Introduction
Sport fencing is fast, strategic, and packed with terminology that can confuse beginners. Whether you’re watching Olympic fencing, learning how to fence, or coaching young athletes, knowing the right vocabulary can dramatically improve your understanding of the sport. This guide breaks down the most important sport fencing terms, using examples and beginner-friendly explanations.
What Is Sport Fencing?
Sport fencing is a modern combat sport involving precision, speed, footwork, and blade control. Fencers compete using three weapons—foil, épée, and sabre—each with its own rules, target areas, and scoring system. The sport is governed internationally by the FIE (Fédération Internationale d’Escrime).
Fundamental Fencing Terms Every Beginner Must Know
1. Piste (Strip)
The piste, also called the strip, is the long rectangular area where fencers compete. It measures 14 meters long and 1.5–2 meters wide.
2. Bout
A bout is an official fencing match.
- Pool bouts go to 5 points.
- Direct elimination bouts go to 15 points.
3. Right of Way (Priority)
A key rule in foil and sabre.
When two fencers hit at the same time, the referee awards the point to the fencer who established priority first.
4. Touch
A touch refers to a valid scoring hit that registers on the scoring machine.
5. En Garde
The ready position that starts every bout. The referee says:
“En garde… Prêt… Allez!”
6. Halt
A referee command used to stop action immediately.
7. Target Area
Each weapon has its own legal scoring zones:
- Foil: torso and back
- Épée: entire body
- Sabre: torso, arms, and head
Weapon-Specific Fencing Terms
Foil Fencing Terms
Foil focuses on precision and right-of-way discipline.
- Lunge: Explosive forward attack
- Flick: Whip-like motion to reach off-target areas
- Parry 4 / Parry 6: Common defensive blocks
- Riposte: Attack after a successful parry
Épée Fencing Terms
Épée is the most tactical weapon, allowing double touches and requiring high accuracy.
- Counterattack: Attack delivered into an opponent’s attack
- Stop Hit: Timed attack to interrupt an advance
- Point Control: Ability to aim precisely with the tip
Sabre Fencing Terms
Sabre is the fastest fencing weapon with cutting and slashing movements.
- Cut: Score using the blade’s edge
- Beat Attack: Forceful tap to move opponent’s blade
- Remise: Quick continuation after a parry
- Flunge: Jump-lunge hybrid attack
Offensive Fencing Vocabulary
Attack
The first forward movement with intent to score.
Feint
A fake motion used to confuse the opponent.
Compound Attack
A sequence of multiple actions (e.g., feint → real attack).
Preparation
Movements before the attack starts.
Defensive Fencing Vocabulary
Parry
A blade action that blocks the opponent’s attack.
Distance (Measure)
The spacing between fencers—critical for timing.
- Long distance: Safe
- Middle distance: Attacks possible
- Short distance: Close combat
Counter-Parry
A second parry after the first fails.
Referee, Penalty & Scoring Terms
Director (Referee)
Controls the bout, announces actions, and awards points.
Penalty Cards
Fencing uses three colored penalty cards:
- Yellow: Warning
- Red: Penalty point for opponent
- Black: Disqualification
Double Touch (Épée Only)
When both fencers hit within 40 milliseconds.
Fencing Footwork & Movement Terms
Advance
Step forward.
Retreat
Step backward.
Cross Step
Quick movement to gain distance (restricted in sabre).
Recover
Return to the en garde stance.
Equipment Terms in Fencing
Mask
Protects the head and face.
Lamé
Electrically conductive jacket for foil and sabre scoring.
Body Cord
Connects the weapon to the scoring system.
Weapons (Foil, Épée, Sabre)
Different blade types for different fencing styles.
Why Learning Fencing Terms Matters
Understanding fencing terminology helps athletes:
✔ Improve tactical awareness
✔ Understand referee decisions
✔ React faster during bouts
✔ Learn advanced techniques more easily
A study by U.S. Fencing shows beginners who learn 20–30 basic terms advance 40% faster in technique training.
Conclusion
Mastering these sport Fencing Terms gives you a strong foundation for training, competing, and coaching. The more familiar you are with the vocabulary, the more confident and strategic you become on the piste.
FAQs: Sport Fencing Terms (People Also Ask)
1. What are the 3 weapons used in fencing?
Foil, épée, and sabre—each with unique rules and target zones.
2. What does “right of way” mean in fencing?
It’s a rule that decides which fencer earns the point when both hit at the same time.
3. How long is a fencing piste?
It is 14 meters long and 1.5–2 meters wide.
4. What is a parry in fencing?
A blade action used to block an incoming attack.
5. What does “touch” mean in fencing?
A scoring hit recorded electronically on the scoring box.
