3. Explanation

Offensive Actions

1. The attack

   The action is simple when it is executed in one movement and is

   • Either direct (in the same line)

   • Or indirect (in another line)

   The action is compound when it is executed in several movements.

   
   

2. The riposte

   The riposte is immediate or delayed, depending on what action takes place and the speed at which it is carried out.

   Examples

   1. The simple direct riposte

      • Direct riposte: a riposte which hits the opponent without leaving the line in which the parry was made.

      • Riposte along the blade: a riposte which hits the opponent by grazing along the blade after a parry

   2. The simple indirect ripostes

      • Riposte by disengagement: a riposte which hits the opponent in the opposite line to that in which the parry was formed (by passing under the opponent’s blade if the parry was made in the high line, and over the blade if the parry was formed in the low line).

      • Riposte with coupé: a riposte which hits the opponent in the opposite line to that in which the parry was formed (the blade always passing over the opponent’s point).

   3. The compound riposte

      • Riposte with a doublé: a riposte which hits the opponent in the opposite line to that in which the parry was formed, but after having described a complete circle around the opponent’s blade.

      • Riposte with a one-two: a riposte which hits the opponent in the same line at that in which the parry was formed but after blade has first been into the opposite line, by passing under the opponent’s blade.

   4. Counter-attacks

      Counter attacks are offensive or offensive-defensive actions made during the offensive action of the opponent.

      • The stop hit

        A counter-attack made into an attack

      • The stop hit made with opposition

        A counter-attack made while closing the line in which the opponent’s attack will be completed (cf. t.56 Respect of the fencing phrase , t.64ss Double Hit and t.76ss).

      • The stop hit made within a period of fencing time, i.e. ‘in time’ (cf. t.59, t.79)

   5. Other offensive actions

      • The remise

        A simple and immediate offensive action which follows the original attack, without withdrawing the arm, after the opponent has parried or retreated, when the latter has either quitted contact with the blade without reposting or has made a riposte which is delayed, indirect or compound.

      • The redoublement

        A new action, either simple or compound, made against an opponent who has parried without riposting or who has merely avoided the first action by retreating or displacing the target.

      • The reprise of the attack

        A new attack executed immediately after a return to the on-guard position.

      • Counter-time

        Every action made by the attacker against a stop hit made by his opponent.