FENCING

Herdwick Fencing Club

0
Volume
1
A
beginners
guide
SYLVI E J EFFERSON
Sylie Je!ers"n
Crescen# H"use $ %& Selby 'err(ce
)ARY*OR' C+),RIA CA%- .L/
*0"ne 1%211 3%4 2&5 $ F(6 1%211 3%4 2&5
Sylie78e!ers"n9Verb(#i:l#d7en#(dsl7c":
1
Table of Contents
C H A P T E R 1
A brief introduction to
fencing
Aims of the sport
C H A P T E R 2
The weapons and their
target
The foil
The pe
The sabre
The grips
C H A P T E R !
Clothing and safet"
#tarter $its and cost
%ist of suppliers
C H A P T E R &
The target and its
'uartering lines
CHAPTER (
Awards and progress
C H A P T E R )
*urther reading
C H A P T E R +
,nitial Assessment
-lossar"
#ources
A brief
introduction to
fencing
Welcome to the Herdwick
Fencing Club. We hope
that you will enjoy
discovering the sport and
developing new skills.
t the highest level, fencing as well as being physically
demanding, requires intense concentration and tactical
awareness. Setting aside the Olympian heights, fencing
is an excellent way of maintaining general fitness without the risk
of injury. The sport suits men as well as women and children of all
ages.
A
Chapter
1
ithin the friendly atmosphere of the !erdwick "encing #lub you
will be able to enjoy the individuality of the sport, matching your
own skill, speed and intellect to that of an opponent. "encing has
often been compared to physical chess$ %ll the same you can
enjoy the aesthetic of the sport and take pleasure in perfecting a
disciplined movement. The #lub will support you in taking fencing
achievement awards if you wish, and encourage your competitive
ambitions.
The sword is one of the oldest weapons. "encing evolved from
waging war to duelling and finally to the Olympic Sport. The
modern rules and conventions still reflect the aristocratic origins
of fencing.
The salute:
Out of courtesy it is customary for opponents to salute each
other before a bout and to shake hand with the unarmed hands
at the end.
&n competition you salute the 'resident or (eferee before saluting
your opponent.
hen receiving and individual lesson, you and the coach salute
each other at the beginning and at the end.
% good salute, given with a smile reflects your confidence and
attitude towards the sport.
*encing de.elops/
#oncentration.
Self)control.
#onfidence.
(espect and
loyalty
*alance
Spacial
awareness
#oordination
'recision
Speed of reaction
(eflexes
+udgment ,ecision making
Aims of the sport
"encing takes place on a specially marked strip called a piste
(See diagram overleaf). Two fencers try to score a set number of
hits in order to win. The validity of a hit will depend on where and
how the hit is landed and varies according to the weapon used.
ith the foil and the -p-e hits are made with the point. hereas
with the sabre hits are scored by cutting with the blade as well as
hitting with the point.
% bout is conducted by a 'resident or referee who awards the
hits as they occur following the conventions of that particular
weapon. The first fencer to score the required number of hits wins
the bout. There is a time limit for each bout.
&n competitions fencers are grouped in pools .or poules/, usually
of six. The fencers in each pool fight one another and those with
the best results are promoted to the next round. The competition
may continue with another pool or by direct elimination .d. e./.
The competitors are then seeded according to their results in the
previous round.
The piste
A Table for electrical apparatus
C #entre line
G On)guard lines
R (un back .extension of the piste/
L 0ast 1 metres of piste
E 2nd of piste .rear limit/
The piste is 3.45m to 1 metres wide and 36 metres long
The weapons and their target/
The grips
The foil
The -p-e
The sabre
Chapter
2
The grips/
The choice of grip is a question of personal preference for each
foilist or epeeists.
"rench grip
'istol grip
The foil: &t is a light, flexible weapon weighing
fewer than 455 g. The blade is rectangular or square in
section and must not be more than 75 cm long. The
overall length of the weapon must not exceed 335 cm.
The target:
Of the three weapons foil is the most common for
beginners. The foil developed from the epee and
was used in training for duels. &n a duel hits to the
torso inflicted the most damage to your opponent,
so in foil the target area is only the torso,
excluding arms, legs and head. &n electric foil
fencing the valid target area on the fencer is
covered by a metallic jacket .lam-/, when the
opponent8s weapon makes contact with it a
coloured lamp lights up. % hit on the non)valid
area .not covered by the metallic jacket/ causes a
white lamp to light.
