Foil Fencing

Outline of Fencing Terms

These terms will be defined and illustrated as we go along through the course.  This list forms the core of the testable skills content for the course.

• First Position:  Feet together at the heels forming a 90 degree angle.  Sword held point down and away from the opponent.  Sword hand essentially in front of the left pocket.
• Salute:  Weapon is brought quickly up so that the point is straight up and the bell guard is held directly in front of the mouth.  Held there for a second, then whipped away diagonally to your lower right.  Don't hit the floor.
• En, Garde:  At the command "En", extend the left arm straight behind you and the sword arm out in front of you, pointing at the chest of your opponent.  At the command "Garde", assume the garde position as shown:

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Point in Line:  Another term for having the sword arm in full extension.  This is an offensive move and establishes right-of-way. 

Target Area Quadrants

• High inside - "4" or "Quarte"
• Low inside - "5" or "Quinte"
• High outside -  "6" or "Sixte"
• Low outside - "8" or "Octave"

Foot Work

• Advance
• Retreat
• Lunge
• Crossover
• Fleche
• Ballestra
• Half-step

Measures / Distances

This is fairly intuitive.  You are either out of distance (too far away), at close distance (too close), or at correct distance (just right, Goldilocks).

• Out of Distance
• Correct Distance
• Close Distance

Fencing Time:  A concept that describes the pacing of your fencing.  Similar to the tempo in music. An action not completed within one beat of fencing time may not be allowed as a touch.

Engagement and Absence of Blade

Engagement is contact between your blade and that of your opponent.  Absence of blade is no contact between blades.

Offensive Actions

• Straight Thrust
• Disengagement
• Glide
• Bind
• Coupe
• Degage
• Beat
• Blade Cover

Defensive Actions

• Simple Parry with Riposte
• Parry of opposition
• Parry of a single beat
• Ceding Parry with Riposte
• Circular Parries

Composed Attacks

• The One-Two: A feint that elicits a lateral parry, followed by a change of line using degage or coupe followed by a lunge. 
• The Double:  A feint that elicits a contreparry, where the attacker stays ahead of the parry and circles into the open line for a lunge.

You should also be familiar with the basic ideas involved in conducting a fencing bout, or contest.  These rules are available on this page.