Glossary

attack – the initial offensive action made by extending the sword arm and threatening the valid target of the opponent

blade – length of steel that forms the sword

counter-attack – attack made in response to the opponent's attack

director – the referee; mediator of a fencing bout

dry fencing – fencing without electric judging equipment

fleching – an attack in which the aggressor leaps off his leading foot, attempts to make a hit, then passes the opponent at arm

guard – metal cup that protects the hand from being hit

measure – distance between the fencers

point – a valid touch; tip of the sword

riposte – attack that immediately follows a successful parry

salute – with the weapon, a conventional acknowledgement of one's opponent and referee at the start and end of a bout

Back to Top