Fencing: Comprehensive List of Key Terminology

Fencing has a rich lexicon that includes specialized terms for techniques, equipment, and rules.

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Below is a comprehensive list of key terminology used in the sport of fencing:

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General Terms:

Fencer: A person who participates in the sport of fencing.

Bout: A match between two fencers.

Piste: The strip or area where the fencing competition takes place.

Fencing Footwear: Special shoes designed for fencing, offering flexibility, grip, and protection.

Salute: A formal gesture of respect performed before and after a bout, where the fencer salutes the opponent and the referee.

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Weapons:

Foil: A lightweight weapon used in one of the three main disciplines. Points are scored by touching the opponent’s torso.

Epee: A heavier weapon used for thrusting. The entire body is a valid target area in epee.

Sabre: A cutting weapon, allowing fencers to score with both the edge and the tip of the sword. The upper body, including arms, is the valid target.

Small Sword: A precursor to the foil, lighter and flexible, used mainly for sport and dueling.

Pistols: Part of fencing equipment in earlier times, though no longer used today.

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Equipment and Gear:

Mask: Protective gear worn to safeguard the fencer's head and face.

Jacket: A padded protective garment worn by fencers, covering the torso.

Plastron: A protective undergarment worn under the jacket for added safety.

Gloves: Worn to protect the fencer's hands during combat.

Breeches: Protective pants worn by fencers to cover the lower legs.

Sword Tip: The end of the sword, designed for scoring touches.

Body Cord: A cable that connects the weapon to the scoring system, transmitting the touch.

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Scoring and Actions:

Touch: A successful strike made by the fencer on the opponent's body, awarded a point.

Point: A unit of score. The fencer who scores the most points in a match wins.

Right of Way: A rule in foil and sabre fencing that determines which fencer scores when both land a touch simultaneously.

Attack: The initial offensive move made by the fencer to strike the opponent.

Parry: A defensive action where a fencer deflects an opponent's attack with their sword.

Riposte: A counterattack made immediately after a successful parry.

Lunge: A movement where the fencer steps forward with one leg while extending the sword to score a touch.

Feint: A deceptive attack intended to make the opponent react prematurely, leaving them open for a real attack.

Counterattack: A defensive move that turns into an offensive strike, usually after a parry.

Disengage: A movement used to avoid the opponent’s blade during an attack or parry.

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Match Structure:

Bout Duration: The length of time for a fencing match, typically three 3-minute rounds.

Touché: A French term used to acknowledge a touch or a successful strike.

Victory: Achieved by a fencer who scores the required number of points or the highest number of points after the set time.

Timeout: A brief break or pause in the bout, either for the fencer to recover or to address an issue with equipment.

Elimination Round: A round in tournament fencing where the loser of the match is eliminated.

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Rules and Penalties:

No-Action (N/A): When neither fencer lands a touch during a sequence, and the referee calls it as "no action."

Penalty: A punishment given for an infraction, such as illegal conduct or improper technique.

Yellow Card: A warning issued for a minor infringement or unsportsmanlike behavior.

Red Card: A penalty card, usually resulting in a point being awarded to the opponent or even disqualification.

Referee’s Call: The decision made by the referee to award or disallow points based on the rules.

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Fencing Strokes and Techniques:

Adopt the Position: The starting stance of a fencer before engaging in combat.

Engage: To make contact or become involved in combat.

Attack with Extension: A complete thrust or lunge with the sword fully extended.

Prise de Fer: A technique where a fencer takes control of the opponent's weapon by making contact and gaining the advantage in an engagement.

Close Quarter: A situation in fencing where the fencers are very close to each other, often resulting in a grapple.

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Types of Fencing Moves:

Balestra: A jumping action in which the fencer leaps forward while extending the weapon.

Fleche: A fast, running attack where the fencer runs at the opponent while extending the sword.

Parry-Riposte: A defensive move followed by an immediate counterattack after the parry.

Attack in Line: A straightforward attack aimed at the target area with the weapon fully extended.

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Other Important Terminology:

Fencing Line: The imaginary line that runs between two fencers during combat. Each fencer must maintain their designated line of attack.

Fencer’s Distance: The optimal range between fencers for attacking, ensuring an attack is both effective and safe.

Touch in Time: A touch scored within the given time during a round.

On Guard: The stance or position in which a fencer stands to prepare for the bout.

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Conclusion:

Fencing is a highly technical and strategic sport with a specialized vocabulary. Understanding these terms is essential for both competitors and spectators to fully appreciate the skill and precision involved. Whether it’s learning the different types of weapons, understanding the rules for scoring, or mastering the fencing techniques, these terms form the foundation of the sport.