awareness are one of the major factors of the French fencing school.

The intrinsic principle of finesse in fencing is the inner smoothness of movement that can be recognized by the fact that there is no visible exertion in the execution of the fencing techniques. The action of the fencer appears to be completely relaxed; the activity is hidden inside, below the surface. The continuous flow of movement into movement such as from defensive to offensive or in advancing to retreating without straining also contributes to the appearance of outer smoothness and finesse. All the movements are performed with centralized inner force. It is not the extent to which the movement can be performed that matters, rather it is the quality in reserve that determines its smoothness. These intrinsically-stored and smooth techniques allow the body to be held loosely and therefore unrestricted. This helps store intrinsic energy and produces an inner elasticity of movement which is rich in the power of resilience.

With continuity and inner smoothness as the component parts of finesse, calmness and lightness in the precise execution of technique are the inevitable results of the French traditional fundamental principles of the science of fencing.