&n general most beginners start fencing with a
traditional "rench grip and may choose later to
use a weapon with a pistol grip.
0
Target area
As shown on the diagram the back and
sides are also a target.
10
The pe:
The -p-e is a development of the duelling swords that
originated in the court of 0ouis 9&: of "rance a replacement
of the ;small sword< already a learning weapon.
&t is the second most popular weapon for beginners and is
used in the =odern 'entathlon. &t is a pointed, with a guard
much larger than that of the foil with a blade mounted
excentrically. The blade is fluted and roughly triangular in
section. ith a maximum weight of >>5g., it is the heaviest of
the three weapon$ &ts total maximum length is 335cm.
The target:
%s the discipline came from the rules of duelling the whole
body is a valid target, head to toe, including arms and
hands. The basic rule of engagement is that the first to hit the
opponent, has scored. &n electric fencing any hit upon the
11
earthed piste .strip/ or on the opponent8s grounded weapon
will not register.
Target area
As shown on the diagram, the back is also
on target.
12
The sabre/
Sabre developed from the cavalry sword which was used
with both slashing and point attacks. Sabre is the least common
weapon for beginners but is growing in popularity in the ?@. &ts
maximum length is 354cm with a total weight below 455g. The
blade is approximately triangular in section. &ts tip is curled over
onto itself.
The target:
&t was considered bad form to hit the horse that the rider was
mounted on so in modern sabre the target area is the whole
body from the hips upwards including head, arms and wrists.
&n electric fencing the body from the hips up is covered by
a 3Aame and the mask is completely conductive.

1!
Target area
As shown on the diagram the back is also a
target.
1&
#afet" clothing
The !erdwick "encing #lub will provide basic beginner8s
equipment. !owever most beginners choose to acquire
their own glove at an early stage in their careers.
"encing is a safe sport. =ost injuries reported are minor
muscular ones. &t is however very important to respect
some basic safety measures in clothing and
behaviour in a fencing area.
%t a later stage it will be necessary to consider an upgrade to
B55 CewtonD protection together with the purchase of a
lam- jacket for electric fencing.
oven material for protective clothing in fencing is reinforced
with @evlar. This material is used for making bullet)proof
jackets and their level of protection against projectiles is
measured in Cewton.
"or more details please consult the supplier8s list, pages 3> to
3B.
Chapter
!
1(
D% Cewton in fencing terms indicates resitance to impact from a moving weapon.
The higher the number the greater the resistance, and therefore safer.
1)
The list below is only an indication of cost as prices will vary
from one supplier to another.
#tarter $its 1 cost/
Foil nonelectric with a leather French
handle!
% classic beginner8s weapon with a traditional "rench grip.
"rice: #$%!$&
Glove beginners for non electric!
%vailable in 6 siEes, this glove has stretch material in the
fingers so it fits a range of siEes. There is no velcro fastening
so it can not be used for electric fencing. =achine washable.
"rice: #&$!'(
)as* foil unise+ ,-. /ewton bib!
% mask made from a high quality mesh with a durable water
resistant lining and is suitable for nonelectric fencing
across all A weapons.
"rice: #0(!,'
1ac*et )en2s or 3omen2s stretch panels
,-./ !
This range has panels of stretch material in the back, which
improves comfort and range of movement. The jacket has a
front Eip and is tailored differently for men and women.
1+
"rice: #%'!$&
Chest protectors!
"ormed plastic covering front and sides of the body. They are
held in place with adjustable elastic and are available in
standard ?@ bra siEe.
'riceF #$$!(.
4nder "lastron )en2s or 3omen2s ,-.
/ewtons!
Standard #2C performance level 3 plastron. =ade from
355G cotton so it can be worn comfortably next to the skin.
The plastrons for left and right handed fencers are the same
as the garment can be worn inside out.
"rice: #&(!55
Case 6 7ag!
% bag of a larger capacity sufficient for all your kit. &t is made
of thicker fabric and has a larger Eip for easy access. The
extra few pounds over the price of a small allkit are well worth
spending if you are not on a tight budget.
