How to Parry Defense Moves in Fencing

The parry is a defense move in foil fencing. There are eight standard parries each corresponding to the target and also what area it protects. You execute a parry by moving the blade of the weapon in a manner that redirects your opponent's blade away from you so that they can't score a point.

Things You'll Need

• Foil
• Fencing uniform

Instructions

1. Stand in the on guard position. Place your feet hip-width apart, rotate the foot corresponding to your weapon arm to point forward and squat slightly. Keep your posture upright and center your weight between both legs.

2. Hold your foil lightly in your weapon hand with your palm facing up and your blade pointed up and away from you at an approximate 45-degree angle. Instruct your opponent to move towards you and perform a basic attack.

3. Move your blade either clockwise or counter clockwise to redirect your opponents blade away from the target area. For example, if your opponent is attempting to hit your right shoulder you want to move your weapon counter clockwise to push your opponent's blade further to your right and away from your shoulder.

4. Riposte as soon as you've parried the attack. Continue to trade off on either attacking or parrying attacks with your opponent.

Tips & Warnings

• Due to new rules of the Federation Internationale D'escrime (FIE), a parry and riposte must occur within 300 ms after a parry or a touch doesn't register.

Resources

• Diagram of the eight standard parries