Glossary
F
False |
An action that is intended to fail, but draw a predicted reaction from the opponent; also, the back edge of a sabre blade. |
Feint |
Feinte an attack into one line with the intention of switching to another line before the attack is completed. |
Fencing |
The art or sport of using a foil, épée, or saber in attack and defense. |
Fencing Distance |
The space between two fencers at any given moment. |
Fencing Socks |
Long knee length socks padded to protect shins, worn to the knee, historically white |
Fencing Shoes |
Specifically designed flat rubber soled sports shoes for the competitive level – flexible, flat and light weight, sole extends to the heel can be left or right handed |
Fencers |
Persons skilled in the art / sport of fencing |
Fencing Victoria |
(VAFA) Fencing Association of Victoria |
Fencing time |
Also temps d’escrime; the time required to complete a single, simple fencing action.
|
F.I.E |
Fédération Internationale d’Escrime The regulatory organizing world governing body of international fencing. |
Final |
Last competitive bout of a competition |
Finale |
The last movement of an offensive or defensive action. |
Fifteen (15) hits |
15 individual awarded points in direct elimination bout |
Five (5) hits |
5 individual awarded points in poule bout |
Flank |
Side of torso, lateral aspect of torso beneath arms |
Flash |
award received for completing a “Form” |
Fleche |
lit. “arrow”; an attack in which the aggressor leaps off his leading foot, attempts to make the hit, and then passes the opponent at a run. |
Flick |
Coup lancé, “Bingo” a cut-like action that lands with the point, often involving some whip of the foible of the blade to “throw” the point around a block or other obstruction. |
Flunge |
Leaping athletic lunge, both feet land forwards in same sequence, Sabre specific action which replaces fleche |
Foible |
The upper, weak part of the blade. |
Foil Figure 3 in appendix |
A fencing weapon with rectangular cross-section blade and a small bell guard; any sword that has been buttoned to render it less dangerous for practice. |
Foilist |
Competitor using specific fencing weapon – Foil |
Foil tape |
Protective wrap used to insulate foible / barrel of weapon prevents “earthing” of tip on opponents lame’ |
Footwork |
Physical movement of foot / legs forwards – backwards direction specific aids timing, tempo, distance, essential in the mastering of the sport |
Forte |
the lower 3rd, strong part of the blade, used to parry, defensive area of weapon |
French grip |
Poignée droite A traditional hilt with a slightly curved grip and a large pommel. |
Froissment |
Froissement an attack that displaces the opponent’s blade by a strong grazing action. |
Flying Parry or Riposte |
A parry with a backwards glide and riposte by cut-over. |
Florentine |
Combat à la florentine A fencing style where a secondary weapon or other instrument is used in the off hand. |
Finta in tempo |
Finta in tempo lit. “feint in time”; A feint of counter-attack that draws a counter-time parry, which is decieved. a compound counter-attack. |
Fuller |
the groove that runs down a sword blade to reduce weight |
G
Gauntlet |
Sabre target area on weapon arm, protective section of glove |
Glove |
Weapon hand specific protective covering, aids in gripping of handle |
Glide |
Coulé See coule’. |
Glue |
Adhesive paste used for affixing weapon wires in blade groove channel. |
Grip |
The handle of weapon, orthotic or French, Italian; historically wood, may be wrapped in leather plastic or rubber |
Grub screw |
Small fixing screws (2) used to secure tip in the barrel. In Foil and Epee |
Guard |
The metal cup or bow that protects the hand from being hit. Also, the defensive position assumed when not attacking. |
|
|
H
Hand judge |
Persons called in to observe a bout they watch for hits on the fencer opposite their end of the strip. A judge acknowledges a hit by raising his or her hand, attracting the attention of the referee |
Hand signal |
Form of semaphore used by the referee to describe and signal actions – effective for TV and large venues. |
Halt / Stop |
Cessation of action called for by the referee |
High line |
Blade / arm position aimed at upper torso. That part of the target area above an imaginary horizontal line drawn through the centre of the target. |
Hit |
Touch to target area |
Hilt |
Garde the handle of a sword, consisting of guard, grip, and pommel. |
Homologated |
Homologué Certified for use in FIE competitions, eg. 800N clothing and maraging blades. |
Honour |
Sportsmanlike behaviour synonymous with fencing – etiquette involving the salute, hand shaking and acknowledgements |
|
|