Advance: To step forward.

Attack: A movement or series of movements by

which a fencer tries to score a point against

his opponent.

Beat: A sharp tap on the opponent's blade to

initiate attack or threat of attack.

Blade: A part of the weapon which extends from

the guard.

Counter-Parry: A defensive movement by which

the fencer goes around the opponent's blade and

moves the opponent's blade away.

Disengage: A break of contact between fencers'

blades; movement made by passing the blade

under the opponent's blade.

Engagement: A contact of blades.

En Garde: A position taken before a bout

begins.

Feint: A false attack intended to get a

reaction from the opposing fencer which will

open her up to a genuine attack.

Fleche: A running attack.

Guard: A part of the weapon between the blade

and handle which protects the hand.

Lunge: The most common attack in which the

fencer closes the distance by moving the front

leg forward while the back leg remains

stationary and straightens out.

Parry: A defensive action in which a fencer

blocks her opponent's blade.

Piste: A French term for the fencing strip.

Recover: To return to the en garde position

after lunging.

Remise: Attacking again immediately after the

opponent's parry of an initial attack.

Riposte: A defender's counterattack after

parrying an attack.

Strip: The fencing area, 14 meters long by two

meters wide.