Back to The Reference Shelf

SAFD Approved Glossary of Terms

Action-Reaction-Action: (also Cue-Reaction-Action, and Preparation-Reaction-Action) The process of giving and taking focus during a physical argument. The first "action" is the aggressor's cue and control point, for the attack. The "reaction" is that of the victim, who, upon reading the cue responds; letting their opponent know they are ready. The final "action" is where the two combatants complete the offensive/defensive action together. This may be attack and parry, attack and avoid, feint and reaction, etc.

Active Hand: The non-weapon bearing hand used to block, check, lock, parry, strike or trap the opposing weapon or parts of a partner's body.

Advance: (also Fencing Step) Footwork carrying the body forward by moving the lead foot first, followed with the lag foot (without crossing them). The opposite of Retreat.

Attack on the Blade: Actions used to remove or displace the opposing blade before an effective offensive action can be launched. These may include any Prises de Fer (Bind, Envelopment, Croisé) as well a Glissade, Beat or Press.

Attacker: (also Aggressor) The actor/ combatant who sets upon, attacks, or assails another; the one executing the violent action.

Avoidance: A movement of the body and/or feet vertically, horizontally or diagonally in order to dodge an attack.

Balestra: (also Jump-Lunge) A compound piece of footwork designed to quickly cover a great deal of ground by combining a jump forward and a lunge. There are two counts in this action; one (jump), two (lunge).

Beat Attack: A sharp tap with the forte or middle part of one's blade against the middle or weak part (foible) of the opponent's blade to remove a threat, open a line for attack, or to provoke a reaction.

Beat Parry: A parry which clears the line by striking an attacking blade, as opposed to blocking or redirecting the attacking blade.

Block: (also Parry) A defensive action made with the hand or arm intended to stop a punch or similar attack. A block can be made on either side of the body and in all lines. These may be as follows:

Blocked Punch: A defensive action that deliberately stops an incoming punch, usually with the forearm or hand.

Break Fall: Any maneuver which dissipates the energy or force from a fall or roll and gives the illusion of impact.

Butt End: The trailing end of the staff in the En Guard position.

Change Beat: A change of engagement immediately followed by a beat attack.

Change of Engagement: To release contact of the blades, and reestablish contact in a new line.

Changement: An action of the blade that carries it from one line of engagement to another.

Check: The process of curbing, or restraining the offending hand, arm or leg after a successful block. The defending hand or arm remains in contact with the opponent's (without gripping, locking or holding) in order to sense their movements, feel or control the placement of the offending limb, and use that to both offensive and defensive advantage. These actions command the opposing hand or arm and may retain it or remove it with the action of an Expulsion.

Bind: A checking action made on the opponent's hand, arm or leg, executed by blocking the attack and then moving it diagonally to the opposite quadrant (i.e., from the inside high to the outside low, or outside high to inside low, etc.).

Envelopment: A checking action made on the opponent's hand, arm or leg, executed by blocking the attack and then by describing a circle with both arms in contact, bringing the opponent's arm back to the placement where the check began.

Expulsion: (also Throw Off) Using the energy and movement of a check to throw or fling the opposing arm aside.

Transport: A checking action made on the opponent's hand, arm or leg, executed by blocking the attack and then moving it vertically from a high line to a low line, or vice versa, but on the same side as the block took place.

Choke Hold: Any grasp or hold on the area of the throat made with any hand or limb that gives the impression of strangling the victim.

Circular Sequence: A series of steps and blade-play executed on a circular, rather than linear, track of footwork.

Closed: (also Covered) Said of a line of attack, when the defender's blade placement prevents an attack to that particular line.

Contact Blow: A punch, kick, strike or blow that actually makes contact with the receiver, generally in view of the audience and/or camera, delivered to a large muscle group or muscle mass. Opposite of Non-contact Blow.

Corps-à-Corps: (also Corps a Corps) Applied to a clinch in swordplay, literally meaning "body-to-body." Describes the moment where distance is closed and there is body contact and/or the blades are locked together so that the weapons are immobilized.

Counter Attack: An attack made into an attack, either cut or thrust, which is intended to hit the opponent before the final movement of the opponent's attack is executed.

Counter Parry: (also Circular Parry) A parry that begins in one line, travels a full circle returning to parry in the original line. Counter parry two is sometimes called the "Actor's Parry" because of the flashy appearance.

Coupé: A change of engagement executed from an engaged guard position that takes the blade around the point of the opposing blade. Sometimes called a cutover. Opposite of a Disengage.

