There’s a reason why fencing is often called “physical chess”: it combines speed, precision, and tactical thinking. As one of the original Olympic sports, fencing has its own set of rules, equipment, and terminology that can be overwhelming for newcomers. Understanding these terms is crucial for anyone who wants to dive into the world of fencing, whether you’re a beginner or just an enthusiastic spectator. In this article, we’ll break down the key fencing terminology you need to be acquainted with to better understand the sport.
The Weapons of Fencing
Before diving into specific fencing terms, it’s essential to understand that there are three different weapons used in fencing: foil, épée, and sabre. Each weapon has its own rules and target areas, so let’s briefly explain them.
Foil: This is a lightweight thrusting weapon featuring a flexible, rectangular blade. In foil fencing, points are awarded for striking the opponent’s torso, with scoring allowed only through the tip of the weapon.
Épée: This weapon is heavier and has a stiffer blade. In épée, the entire body serves as a valid target area, and, similar to the foil, only the tip is utilised for scoring.
Sabre: A cutting and thrusting weapon characterised by a slightly curved blade. In sabre, points can be earned using both the tip and the edge of the blade. The valid target area extends from the waist upward, encompassing the arms and head.
Basic Fencing Terms
Now that we’ve covered the weapons, let’s get into the core fencing terms that every beginner should know.
Bout: A fencing match between two competitors. A bout typically consists of a set number of touches (points) or is timed, depending on the format.
Touch: The term used to describe a point scored in fencing. A touch occurs when a fencer successfully hits their opponent on the valid target area with their weapon.
En Garde: A fundamental fencing stance used at the beginning of a bout and after each point. It’s a ready position, with knees slightly bent, arms raised, and the fencer prepared to attack or defend.
Advance: Moving forward toward your opponent. It’s a key movement in fencing used to close the distance and prepare for an attack.
Retreat: Moving backward to avoid an opponent’s attack or create distance. This defensive maneuver allows fencers to stay out of their opponent’s range while looking for an opportunity to counterattack.
Lunge: One of the primary attacking movements in fencing, a lunge involves extending the front leg forward while pushing off with the back leg to reach the opponent. The arm with the weapon is extended to hit the target.
Offensive and Defensive Moves
Fencing is a fast-paced sport where attacks and defenses are executed in quick succession. Here are some common offensive and defensive terms you’ll hear:
Attack: The initial offensive action made by a fencer with the intention of scoring a touch. Attacks can vary in complexity, from simple lunges to more advanced compound attacks.
Riposte: A counterattack made by a fencer immediately after parrying an opponent’s attack. It’s a quick and efficient way to turn a defensive action into an offensive one.
Parry: A defensive move in which a fencer uses their weapon to block or deflect their opponent’s attack. Parrying effectively prevents the opponent from scoring a touch and sets up an opportunity to launch a riposte.
Feint: A deceptive move where a fencer pretends to attack in one direction to mislead the opponent before changing direction and attacking elsewhere. It’s a way to outsmart the opponent and create openings.
Disengage: A movement where a fencer avoids their opponent’s blade by moving their own blade around it. Disengaging is often used during feints or to break free from a parry.
Right of Way
One of the most important rules in fencing, particularly in foil and sabre, is right of way, which determines which fencer earns the point when both land hits at the same time. Understanding this concept is crucial for grasping the tactical nature of the sport.
Right of Way (Priority): This rule governs who gets the point in the event of simultaneous hits in foil and sabre. The fencer who initiates the attack first has the right of way, unless it’s successfully parried, in which case the defender can counterattack. In épée, however, there is no right of way—both fencers can score a point if they hit at the same time.
Equipment Terms
Fencers use specialized equipment that not only ensures safety but also facilitates scoring. Here’s some key gear terminology:
Mask: The protective headgear worn by fencers to protect the face and neck. Masks have a mesh front for visibility and padding to absorb impacts.
Jacket: A padded protective garment worn to cover the upper body. The jacket is usually white and made from durable, puncture-resistant material.
Glove: Worn on the weapon hand to protect the hand and wrist, and to ensure a better grip on the weapon.
Lame: A metallic jacket worn over the regular fencing jacket in foil and sabre. The lame helps distinguish valid target areas by conducting electric signals that indicate when a hit has been made.
Piste: The fencing strip or area where the bout takes place. It’s a long, narrow surface with boundaries that fencers must stay within while competing.
Advanced Terms
As you progress in your understanding of fencing, you may encounter more advanced terminology:
Counter-Attack: An attack made in response to an opponent’s attack, without first parrying. It’s a high-risk, high-reward maneuver.
Corps-à-corps: A term meaning “body-to-body,” referring to a situation where the two fencers come into physical contact, which is not allowed. When it occurs, the bout is stopped.
Fleche: An aggressive, running attack in foil and épée where the fencer lunges and runs past their opponent after the attack. It’s a way to surprise an opponent with speed and aggression.
Fencing may seem like a complex sport with its own unique language, but once you become familiar with the key terms and concepts, it’s easier to follow the action. Whether you’re watching a fencing bout or stepping onto the piste yourself, understanding the terminology enhances your appreciation of the sport’s strategy, precision, and elegance. So, en garde, and prepare to dive into the world of fencing with confidence!