Fencer-A makes an immediate remise against Fencer-B who is now vulnerable. Example: Fencer-A make a lunge but withdraws the arm during the lunge, Fencer-B attempts to parry fencer-A's lunge but fails to because fencer-a withdrew his arm/blade. Broken-Time A preparation done in the middle of an attack made with the intention of eliciting a reaction (typically an attempted parry) that provides an opening for the fencer to score a touch with either a new attack, remise, or reprise. The broadsword is not used in contemporary fencing. Beginning only in the late 20th century, this term came to be inappropriately applied to almost any straight-bladed, double-edged, single-handed cutting sword, especially of the Medieval and Renaissance eras. Broadsword A type of historical military sword and fencing weapon popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, similar to a heavy sabre. This is the term used in the US to generally denote any combat between fencers, replacing the terms ‘match’ and ‘assault’. Usually refers to a match between two fencers in a competition. Bout An assault at which the score is kept. The body cord also connects to the lamé causing it to become conductive. Body Cord The insulated wire that runs under a fencer's jacket, connecting the Electrical Competition weapon to the reel, and thence to the scoring machine. A black card can also be used to expel a third party disrupting the match. The offending fencer is expelled immediately from the event or tournament, regardless of whether they had any prior warnings.
A black card is used to indicate the most serious offences in a fencing competition. Bind also Lie, Liement An action in which one fencer forces the opponent's blade into the diagonally opposite line, (that is, from high line to low line on the opposite side, or vice versa) by taking it with the guard and forte of their own blade. The action should knock the opponent's blade aside or out of line. A sharp controlled blow to the middle or 'weak' of the opponents blade, with the objective of provoking a reaction or creating an opening. The balestra may be used in order to shift the fencer into a more offensive stance or as a way of altering the tempo of the fencing phrase. It is typically faster than a standard advance but generally covers a much shorter distance. It is most often, but not always, immediately followed by a lunge. Balestra A footwork preparation, consisting of a jump forwards. B Backsword A type of historical heavy sabre, not used in contemporary fencing, generally single-edged with a ‘false edge’ down the top third of the back of the blade. Avertissement (French) A warning used to indicate a minor rule infraction by one of the fencers. Attaque au Fer (Archaic) An attack on the opponent's blade, such as a #beat attack. (See also #Bout.) Attack The initial offensive action made by extending the sword arm and continuously threatening the valid target of the opponent with the point (or blade at sabre). Formerly, public exhibitions (spectator events) were often conducted as assaults, rather than as round-robin or direct-elimination events, especially with a few fencers. Assault A friendly combat between two fencers, where score may or may not be kept, and is generally not a part of any competition. This action may also be used to halt a bout, often by stamping the trailing foot insistently. An appel is also sometimes called a 'half-Advance'. It may precede a lunge, or be used merely as a distraction.
This may be made during an advance, or directly from an en garde position.
French imperative meaning "Go" or "Come on!" Full phrase spoken at outset is "En garde! Prêts? Allez!" (For two female fencers, "prêts" becomes "prêtes.") Appel Stamping the front foot to the ground, to produce a sound to distract or startle the opponent. Allez! Command used to commence action between fencers. An Advance, followed by a lunge might have a tempo of 1-2-3, but an advance-lunge should have a tempo of 1-2-3. A good long-distance attack, especially in combination with Handwork. The extension can occur before or during the advance, but always before the lunge. Advance-Lunge An advance followed immediately by a lunge. Also, the term advance is used in general for any movement forward by either step, cross, or ballestra. Land on the heel, and then bring the back foot up to en garde stance. Straighten the leg at the knee, pushing the heel out in front. The front foot moves first, beginning by lifting the toes. Advance The ‘advance’ is the basic forward movement. Absence of blade The situation in a bout when the opposing blades are not touching opposite of engagement. Historical and foreign fencing terminologyĪ Abstain When a judge cannot tell if a touch was made.