'riceF #,&!.%
8econdhand e9uipment:
There is also the possibility of acquiring second hand equipment
.#lassified ads, e)bay, ex)fencers/. %lways ask your coach or an
experienced fencer for advice before you buy from an unknown
source. %lways tell your coach when you decide to retire from the
sport, he might be able to help re)distribute good equipment.
12
/ew e9uipment:
Cew equipment can also be bought at major competitions where
some suppliers will have a stand.
10
2quipment Suppliers

,?200&ST
254 Twickenham Road
Isleworth London,TW7 7DT
Tel: +44 (020 !!"2 #775
$a%: +44 (020 !!"2 #74!
=2(0&C
merlin enter&rises
'(4, street lane
leeds) L*! 2++) ,-
tel . /a%: + 44(0''# 2(!!!25
www)konect)mcmail)com.merlin.
02OC '%?0
Leon 0a1l, ,nits ' 2 2
3edar Wa4, 3amle4 *t, London 5W' 00D
Tel: 0207 #!! !'#2
$a%: 0207 #!! !'#4
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#5 6din71r8h Dri9e,
*taines, :iddlese%,
TW'! '0;
Tele&hone: 0'7!4 255522 $a%: 0'7!4 245"42
www)7lades<s&orts)co)1k.
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'*T)?@
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Tel: 0'27( !5552(
$a%: 0'27( 4!52!#
6mail: salesA&7t<1k)com
www)&7t<1k)com
%00ST%( ?@
www)allstar</encin8)co)1k
:&@TO(&% ?@
www7ik#"ri(7c"7uk
NEGRINI-UK
+&artment 2,
2 71rns street,
5ottin8ham
5?7 4DT
Tel: 077#" 2557#!
HO"2C#2
8o$ence)com
'2 =ack Road
Dollar
3lackmannanshire
$-'4 76+
*cotland
0'25" 7425("
21
The target and 2 fencing positions
Chapter
&
Chapter
&
22
Theoretically there are eight fencing positions and
these traditional terms are used throughout the
world.
8i+te :uarte

;ctave 8eptime

2!
0eft handed fencer (ight handed fencer
Fencing positions.
Also known as lines.
Awards
*oil grades 314!5
Chapter
(
2&
Awards 6 *oil grades 31 6 !5
These are optional.
Similar awards are available for -p-e and sabre.
-RA7E 1
Demonstrate: (with coach or
partner)
3/ The Hrip
1/ The Salute
A/ The On guard ) Huards of Sixte I Juarte
6/ Steps "orward and *ackward
4/ The 0unge ) !itting ) ,irect %ttack
K/ Simple 'arry with ,irect (iposte
>/ Simple 'arry with ,irect first #ounter)(iposte
Describe:
3/ !ow to use your foil safely
1/ !ow to fence safely
A/ The Target %rea
6/ The 'rinciples of "encing with the foil
4/ "encing 2tiquette
-RA7E 2
Demonstrate: (with coach or
partner) - While following your
partner's steps forward and
backward
3/ =aintain fencing line
1/ =aintain correct distances for hitting with ) (iposte ) 0unge
) Step forward lunge
2(
A/ =aintain lunging distance and make a direct %ttack with a
lunge each time your partner pauses
rom a stationary position:
6/ Huards of Septime and Octave
4/ 2ngagements in Sixte, Juarte, Septime and Octave )
#hanges of 2ngagements ) 'ressures
K/ ,isengage %ttack with a lunge on partnerLs pressure from
a, 2ngagement in Sixte
b, 2ngagement in Juarte
>/ #ircular 'arry of )
a, Sixte with ,irect (iposte
b, Juarte with ,irect (iposte
Describe:
3/ #ourteous and respectful behaviour and fencers M'ledges
of !onourM .cf. t.336, t.33K, t.315/
1/ 'arts of the "oil
A/ ,imensions of the piste
-RA7E !
