A riposte is an attack after a parry has allowed control of the opponent’s blade, even if only momentarily. The character of ripostes and the tactical choices that guide their employment vary from weapon to weapon. However, what does not vary is that simple ripostes are simple attacks, and that…
… is the one that lets you hit the opponent. Remember, that defense does not score any hits. You can parry until the last referee gives up in disgust and leaves the building, but if that is all you do, you will never score a hit. Eventually the other fencer gets…
… is that there is an almost inconceivable variety of them. Foil and Epee have it the worst with: Foil – 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, all of which can be performed in the thumb vertical position and 4 each of which are possibly performed as supinated…
The simple attack is, well, just plain simple. It is a one tempo action with the blade moving in a single continuous path to the target. How complicated can that be? Complication starts with the reality that there are five simple attacks. Wait a minute, you thought there were just…
This week we will focus on the riposte and on what creates the opportunity for the riposte, the parry. It is tempting to think of the parry and riposte as a parry-riposte, and, therefore, as a defensive action. After all, parries are defensive actions intended to keep you from being…
Tempo is a key concept in fencing. One tempo is the time that it takes to perform one simple action … a quick step advance is one tempo, a disengage is one tempo. A tempo thus becomes one unit of fencing time. However, the important thing is that tempo is…
Fencing depends on two things: (1) being able to do what you want to do, and (2) getting the other fencer to do what you want him to do. If you can make your opponent’s actions predictable by getting him to do what you want him to do, allowing you…
Every bout you fence should be planned. Only by planning do you develop realistic assessment of the threat you face, balance that assessment against your strengths, and determine a way to shape the fencing to your advantage. Without a plan you are forced to be reactive to the situation rather…
The score was 3-4, with you down by one in the bout you must win to get in the top half of the direct elimination seed. You just hit and you know it will make the score 4-4. So what should you do? How about spend at least 5 seconds screaming and…