Fencing: A Guide To Technique

Fencing is not just about speed; it requires a combination of technique, strategy, and precision. The techniques used in fencing are designed to help fencers attack, defend, and counterattack effectively. Whether you are using the foil, épée, or sabre, the fundamental fencing techniques are quite similar, with slight variations depending on the weapon.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Below is a guide to key fencing techniques:

________________________________________________________________________________________________

1. Basic Stance and Footwork

En Garde Position

Purpose: The fundamental stance in fencing, setting up a fencer for both attack and defense.

Description: The fencer stands with feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, with the front foot pointing toward the opponent and the back foot angled for balance. The weapon arm is extended forward, with the weapon held in a ready position.

Footwork

Fencing footwork is essential for moving quickly while maintaining balance, control, and readiness for both offense and defense. Common footwork movements include:

Advance: Moving forward with the front foot, followed by the back foot, maintaining balance.

Retreat: Moving backward with the back foot, followed by the front foot. This is used to create distance from the opponent.

Lunge: A powerful forward movement where the fencer extends the front leg while pushing off the back leg. The weapon arm extends fully to score a touch.

Fleche: A fast, aggressive attack where the fencer runs toward the opponent, cutting the distance rapidly while maintaining their weapon extended to score a touch.

Passé: A move where the fencer shifts their feet, typically from a lunge position, to change direction quickly.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Attacking Techniques

Thrust

Purpose: The most common offensive move, aiming to score a touch by extending the weapon toward the opponent’s valid target area.

Description: The fencer extends their arm, using the tip of the weapon to touch the opponent. The thrust is often performed while advancing or lunging.

Cut

Purpose: A technique used primarily in sabre fencing, where the weapon is used to strike with the edge (rather than the tip).

Description: The cut is performed in a variety of angles (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal) to strike the opponent's valid target area. It can be used offensively, often in combination with a lunge.

Riposte

Purpose: A counterattack made immediately after successfully defending against an opponent’s attack.

Description: Following a parry (blocking the opponent’s attack), the fencer quickly responds by making an attack of their own, often using the same line of attack or changing the angle to catch the opponent off guard.

Feint

Purpose: To deceive the opponent into thinking you are attacking in one direction, and then quickly changing the direction of your attack.

Description: A feint involves a fake attack in one direction, followed by an actual attack in another direction. The goal is to cause the opponent to react defensively, leaving them open for a real attack.

Point-in-line (Engagement)

Purpose: A defensive but also offensive move to threaten the opponent’s weapon.

Description: The fencer positions the tip of their weapon in line with the opponent's weapon or target area, effectively controlling the line and preventing an easy attack. This can create opportunities for thrusting or other offensive actions.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. Defensive Techniques

Parry

Purpose: The fundamental defensive action where a fencer blocks or deflects the opponent’s attack.

Description: A parry involves using the weapon to deflect the opponent's attack, either by meeting the attack head-on or by moving the weapon in a circular or angular motion to deflect the blow. A successful parry creates the opportunity for a riposte (counterattack).

Common Parry Types (in foil and sabre):

Parry of 4: A parry to block attacks from above and to the outside of the body (used for high attacks).

Parry of 6: A parry to block attacks from above and to the inside of the body (used for high attacks, like in the sabre).

Parry of 8: A parry used for low-line attacks, primarily used in foil or sabre.

Parry-Riposte

Purpose: A combination of defense and offense, where the fencer parries an attack and immediately responds with a riposte.

Description: After successfully parrying an opponent’s attack, the fencer performs a riposte, an immediate counterattack, typically aimed at the same line or a new line. This is a fast and efficient way to respond to an opponent’s assault.

Block

Purpose: A defensive move that involves physically stopping the opponent’s weapon with the arm or weapon itself.

Description: A block is generally a simpler, more direct way to stop an attack compared to the parry. It might involve using the blade to absorb the opponent’s attack or using the hand or body to stop a thrust.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. Counterattack and Counter Techniques

Counterattack

Purpose: An offensive action taken while the opponent is attacking.

Description: The fencer launches an attack as the opponent comes forward, aiming to score a touch even before the opponent’s attack lands. Counterattacks are especially effective in épée, where there is no right of way and simultaneous touches are allowed.

Counter-Parry

Purpose: A defensive action where the fencer parries and then immediately responds with their own attack.

Description: After blocking the opponent's attack with a parry, the fencer might execute a counter-parry, where they reposition their weapon to launch a follow-up attack.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

5. Advanced Techniques

Displacement (Deception)

Purpose: A method used to create openings in the opponent's defense by distracting or misleading them.

Description: The fencer might deliberately leave an opening in their defense or feign an attack to provoke a response from the opponent, which can then be exploited with a real attack or counterattack.

Lunging (Extended Lunge)

Purpose: To cover greater distance and increase the reach of the attack.

Description: A lunging attack is performed by pushing the back leg forward and extending the weapon arm fully. The lunge is often used when trying to reach an opponent who is farther away or when finishing off an attack.

Fleche

Purpose: A fast and aggressive attack intended to surprise the opponent by closing the distance quickly.

Description: The fleche is a running attack, where the fencer charges forward at full speed, crossing the opponent’s line of attack. It is often used when the opponent is off balance or in a defensive position.

__________________________________________________________________________________

Conclusion

Fencing techniques are a combination of speed, agility, strategy, and precision. Successful fencers must master the basics like footwork and thrusts, while also developing more advanced techniques like parries, ripostes, feints, and counterattacks. A good fencer can quickly assess the opponent's actions, predict their moves, and execute a response that capitalizes on openings in the opponent's defense.

By practicing these techniques, fencers can develop a deep understanding of timing, distance, and positioning, all of which are critical to becoming a successful competitor in the sport of fencing.