Demonstrate: (with coach or
partner) -While following your
partner's steps forward and
backward:
3/ =aintain engagements in Sixte, Juarte, Septime and
Octave
1/ ,isengage %ttack with a lunge from Sixte each time your
partner pauses and attempts to engage blades inF)
a, Sixte from a low line guard
b, uarte from a low line guard
rom a stationary position:
A/ Two types of lungeF
a, accelerating
b, explosive
6/ *alestra ) *alestra step forward ) *alestra lunge
2)
4/ *eats and change *eats in Sixte, Juarte, Septime I
Octave
4/ Semi)circular 'arries with ,irect (ipostes
>/ % One)two %ttack with an accelerating lunge when your
partner attempts toF)
a, engages blades in !uarte then parries into Sixte
b, engages blades in Sixte then parries into uarte
Describe:
3/ Simple %ttacks and (ipostes, and name three types of
'arries
1/ ,ifference between Simple and #ompound actions
A/ ,uties of (eferee and +udges
6/ Timekeeping during competitions
4/ (ules regarding the boundaries of the 'iste
"encers who wish to progress beyond #rade $ at any
weapon must be individual members of the %"A.
2+
*urther reading/
Book List
Know the Game Fencing - KTG Series
017lisher < + 2 3 =lack, London
Illustrated techniques of Foil, Epee and Sabre, fencing
on a piste and full glossary of fencing terms.
Available from bookshops
Fencers Training Logbook
017lisher < =ritish $encin8 +ssociation, ' =arons ?ate,
##<#5 Rothschild Road, London W4 5BT
Chapter
)
Chapter
(
22
Personal logbook to assist in the preparation of yearly
training and competition programmes, performance
evaluation and fitness testing - to mount in a ring binder
not supplied!.
Price: 5 plus !5" per cop# P$P
F%& 'ules (or )ompetition
017lisher < =ritish $encin8 +ssociation, ' =arons ?ate,
## < #5 Rothchild Road, London W4 5BT
*((icial &nglish translation o( F%& rule book!
Price: " with co+er ,!"" without per cop# inc P$P
&pee )ombat -anual b# Terence Kingston
Published by "erence #ingston, $% &ourthope 'illas,
(imbledon, )ondon S($% *E+ - email,
terryk-applebyte.demon.co.uk -.eb
....applebyte.demon.co.uk
0rice C'2)"5 &l1s C')00 &er co&4 &2&
20
,nitial assessment/
Sports historyF
!ave you Nin the past N taken part in any organised sports
activityO
Pes Co
&f yes list which ones together with the level you recon you
achieved.
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#urrent fitness levelF
%re you currently engaged in any sporting activitiesO
Chapter
+
!0
Pes Co
&f yes, please give some details .hich sport, how regularly,
how long you have been practising and if you are involved at
a competitive level/
&s there a medical condition the fencing coach should be
aware of which may affect your fitness or your performance
during training sessionsO
Pes Co
&f yes please give some details.
!ow did you hear about the !erdwick "encing #lubO
ord of mouth
"lyer Q poster
%dult 2ducation brochure
"encing demonstration
&nternet
!ow did you hear about fencingO
,id some at school
,id an introductory course .!oliday, %dult 2d./
T: coverage
!1
"ilm
%rmy
Other .Specify/
A
Absence of blade: when swords
are not in contact.
Advance: to step forward
Aids: the last three fingers of the
sword hand.
Analysis: the process of
describing actions occurring in a
fight, usually a phrase preceding
a hit.
Angulation: creating an angle
between the weapon and the
sword arm by flexing the wrist
and pronating or supinating the
sword hand.
Annulment of hitF a valid hit
which is disallowed because of
an infringement of the rules or a
technical fault.
Appel: beating the ground with
the ball of the foot, either as a
Lfront footL or Lrear footL appel.
Assault: friendly combat
between two fencers.
Attac*: an initial offensive action
made by extending the sword
arm and continuously threatening
the opponentLs target.
Avoidance: ducking or moving
sideways to avoid being hit.
7
7ac* edgeF the edge of a sabre
blade opposite to that of the
cutting edge.
7alestra: a short, sharp jump
forwardsR usually used as a
preparation.
7arrage: a fight)off to determine
a result in the event of a tie.
7eatF crisp striking movement of
the opponentLs blade creating a
deflection, or obtaining a
reactionR used as a preparation.
7ib: a soft, padded attachment to
the lower part of the mask to
protect the neck and throat.
Chapter
)
!2
7ind: taking of the foible of the
opposing blade diagonally from
high to low line, and vice versa.
7lade: the main component of a
sword on which the hilt is
mounted.
7ody wire: wire worn under a
fencerLs clothing to connect the
sword terminal to the retractable
spool cable, when using the
electrical apparatus.