Cross Parry: A parry executed with two weapons, generally rapier and dagger, where the weapons are crossed at or near the forte, forming an "X" with the blades. The attacking weapon is blocked with the outer portion of the "X", away from the hands.

Cross Step: A step that takes the body diagonally off-line to either the right or left, ending with the legs crossed.

Cut: A stroke, blow or attack made with the edge of a blade.

Deception of Parry: The action of deliberately avoiding a partner's attempted parry during the final stage of an attack.

Demi-Volte: (also Slip) A method of removing the body from the line of attack by swinging the lag foot back, generally to the right, turning the body so that the trunk is brought 90' in relation to the attack.

Diagonal Slash with Avoidance: (also Diagonal Cut with Avoidance) An off-line cut to either the inside or outside line. It may be a rising or falling cut. It is usually avoided by leaning to the side away from the cut (with or without footwork).

Disarm: An action of the blade or body that appears to force the weapon from the hand of one's partner.

Disengage: a.) noun. The act of removing the blade from contact with the partner's blade. b.) verb. Passing the blade around the opposing weapon's guard, from an engaged position of the blade, and terminating on the side opposite to the original engagement.

Distance: The proper measure between two or more combatants to safely execute any particular technique in stage combat.

Doublé: A compound attack in any line that consists of two deceptions of parry in the same line, deceiving both parries one after the other.

Duck: The vertical lowering of the head and torso to avoid an attack at the head.

Elbow Attack: Any contact or non-contact strike, or attempt thereof, which seems to be made with the point of the elbow.

En Guarde: (also On Guard) The basic physical "ready" position of a combatant.

Engagement: The crossing, joining or touching of blades.

Eye Contact: A "cue" or "check point" in a fight that has the combatants frequently look in their partner's eyes to assure mutual awareness and readiness to perform the techniques.

Feint Attack: An attacking action made without intending to hit and designed to either probe the opponent's defensive reaction or to draw a reaction or a parry.

Fencing Measure: Correct distance between combatants when performing stage swordplay. A distance of six to ten inches from one's opponent at full extension after executing any offensive footwork.

Flip/Throw: An offensive movement which controls or appears to control the victim's center, giving the illusion of lifting them off their feet and returning them to the ground - usually into a break fall or roll.

Fore End: The leading end of the staff in the En Garde position.

Forward Roll: (also Somersault) A roll or tumble executed down the back, rolling the length of the spine along the floor.

Glissade: (also Could) A flowing attack on the blade that displaces the opposing blade by gently sliding down the opposing weapon foible to forte. Excessive force is not needed because it is generally executed against a guard that insufficiently closes the line of attack.

Hair Pull: A grasp with one or both hands in which the victim's hair appears to be clasped in the fist and aggressive force is applied.

Half Pronation: (also Middle or Vertical Position) The placement of the weapon bearing hand where the thumb is held at roughly twelve o'clock or six o'clock.

Hand Parry: A method of defense where the unarmed hand (usually gloved) is used to deflect, block, or seize the opposing blade. Generally used against thrusting attacks.

Hanging Parry: A parry protecting the high lines with the hilt high and the point down, such as a high parry of one.

Hold: (also Grasp) To use one or both hands for clutching or grasping the opponent.

Invitation: Any movement of the weapon or body designed to lure the other combatant into an attack.

Kick: The use of the leg and foot in contact and/or non-contact striking techniques. To strike with the foot.

Knap: A technique for creating the sound of impact of a non-contact blow to help heighten the illusion that contact has been made.

Knee Attack: Any attack giving the illusion of contact with the knee.

Lines of Attack or Defense: Referring to the imaginary planes that bisect the body into four equal sections, one vertical (delineating Inside and Outside) and one horizontal (delineating High and Low). The line may be open or closed, according to the relationship of the attacking blade, the target, and the defending blade.

Lock: (also Joint Lock) A grasp or hold executed with a weapon or one or both hands, applied to the joints in the wrist, arm, leg, etc., to immobilize one's opponent, or to be used as a lever for further techniques such as a throw.

Long Form: The hand placement for quarterstaff that utilizes the full length of the staff for attack and defense.

Lunge: The "extended" leg position used as a method of reaching the other combatant on an attack. To lunge, the leading leg extends forward in a long step, while the trailing leg stays in place.

