Technical Terms

Offensive Actions

Offensive actions are defined as the attack, riposte and the counter-riposte. 

The Attack

• The attack is the initial offensive action made by extending the arm and continuously threatening the opponent’s target, preceding the launching of the lunge or flèche.

• The action is simple when it is executed in one movement and is

  • • either direct (in the same line)

    • or indirect (in another line)

• The action is compound when it is executed in several movements

The Riposte

• The riposte may be immediate or delayed, depending on what action takes place and the speed at which it is carried out. Ripostes are: Simple (direct), Simple (indirect), and Compound

• Simple, Direct

  • • Direct riposte: a riposte which hits the opponent without leaving the line in which the parry was made.

    • Riposte along the blade: a riposte which hits the opponent by grazing along the blade after the parry.

• Simple, Indirect

  • • Riposte by disengagement: a riposte which hits the opponent in the opposite line to that in which the parry was formed. This can be your blade passing under the opponent's blade if parried in the high line or going over the blade if the parry was formed in the low line. 

    • Riposte with a coupé: a riposte which hits the opponent in the opposite line to that in which the parry was formed (the blade always passing over the opponent’s point).

• Compound

  • •  Riposte with a doublé: a riposte which hits the opponent in the opposite line to that in which the parry was formed, but after having described a complete circle round the opponent’s blade

    •  Riposte with a one–two: a riposte which hits the opponent in the same line as that in which the parry was formed but after the blade has first been into the opposite line, by passing under the opponent’s blade.

Counter Attacks

• These are offensive or offensive–defensive actions made during the offensive action of the opponent.

• The stop hit: a counter-attack made into an attack.

• The stop hit made with opposition: a counter-attack made while closing the line in which the opponent’s attack will be completed

The Remise

• A simple and immediate offensive action which follows the original attack, without withdrawing the arm, after the opponent has parried or retreated, when the latter has either quitted contact with the blade without riposting or has made a riposte which is delayed, indirect or compound.

The redoublement

• A new action, either simple or compound, made against an opponent who has parried without riposting or who has merely avoided the first action by retreating or displacing the target.

The reprise of the attack

• A new attack that is executed immediately after a return to the on-guard position. 

Counter-time

• Any action made by the attacker against a stop hit made by his opponent.

Defensive Actions

The primary defensive action that will be used is a parry. Parries are simple, direct, when they are made in the same line as the attack. They are circular (counter-parries) when they are made in the opposite line to that of the attack. The purpose of a parry is to not only block the opponent's attack but to also gain right of way from the attacker in foil and saber fencing. There are several different kinds of parries for each of the 3 weapons. It is important to note that this is not the only other defensive action. Another defensive action is simply not being within attacking distance of your opponent, they can't hit you if you're not there. This is a big reason as to why proper footwork and understanding engagement distance is important.