7out: a fight for a specific
number of hits.
7rea*ing ground: stepping
back.
7reeches: white, knee)length
trousers made of robust materialR
side fastening must be on the
non)sword)arm side, and legs
must have fastenings below the
knees.
7ro*en time: when a pause is
introduced into an action which is
normally performed in one
movement.
7rutality: actions which are
performed with an unacceptable
level of force or violence which
causes discomfort to the
opponent.
7utton: soft covering over a non)
electric foil or epee point.
C
Cadence: the rhythm in which a
sequence of movements is
made.
Ceding parry: a parry formed by
giving way to an opponent who is
taking the blade.
Change beat: a beat made after
passing under or over the
opponentLs blade.
Change of engagement: re)
engagement of the opponentLs
blade on the opposite side by
passing under or over it.
Chest protectors: rigid breast
cups which fit inside womenLs
fencing jackets.
Choice reaction: reasoned
response to a change of
conditions presented by the
opponent.
Circular parry: deflection of the
opponentLs attacking blade by
making a circle with the sword
point.
Close 9uarters: when two
fencers are close together but
can still wield their weapons.
Competition: aggregate of
individual bouts or team matches
required to determine a winner.
Compound actions: two or
more single actions performed
together as one continuous
action.
Compound attac*: an attack
comprising one or more feints.
Compound prises de fer: two or
more consecutive takings of the
blade, alike or different, with no
loss of blade contact .
Compound riposte: riposte
comprising one or more feints.
Conventions: the rules
governing the method of fencing
for each weapon.
Co9uille: bell)shaped guard of a
foil or epee.
Corps < corps: bodily contact
between the fencers in a bout.
Coul=: the action of extending
the sword arm and graEing lightly
down the opponentLs blade,
maintaining contact throughout.
Counter attac*: the offensive
action made while avoiding, or
closing the line against, an
opponentLs attack.
Counterdisengagement: an
indirect action which deceives a
change of engagement.
!!
Counteroffensive action: see
counter attack.
Counterparry: see circular
parry.
Counterriposte: a riposte
following the successful parry of
the opponentLs riposte or counter)
riposte.
Countertime: an action made
by the attacker into a counter
attack which is provoked by the
opponent.
Coup=: see cut)over.
Crois=: the taking of the foible of
the opposing blade from high to
low line, and vice versa, on the
same side as the engagement.
Crosse grip: a moulded grip with
finger protrusions, used on foils
and epees.
Cut: a hit at sabre made by
striking with the edge of the
blade.
Cutover >coupe?: an indirect
action made by passing the blade
over the opponentLs point.
@
@efence: not being hit by the
opponentLs offensive actions,
either by parrying, avoiding, or
moving out of distance.
@elayed: actions made after a
pauseR usually attacks or
ripostes.
@=robement: evasion of the
opponentLs attempt to beat or
take the blade while the sword
arm is straight and the point is
threatening the target.
@etachment: when both blades
break contact.
@evelopment: extension of the
sword arm accompanied by the
lunge.
@iagonal parry: deflecting the
opponentLs attacking blade by
moving from a high line guard to
a low line guard on the opposite
side and vice versa.
@irect: actions made without
passing the blade under or over
the opponentLs blade
@irect elimination: method of
competition organisation where
winners are promoted to the
following rounds and losers are
eliminated after one fight.
@isciplinary code: by taking part
in a fencing competition, fencers
Lpledge their honourL to observe
the rules for competitions and the
decisions of judges and to be
respectful towards the president
and the members of the jury.
@isengagement: indirect action
made by passing the blade under
or over the opponentLs blade.
@isplacement: turning or
ducking to remove the target
area from its normal position,
resulting in the non)valid target
being substituted for the valid
target.
@is9ualification: to be
eliminated from a competition
due to cheating or bad behaviour,
or by default, eg. late arrival.
@oubl=: a compound attack
which deceives the opponentLs
circular parry.
@ouble action: when both
fencers choose exactly the same
moment to make an offensive
action.
@ouble defeat: in epee onlyR
after the time has expired, if both
competitors have received the
same number of hits .or neither
has scored a hit/, they are
counted as both having received
the maximum number of hits
being fought for, and a defeat is
scored against each, except in
direct elimination where the fight
!&
goes on without limitation of time
until there is a result.
