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Stage Combat
Key Terms
109
Other
Undergraduate 4
02/24/2011
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Term
SAFD
 Definition
The society of American Fight Directors
Term
SPT
 Definition
Skills Proficiency Test
Term
Who can ajudicate fight test?
 Definition
Only Fight Masters
Term
What are you tested on?
 Definition
safety, theatrical commitment and believability within a dramatic scene.
Term
Weapon Disciplines
 Definition
Unarmed
Rapier and Dagger
Single Sword
Broadsword
Quarterstaff
Sword and Shield
Small sword
Knife
Term
To be Recognized as an actor/combatant you must...
 Definition
Pass SPT Rapier and Dagger or Single sword, unarmed, and a third
Term
Renewal
 Definition
Every 3 years
Take SPR's (skills proficiency renewal)
Term
Levels of Membership
 Definition
1) Friend – someone interested in stage combat and the SAFD who has not taken a three weapon skills proficiency test
2) Actor/Combatant – student who has passed a rapier & dagger or single sword, and unarmed SPT, as well as a 3rd weapon discipline and is a member in good standing
3) Advanced Actor/Combatant – student who has passed at least six weapon disciplines (including R&D or single sword and Unarmed) and is a member in good standing
4) Certified Teacher – an advanced A/C who has completed the teacher certification program.
5) Fight Directors – Certified Teachers who have worked professionally as fight choreographers
6) Fight Masters – There are only 15 such members. These individuals have been awarded this status (inclusion in the College of Fight Masters) for having demonstrated the highest level of professional experience as teachers and directors of physical violence in the entertainment industry.
Term
Actor’s Parry
 Definition
– the parry of two when executed with an exaggerated wide sweeping motion. This was a favorite of the Swashbuckling movie genre.
Term
Advance –
 Definition
simple footwork, whereby the lead foot steps forward and is followed by a similar sized step by the lag foot.
Term
Aids –
 Definition
the middle, ring and pinky fingers of the sword bearing hand. They assist or aid in the manipulation of the sword also known as the “last fingers”
Term
Appel –
 Definition
the striking of the ground with the lead foot during or immediately before the execution of an attack. This is done primarily to divert attention to the attack, make to opponent react prematurely and to make sure that your weight is not thrown onto the lead foot too early.
Term
Attack –
 Definition
an offensive move made with the sword.
Term
Avoidance –
 Definition
movement made to dodge an attack.
Term
Back edge or false edge –
 Definition
the edge of the blade that faces you in a normal engarde position. The edge that is not generally used to attack. In single edged swords, it is the edge that is not sharp.
Term
Balaestra –
 Definition
compound footwork, a leap forward followed immediately by a lunge on the dominant leg.
Term
Beat attack –
 Definition
to rap an opponent’s blade with your blade in order to open a line of attack. Generally done with the true edge.
Term
Beat Parry –
 Definition
to forcibly block an opponent’s attack by striking or beating his blade with the forte of your weapon.
Term
Bind –
 Definition
a prise de fer, an offensive movement that takes your opponent’s blade from the high line to the low line or low line to the high line while crossing center line.
Term
Blade –
 Definition
generally speaking a pointed and edged oblong object.
Term
Botta Segrete –
 Definition
Italian, literally meant Secret Attack. It was believed that all Italian fencing masters of the 16th Century possessed a secret move against which there was no defense. They were willing to share this for a fee.
Term
Broadsword –
 Definition
the traditional English heavy and edged weapon was essentially designed for cutting and bashing. Was used primarily as a battle sword as opposed to personal protection. Prior to 16th Century, more then likely 14th Century.
Term
Buckler –
 Definition
a small round shield used in conjunction with a sword, used primarily for defense. When not used the buckler was worn on the belt, this gave it’s wearer a certain look or swagger when they walked. Hence the term Swashbuckling.
Term
Button –
 Definition
in fencing weapons, the covered tip of the sword.
Term
Case of Rapiers –
 Definition
twin rapiers, mated and carried in the same sheath.
Term
Change Beat –
 Definition
a beat attack whereby the blade is passed beneath that of an opponent and the beat is executed on the side opposite the original line of engagement.
Term
Corps-a-corps –
 Definition
literally means body to body. Situation in a fight when both swords are engaged and some parts of the body are touching.
Term
Counter Parry –
 Definition
a parry that scribes a circle, usually starting in one parry position and returning to the same parry position.
Term
Court Sword –
 Definition
an impractical and ornately decorated small sword worn at official ceremonies.
Term
Covered line –
 Definition
an area of attack on the body that is protected.
Term
Croise –
 Definition
a prise de fer, an offensive movement that takes your opponent’s blade from the high line to the low line or low line to the high line without crossing center line.
Term
Crossing center line –
 Definition
the defensive action, whereby one must move their sword through the central point of the body to ensure a successful parry.