Moulinet: (also Mollinello) Means "little windmill" and describes the action of pivoting the blade in circles (either forward or backward) in a diagonal, vertical or horizontal plane.

Non-Contact Blow: (also Non-Contact Strike) A punch, kick or strike that in actuality does not land on the recipient's body, is properly masked from the audience, with a well timed knap. Opposite of Contact Blow.

Off-Line: (also Off Line) a.) Any attack that is directed to a target away from the body. b.) The relationship of combatants' bodies when the center lines of the combatants are offset.

On-Line: (also On Line) a.) A mode of theatrical swordplay where attacks are aimed at specific body targets on the combatant. b.) The position of the two partners' bodies where the shoulders are precisely lined up, no matter where they are on stage.

Overhand Grip: Holding a sword or dagger with the point above the hand. Opposite of Underhand Grip.

Parry: A defensive action (made by a sword, dagger, shield, hand, etc.) which blocks or deflects an attack. When executed with a blade, the parry is generally made edge to edge, its forte against the opposing blade's foible.

Partnering: The process in which two or more combatants actively work together to safely and effectively make nonviolent actions appear dangerous and real.

Pass Backward: A linear step backward made by passing the lead foot to the rear. Opposite of the Pass Forward.

Pass Forward: A linear step forward made by passing the lag foot to the front. Opposite of Pass Back.

Pommel Attack: Any aggressive or offensive action, usually in close distance, delivered with the pommel of a weapon.

Pressure Glide: (also Froissement) An attack on the opposing blade that combines a strong beating or pressing of the blade in conjunction with a fast graze or glissade from forte to foible. Generally used as a preparatory action to an attack.

Prise de fer: Attacks on the Blade that catch the opposing blade, master it, and hold it or remove it in preparation for an attack.

Punch: Offensive striking techniques with the hand(s) that are executed with the hand closed into a fist.

Pronation: The position of the hand where the palm is turned down, nails of the sword-hand facing the floor.

Punto Reverso: (also Punto Riverso) A supinated thrusting attack delivered from the attacker's inside line.

Recover Backward: To arrive at an En Guarde position from a lunge by bringing the forward foot backward.

Recover Forward: To arrive at the En Guarde position from a lunge by bringing a rear foot forward.

Retreat: An action in the footwork that carries the body backward by moving the rear foot first and then the lead foot (without crossing them). Opposite of Advance.

Riposte: A return attack made by a defender immediately following a successful parry.

Short Form: A hand position for quarterstaff which divides the staff into three equal sections.

Shoulder Roll: A roll or tumble executed by rolling on a diagonal from the large muscle groupings of one shoulder to the opposite buttock (forward shoulder roll) or vice versa (backward shoulder roll).

Slap: A blow delivered with an open hand, usually (but not exclusively) made to the face.

Slash Across the Head: (also Cut Across the Head) A horizontal cut designed to look as if it will strike the head if it lands. It may travel right to left or vice versa, and is usually avoided by ducking.

Slash Across the Stomach: (also Cut Across the Stomach) A horizontal cut designed to look as if it will cut the stomach open if it landed. It may travel right to left or vice versa. The wrist is often held to present the true edge. It is usually avoided by jumping back.

Slip: a.) A movement of the head or body, either to the right, left, forward or backward, used to avoid a punch or minimize its impact. b.) A circular step that takes the body off-line to either the right or left and ending with the legs crossed. See also Demi-Volte.

Supination: The position of the hand when the palm is turned up, with the nails of the sword hand pointing up towards the ceiling.

Thrust: An attack made with the point of the weapon.

Thwart: A step that takes the body diagonally off line to either the right or left, ending with the legs open.

Trap: An act or action that immobilizes an opponent's limb(s) and or weapon to effect an attack or disarm.

Traverse: Any foot movement that takes the combatant off line.

Underhand Grip: (also Ice Pick Grip and Reversed Grip) A way of holding a dagger or knife with the blade held beneath the hand (gripped with the thumb at the pommel) and managed as a stabbing weapon. Opposite of Overhand Grip.

Victim: (also Recipient) The actor/combatant on the receiving end of any given attack.

Volte: A method of removing the body from the line of attack by swinging the lag foot back and to the side, so that the trunk is turned 180° to the line of attack.

Yield Parry: (also Ceding Parry and Yielding Parry) A parry executed against the cut or thrust made at the end of a successful glissade. To distinguish a yield parry from a normal parry, both the offensive and defensive blades remain engaged from the initial attack on the blade through the successful parry.