Ever watched a fencing match and felt lost in translation? Don't worry, you're not alone! Sport fencing boasts a rich vocabulary, and this glossary will have you speaking the language of the piste in no time.
**En Garde:** The ready position. Feet shoulder-width apart, blade pointed towards your opponent – the starting point of every bout.
**Piste:** The fencing strip, or the designated area where the bout takes place.
**Riposte:** An immediate counter-attack after parrying your opponent's attack.
**Parry:** A defensive action designed to deflect your opponent's blade.
**Lunge:** A forward thrust, extending your sword arm and leading with your front foot, aiming to score a touch.
**Touch:** A valid hit, scoring a point. Validity depends on the weapon being used (foil, epee, or sabre) and its target area.
**Priority:** In foil fencing, the right-of-way rule determines who scores when both fencers hit simultaneously. The fencer who initiated the attack usually has priority.
This is just a starting point! Fencing is a complex and strategic sport with a wealth of terminology. Now that you know the basics, get out there and *fence*!