@ouble hits: in epee only, when
both competitors register a hit on
each other simultaneously, the
difference of time between the
two hits being less than 3Q14 of
a second.
@ouble prises de ferA loss of
contact between the first and
second prise de fer.
@raw: seeding of fencers to
determine the bouts in a
competition.
@uration of bout: actual fencing
time allowed during a bout, ie a
stop clock is started at the
beginning of a bout, stopped
each time the president halts the
fencers and started again when
the bout is restarted.
E
Earthing of guard: guards of
electric weapons must be
earthed correctly so that weapon
hits do not register on them.
Earthing of piste: when using
electrical equipment, metal pistes
must be correctly earthed so that
hits do not register on them.
Elbow guard: a pad worn on the
fencerLs sword)arm elbow for
protection.
Electrical apparatus: an electric
box with red and green lights to
register valid hits at foil, epee and
sabre and white lights to register
non)valid hits at foil. The
apparatus is mounted centrally,
adjacent to the piste and
connected by floor leads to
spools with retractable cables
placed at both ends of the piste,
to which the fencers connect their
body wires.
Electric weapons: foils, epees
and sabres suitable for use with
electrical apparatus.
Engagement: when both blades
are in contact.
Envelopment: the taking of the
foible of the opponentLs blade by
making a complete circle and
maintaining continual contact
throughout.
F
Feint: threatening movement of
the blade made with the intention
of provoking a parry or similar
response.
Fencing Line: when fencers are
fencing each other it should be
possible to draw a theoretical
straight line running through both
leading feet and rear heels.
Fencing time: Time required to
perform one simple fencing
action.
Flan*F the side of the trunk of
body on the sword)arm side.
Floor Budges: two judges who
watch for floor hits when electric
epee is used without a metal
piste.
Foible: the flexible half of the
blade further away from the hilt
Forte: the half of the blade
nearer to the hilt.
French grip: !ilt style which has
a straight handle .without finger
protrusion/ and a pommel.
Froissement: deflecting the
opponentLs blade by opposition of
Lforte to foibleL while blades are
engaged.
G
Guard >of weapon?: the part of
the hilt to protect the sword hand.
Guards: fencing positions ) see
prime, seconde, tierce, quarte,
quinte, sixte, septime, octave.
C
Cigh line: the position of the
target above a theoretical
horiEontal line mid)way through a
fencerLs trunk.
!(
Cilt: the assembled parts of the
sword excluding the blade, ie the
guard, pad, grip and pommel.
CitF to strike the opponent with
the point of the sword clearly and
distinctly and with character of
penetration. % cut with a sabre.
D
Dndicators: a system used in
competition to determine a
fencerLs seeding after the first
rounds. The first indicator is
expressed as a ratio of the
number of victories and the
number of fights and the second
indicator is the number of hits
scored minus the number of hits
received.
Dndirect: an offensive action
made by first passing the blade
under or over the opponentLs
blade.
1
1udges: &n non)electric bouts,
four judges officiate, two at both
sides of the piste, to watch for
hits on the fencer they are facingR
judges may also officiate during
bouts using electric equipment to
watch for illegal use of back arm,
or hits on the floor when metallic
pistes are not used.
L
Lam= Bac*et: metallic)woven
over)jacket covering the valid
target for foil and for sabre.
Lines: theoretical divisions of the
target, corresponding to fencing
guards.
Low lines: position of the target
below a theoretical horiEontal line
mid)way through a fencerLs trunk.
Lunge: a method of getting
closer to an opponent with
acceleration to make an attack
and while maintaining balance
and making it possible for a rapid
recovery to On Huard.
)
)anipulators: the index finger
and thumb of the sword hand.
)artingaleF the loop of tape or
leather attached to the grip and
held to prevent a non)electric foil
from flying out of the hand in the
event of being disarmed.
)etallic piste: electrically)
conductive material covering the
piste in order that hits on the floor
do not register on the electrical
apparatus.
;
;ctave: low line, semi)supinated
guard on the sword)arm side.
;n Guard: the stance adopted in
fencing.
;netwo attac*: a compound
attack which deceives the
opponentLs simple parry.
E;pen eyesE: starting a
movement with no prior
knowledge of how it will finish,
relying on reflexes to adjust and
make the correct ending.
;pposition: blade movement
maintaining constant contact with
the opponentLs blade.