Term
Coupe –
 Definition
a disengagement, to remove one’s sword from contact with your opponent’s by scribing a path over the tip of his sword to another line of attack.
Term
Cut –
 Definition
an attack made with the edge of the blade, it be with either the cutting or false edge.
Term
Cutting Edge or True Edge –
 Definition
the edge of the blade that is aligned with the knuckles. The edge that is generally used to attack. In single edged swords, it is the edge that is sharp.
Term
Dagger –
 Definition
a smaller pointed and edged weapon carried in the non dominant hand generally used for defense. It replaced the shield and buckler.
Term
Deception (of Parry) –
 Definition
the evasion of the opponent’s attempt to make contact with one’s blade, either when he tries to parry, engage or attack the blade
Term
Disarm –
 Definition
the act of removing an opponent’s weapon by force, leverage, threat or deception.
Term
Disengagement –
 Definition
first definition, when swords are near to each other but not touching.
Second definition – also known as degager - to remove one’s sword from contact with your opponent’s by scribing a circle around their hilt to another line of attack.
Term
Distance or Fencing Measure –
 Definition
the space between two combatants.
Term
Double’ –
 Definition
a deception of parry, followed by a deception of a counter parry followed by a successful parry, all executed in the same line.
Term
Double Pass or Cross Forwards (Backs) –
 Definition
two passing steps made in quick succession where the hips stay sqaured.
Term
Engagement –
 Definition
when opponent’s blade are in contact
Term
En Garde –
 Definition
the ready position to fight
Term
Envelopement –
 Definition
a prise de fer, an offensive movement that takes your opponent’s blade from one point of attack in a 360 degree circle back to the same point of attack
Term
Epee –
 Definition
the dueling sword that evolved in the 19th Century from the small sword. It is the same length as the foil and sabre, but the blade is stouter. In epee fencing, the targets include the whole body.
Term
Feint –
 Definition
the movement of the blade that simulates an attack used to elicit a response from your opponent to open another line of attack.
Term
Foible –
 Definition
the top third of the blade, farthest away from the hilt. The weakest part of the blade cuts are made with this part of the blade.
Term
Foil –
 Definition
the practice of bending over the tips of rapiers so that they were no longer dangerous and could be used to spar with. Hence the usefulness of the weapon had been foiled. In the dueling scene in Hamlet, the king says: “Give them the foils, young Osric”.
Hamlet replies: “This likes me well. These foils have all a length?”

This was later called …
Foil – the practice weapon of the small sword evolved in the late 17th century when cutting became obsolete. The blade was no longer flat but squared and longer.
Term
Forte –
 Definition
the bottom third of the blade closest to the hilt. The strongest part of the blade where parries are made.
Term
Flat of the blade –
 Definition
the sides of the blade that are not the edges.
Term
Fuller or Blood Grove –
 Definition
on an epee blade, the side of the blade that is long and furrowed. It is opposite the spine.
Term
Gauntlet -
 Definition
long reinforced gloves made to protect the hands and wrists during battle. To throw down the gauntlet meant to challenge someone to a fight.
Term
Glissade or Coule –
 Definition
to extend the sword arm, while keeping the blade engaged with the opponent’s blade and sliding lightly along it.
Term
Grip –
 Definition
first definition – the method of holding a sword,
second definition – part of the hilt, also the handle, place where the sword is held.
Term
Half-Pronation -
 Definition
position of the sword bearing hand, whereby the cutting edge is facing down and the thumb is on top of the sword.
Term
Hand Beat –
 Definition
to forcibly knock away an opponent’s blade with one’s hand in order to open a line of attack
Term
Hand Parry –
 Definition
defensive move where the hand (usually gloved) is used to block an attack.
Term
Hanger -
 Definition
in the 16th and 17th century, a small loop or cradle attached to
the belt in which the sword or dagger hung.
Term
High Line –
 Definition
the lines of attack above the waist.
Term
Hilt –
 Definition
a collective term for all the parts of the sword below the forte.
Term
Imbroccata –
 Definition
a thrust over an opponent’s sword arm, traveling downwards generally executed with a pronated hand from the right side.
Term
Inside Line –
 Definition
the areas of attack that are opposite an opponent’s sword bearing arm. For a right handed fighter, the inside line is the left side. The parries of 1,4 and 7 are in the inside line.
Term
Insufficient Parry –
 Definition
also known as Mal Pare and False Parry, when contact has been made on an attacking blade but has failed to protect the intended target.
Term
Invitation –
 Definition
a deliberate blade movement which exposes a line of attack thus encouraging the opponent to launch an attack.
Term
Knuckle bow –
 Definition
a thin curved piece of metal that extends from the pommel to the inside of the guard designed to protect the hand.
Term
Lines of Attack –
 Definition
designated areas of the body at which offensive moves can be made.
Term
Low Line –
 Definition
the lines of attack below the waist.
Term
Lunge –
 Definition
simple footwork, whereby the lead foot steps forward, the lag foot straightens and stays in place.
