Glossary
N
Non valid |
no point |
Neuvieme |
“Septime haute” An unconventional parry (#9) sometimes described as blade behind the back, pointing down (a variant of octave), other times similar to elevated sixte. |
Nine (9) minutes |
the length of time a d/e 15 hit bout |
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O
Off target |
Touch to non specific target – non valid touch |
Olympic Fencing |
Elite form of fencing sport. FIE fencing competition Athletes represent their country and usually have to qualify thus then selected |
On target |
Touch to specific target area – valid touch |
On guard |
spelt and pronounced “En – Garde” |
One-two |
An attack consisting of two disengages in laterally opposite lines. |
One-two-three |
An attack consisting of three disengages in laterally opposite lines. |
Opposition |
1/ holding the opponent’s blade in a non-threatening line; a time- hit; any attack or counter-attack with opposition. 2/ opponent |
Opponent |
Opposite fencer on the piste |
Octave |
(parry no 8) Octave parry #8; blade down and to the outside, wrist supinated. |
Outside Line |
That part of the target toward the armed hand from an imaginary vertical line drawn through the target’s center. |
Overhead |
Electronic wire covering, connecting both fencers to box |
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P
Parry |
A block of the attack, made with the forte of one’s own blade. |
Pass |
Dépassement An attack made with a cross; eg. fleche, “Russian lunge”. Also, the act of moving past the opponent. |
Passata-sotto |
A lunge made by dropping one hand to the floor. |
Passé |
An attack that passes the target without hitting; also a cross- step (see cross). |
Passivity |
Cessation of non competitive engagement |
Phrase |
A set of related actions and reactions in a fencing conversation. |
Point |
threatening opponent with tip of weapon |
Point |
awarding of a score to individual |
Plastron |
A partial jacket worn for extra protection; typically a half- jacket worn under the main jacket on the weapon-arm side of the body. |
Prime |
(parry no 1) Parry #1; blade down and to the inside, wrist pronated. The point is lower than the hand. Covers the inside line, generally the inside high line (though it can be used to cover the inside low line). |
Piste’ |
Piste The defined linear strip on which a fencing bout is fought; approx. 2m wide and 14m long. |
Piste’ line |
Defined section of piste – edge |
Plaqué |
A point attack that lands flat |
Preparation |
Préparation. a non-threatening fencing action intended to create the opening for an attack; the initial phase of an attack, before right-of-way is established |
Preparation |
Pre bout routine and getting ready. |
Pre |
Pre ready |
Presentation |
Offering one’s blade for engagement by the opponent. |
Prong |
2 or 3 prong |
Priority |
In sabre, the now super-ceded rules that decide which fencer will be awarded the touch in the event that they both attack simultaneously; also used synonymously with right-of-way. Awards the more skilful action. |
Prime |
Prime (parry no 1) Parry #1; blade down and to the inside, wrist pronated. |
Pistol Grip |
Crosse; poignée orthopédique A modern, orthopaedic grip, shaped vaguely like a small pistol; varieties are known by names such as Belgian, German, Russian, and Visconti. Can be designed to suit individual |
Point |
a valid touch; the tip of the sword; an attack made with the point (ie. a thrust) |
Point in Line |
Also line; an extended arm and blade that threatens the opponent. |
Pommel |
A fastener that attaches the grip to the blade. Metal weight on end of tang / grip |
Poule |
Seeding bouts of competition. Round robin bout |
Pool Unique |
A form of competition where everyone fences everyone to determine relative rankings |
Press |
Presser v. pression An attempt to push the opponent’s blade aside or out of line; depending on the opponent’s response, the press is followed by a direct or indirect attack. |
Principle of Defence |
The use of forte against foible when parrying. |
Pronation |
The hand with the palm facing downwards (used in the second, third, and fifth parries in foil and épée). |
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