;rthopaedic grip: general term
for moulded grips of various
designs used on foils and epees.
"
"arry: defensive action to deflect
an opponentLs attack by opposing
Lforte to opponentLs foibleL.
"artwhole: the teaching of a
movement in parts, ie isolating
the parts of the movement
demanding most skill and
practising them in isolationR then
putting the parts together to
make a whole movement.
"atinando: a step forwards with
an appel from the rear foot at the
same time as the front foot lands.
!)
"hrase: a sequence of fencing
movements performed without a
break.
"iste: the field of play on which a
bout takes place.
"lastron: a half)jacket with no
underarm seam, worn for extra
protection on the sword arm
under the fencing jacketR also a
padded over)jacket worn by a
fencing coach when giving
individual training.
"ommel: a metal cap screwed to
the end of the blade which locks
the parts of the weapon together
and provides a counter)balance
to the blade.
"ool >poule?: the grouping of
fencers or teams in a
competition.
"reparation of attac*: the
movement of blade or foot to
obtain the best position from
which to make an attack.
"resident: (eferee in a fencing
bout.
"rime: high line, pronated guard
on the non)sword)arm side.
"rinciple of defence: the
execution of a parry by the
defencerLs forte opposing the
attacking foible, ie Lopposition of
forte to foibleL.
"riority: the right of way gained
by the fencer at foil and sabre by
extending the sword arm and
continually threatening the
opponentLs target.
"rises de fer >ta*ings of the
blade?: see bind, crois-,
envelopment.
"rogressive actions: actions
made with the sword point
continually moving towards the
opponentLs target.
"ronation: the position of the
sword hand with the knuckles
uppermost.
:
:uarte: high line, semi)supinated
guard on the non)sword)arm
side.
:uinte: low line, pronated guard
on the non)sword)arm side at foil
and epeeR and a high guard at
sabre to protect the head.
R
Rassemblement: the bringing of
both feet together, either
forwards or backwards, so that
the heels are touching with the
feet at right angles and the body
in an upright position.
Recovery: the return to the on
guard position.
Redoublement: the renewal of
an action after being parried by
replacing the point on the target
in a different line to the original
action.
Renewal of attac*: See remise,
redoublement, reprise.
Remise: the renewal of an action
after being parried by replacing
the point on the target in the line
of the original action.
Repechage: the competition
formula which gives losers of a
direct elimination bout a second
chance to stay in the competition.
Reprise: the renewal of an action
made with a lunge by first
returning to guard forwards or
backwards.
Riposte: an offensive action
following a successful parry of an
attack.
8
8econde: low line, pronated
guard on the sword)arm side.
8emicircular parry: ,eflection
of the attacking blade by making
a semi)circle with the point of the
sword from high to low lines on
the same side and vice)versa.
!+
8eptime: low line, semi)
supinated guard on the non)
sword)arm side.
8imultaneous attac*: *oth
fencers choose precisely the
same moment to make an
offensive action.
8i+te: high line, semi)supinated
guard on the sword)arm side.
8pools: 'art of the electrical
apparatus which has retractable
cables to connect the fencers to
the electrical recording box.
8top hit: #ounter offensive
action into the opponent8s attack.
8traight thrust: ,irect attack
landing in the same line.
8uccessive parries: two or
more consecutive parries made
to defend against compound
attacks.
8upination: the position of the
sword hand with the finger)nail
uppermost.
T
Ta*ing of the blade >prise de
fer?: See *ind, crois-,
envelopment/.
Tang: the part of the blade on
which the hilt is mounted.
TierceF high line, pronated guard
on the sword)arm side.
Trompement: ,eception of the
opponent8s attempt to parry.
4
F
Falid hit: !it which arrives
correctly on target.
3
G
H
I
!2
#ources/
;@now the gameF "encing<
;"encing< *rian 'itman
;"encing with the foil< (oger #rosnier
0eon 'aul8s website
*ritish "encing %ssociation (=$+: ' =aronDs
?ate, ##<#5 Rothschild Road, London W4 5BT, Tel: 020
!742 #0#2, $a% 020 !742 #0## >R:
htt&:..www)7ritish/encin8)com.
"-d-ration &nternationale d82scrime
*ritish "encing %cademy
"&2 (ules for #ompetition
&0