Term
Main-gauche -
 Definition
literally means “left hand” refers to a particular style of parrying dagger.
Term
Manipulators –
 Definition
the thumb and forefinger of the sword hand, used to move the sword, in conjunction with the aids (middle, ring and pinky fingers).
Term
Moulinet –
 Definition
offensive movement, literally means “Little Windmill” describes the action of circling ones blade from one attacking position to another.
Term
Off Line –
 Definition
attacks made to targets slightly off the body of one’s opponent.
Term
On line –
 Definition
attacks made directly to targets on the body of one’s opponent.
Term
Outside Line –
 Definition
the areas of attack that are on an opponent’s sword bearing arm.
For a right handed fighter, the outside line is the right side. The parries of 2,3,6 and 8 are in the outside line.
Term
Parry –
 Definition
defensive action. The block or deflection of a sword attack by the forte.
Term
Pas d’ans –
 Definition
a part of the hilt, literally “donkey foot” the two rings on either side of the ricasso.
Term
Pass Back –
 Definition
simple footwork, whereby the lead foot steps backwards beyond the lag foot. The lag foot stays in place.
Term
Pass Forward –
 Definition
simple footwork, whereby the lag foot steps forward beyond the lead foot. The lead foot stays in place.
Term
Patinando –
 Definition
compound footwork, an advance followed by a lunge.
Term
Point or tip –
 Definition
the farthest part of the blade away from the hilt
Term
Prise-de-fer -
 Definition
literally “seizing the iron” movement of an opponent’s blade in order to initiate an attack. Moves one from a defensive position into an offensive one. There are three prise-de-fers, bind, croises and envelopements
Term
Pommel –
 Definition
part of the hilt, literally means “Little Apple” the end of the sword opposite the tip. Serves as a counter balance and a nut that holds the sword together.
Term
Pronation –
 Definition
the position of the sword hand with the palm facing down.
Term
Punto Mandritto –
 Definition
literally “point in straight hand”, thrust delivered from the sword bearing side with hand in pronation.
Term
Punto Revescio –
 Definition
literally “point in reverse”, thrust delivered from the non sword bearing side with hand in supination
Term
Quillons –
 Definition
the crossbars of the hilt. Also called the Cross Guard and Cross Hilt.
Term
Rapier –
 Definition
the long narrow and pointed cutting and thrusting weapon which originated in Italy in the early 16th century and was destined to replace the broadsword.
Term
Recover back –
 Definition
to return to an en garde position from a lunge by bringing the lead foot backwards.
Term
Recover forward –
 Definition
to return to an en garde position from a lunge by bringing the lag foot forward
Term
Reinforced Parry –
 Definition
a parry made with more then just one weapon. They can be made with another weapon or with the use of the other hand.
Term
Remise –
 Definition
an attack following another attack executed by the same person.
Term
Retreat –
 Definition
simple footwork, whereby the lag foot steps backwards and is followed by a similar sized step by the lead foot.
Term
Ricasso –
 Definition
the flattened area of the hilt below or sometimes above the cross guard.
Term
Riposte –
 Definition
in response to an attack, it is an attack made to an opponent following one’s successful parry.
Term
Salute –
 Definition
a courtesy exchanged between fencers and duelists at the start of an encounter.
Term
Seconds –
 Definition
the friends and supporters of the principles in a duel.
Term
Shoulders –
 Definition
the part of the blade which the hilt assemblage rests on.
Term
Six ways to attack with a sword:
 Definition
1) cut, 2) thrust, 3) chop, 4) scrape, 5) punch or pommel, 6) throw.
Term
Small sword –
 Definition
primarily a thrusting weapon, shorter and lighter then the rapier that it superceded. It was pointed but not always edged. Late 17th century.
Term
Spine -
 Definition
on an epee blade, the side of the blade that is opposite the fuller. The backbone of the blade.
Term
Supination -
 Definition
the position of the sword hand with the palm facing up.
Term
Sword –
 Definition
any edged and tipped weapon of length that consists of a blade and hilt.
Term
Tang –
 Definition
the threaded part of the blade that runs through the handle. The pommel is screwed onto the tang. Tang is a bastardization of the word tongue. Just as your tongue is inside of your mouth, the tang is inside of the sword handle.
Term
Thrust –
 Definition
an attack made with the point of the sword.
Term
Transitional Rapier –
 Definition
sword that appeared in the mid 17th century in the time between the rapier and small sword, had smaller quillons and shorter blade then the rapier
Term
Traverse –
 Definition
any foot movement that takes a fighter off line.
Term
Universal Parry –
 Definition
a continuous circular parry. It was believed that by doing so one could parry any attack.
Term
Volte -
 Definition
a traverse, a method of effacing the target by swinging the rear leg backwards and sideways to the fencer’s right so that the trunk is brought 180 degrees in relation to the attack. “Bum in the face”.
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