There are eight standard parries in classical fencing. However, competitive fencer William Butler says that only three are used in competition. The remaining five, though valuable back when people fought with swords in life-or-death conflict, are too slow for modern fencing where scoring a hit is more important than not getting stabbed. Fencing parries are numbered, with parries four, five and six being the most relevant in competition.
Parry Four
Step 1
Begin in en garde position. Stand with your feet in a T-stance, your body parallel to the fencing line. Hold your blade in front of your solar plexus, tip toward your opponent.
Step 2
Apply this parry against an attack from your left.
Step 3
Rotate your wrist counterclockwise as you move the forearm to the left. Keep the tip of your blade pointed at the center of your opponent.
Step 4
Catch the tip of the incoming blade with the bottom third of your blade. The thick part of your lower blade will easily deflect the thin tip of his.
Parry Five
Step 1
Begin in en garde position.
Step 2
Apply this parry against an attack coming straight down toward your head. This is most common in saber fencing.
Step 3
Rotate your wrist clockwise until your wrist is pointing toward the ceiling. As you rotate, move your forearm upward. Keep the tip of your blade pointed at the center of your opponent.
Step 4
Catch the tip of your opponent's blade with the thick of yours.
Parry Six
Step 1
Begin in en garde position.
Step 2
Apply this parry against an attack coming in from your right.
Step 3
Rotate your wrist clockwise as you move your forearm to the right. Keep the tip of your blade pointed at the center of your opponent.
Step 4
Block the tip of your opponent's blade with the thick of your own.
Tips and Warnings
- Be aware of right of way. In fencing, only a fencer with right of way can score points. If your opponent initiates an attack, you must successfully parry his blade before your counterattack can score. Another reason other parries are less common is that four, five and six make your parry obvious to the judges, thus giving you right of way.
Things You'll Need
- Fencing foil
- Fencing lame
- Sparring partner
References
- Bill Butler; Competitive Fencer; Beaverton, Oregon
- "Fencing: The Skills of the Game"; Henry de Silva; 1997
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