Riposte (fencing) - E

E

Engagement

During an encounter between two fencers, the point at which the fencers are close enough to join blades, or to make an effective attack. Blade contact is also referred to as an engagement, whether just standing there, during a parry, attack au fer, or prise de fer.

En garde

French for "on guard"; spoken at outset to warn one's opponent to take a defensive position.

Envelopment

an action to seize the opponent's blade in one line and lead it (without losing contact) through a full circle to end in the same line. See also #Transfer.

Épée

A fencing weapon with triangular cross-section blade and a large bell guard; also a light dueling sword of similar design, popular in the mid-19th century, which was also called an ‘Épée de Terrain.’

Extension

The simplest action of attacking. A simple offensive action, consisting of extending the weapon arm forward. The point should move in the smoothest possible line towards the target, without wavering. Excess motion can ruin the control needed for precise, consistent hits.