Octaves are SO easy when you know HOW to practice them!
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Parry of Octave·PIANO LAB
Watch the full video here: https: //youtu.be/tGMu_213xdc
Parry of Octave
SubFamilyオクターブ(Okutābu)
Translation: Eighth parry
Overview
The Parry of Octave deflects low-line attacks to the outside by dropping the blade downward with the hand in pronation. [1] Octave covers the outside low line — the outer thigh and hip area. [1] It is the complement to septime for low-line defence. [1]
OctaveFencingParry 8Eighth ParryParade d'OctaveFencing
History & Origin
Effectiveness
The Parry of Octave remains a core technique in modern competitive fencing and historical swordsmanship. [1]
Lineage
Competition Record
Used in FIE international fencing competition
Images
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Parry of Octave-specific fencing mechanics
Joints Involved — Arm (extension/rotation), wrist (angulation), legs (lunge drive)
Force Vector — Technique-specific
Leverage Principle — Forte-to-foible blade leverage and body mechanics
Position & Entry
From en garde — Execute the parry of octave
From engagement — Transition into parry of octave
Variants
Direct parry of octave
Indirect parry of octave
Compound parry of octave
Videos
#8 Epee octave beat
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Parry of Octave·Beth Speedy
Delivered as part of the FIE Coaching Academy in Budapest from Hungarian coach educator, Bela Kopetka. They aim to help …
Technique tip for the day: Easy Octaves!
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Parry of Octave·PIANO LAB
Foil Fencing Parry Octave, Octave Lunge(attack), Circ-Sixth Octave lunge Preparation(attack)specific
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Parry of Octave·Chim Theara
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4 videosWhat Instructors Say
The parry of octave is a defensive fencing technique executed in the eighth position, designed to deflect incoming attacks in the low line. According to Beth Speedy, the octave parry presents technical challenges because the defender must first move the blade upward and across to locate the opponent's blade before executing the deflection. The mechanics involve moving in an upward direction, then crossing downward with the outside edge of the blade, with the hand positioned in fifth position. Speedy emphasizes that edge alignment is critical—which edge meets which edge affects the tactile feedback and effectiveness of the parry. The coordination sequence consists of beating the opponent's blade, extending the arm, and gliding, all executed as a unified motion. Speedy notes that the octave parry is less common than the quarte parry but remains important in epée fencing. The technique requires the defender to avoid pushing downward, instead using controlled blade movement to meet and deflect the attack while maintaining proper hand position and blade contact throughout the action.
Synthesized from 2 instructors
- Beth Speedy — #8 Epee octave beat: Detailed technical mechanics of octave parry execution, including blade direction (upward then downward), hand position (fifth), edge contact principles, and the coordination sequence of beat-extend-glide
- Chim Theara — Foil Fencing Parry Octave, Octave Lunge(attack), Circ-Sixth Octave lunge Preparation(attack)specific: Demonstrated octave parry in foil context with multiple distance and tempo variations, showing how octave parries are employed against different attack approaches
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
1
Low1/10
Defensive parrying technique
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
— Unified MMA — Legal defensive technique
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDFWBC/Boxing — Legal — blocking and evasion are core boxing skills {src— WBC Rules of Boxing}
— WKF — Legal — blocking is a fundamental karate skill
WKF Competition Rules 2024PDFKyokushin — Legal {src— IKO Kyokushin Tournament Rules}
— WT — Legal
WT Competition Rules 2024PDF— WAKO — Legal
WAKO Competition RulesPDFK-1/GLORY — Legal {src— K-1/GLORY Kickboxing Rules}
— IFMA — Legal
IFMA Muay Thai RulesPDFTraining Notes
✓Practise with a partner in controlled conditions (Pollock et al., 1902)
✓Focus on economy of motion
✓Develop blade sentiment through slow-speed drills
Common Mistakes
!Over-extending
!Telegraphing the action
!Poor recovery
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1En garde → Preparation → Parry of Octave → Recovery
Sources & References
Primary Source
Fencing (Pollock, Grove & Prevost, 1902)
1Book[1] Pollock, W.H., Grove, F.C. and Prevost, C. (1902). Fencing, Boxing, Wrestling. Longmans, Green, and Co. Badminton Library of Sports and Pastimes. [2] Castle, E. (1885). Schools and Masters of Fence. George Bell and Sons.
description, historyOrigin: sourced from Pollock, W
2Citation[1] Pollock, W.H., Grove, F.C. and Prevost, C. (1902). Fencing, Boxing, Wrestling. Longmans, Green, and Co. Badminton Library of Sports and Pastimes. [2] Castle, E. (1885). Schools and Masters of Fence. George Bell and Sons.
description, historyOrigin: sourced from Pollock, W
Community
Athletics
Requires good arm extension
Quick reflexes
Balance and footwork
Notes
The parry of octave is not a standard numbered fencing parry — it may refer to a variant position used in some schools. The eight standard parries (prime through octave) cover all attack lines. (Fencing technique manuals)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does it matter which edge of my blade meets my opponent's blade in the parry of octave?
According to Beth Speedy, which edge contacts which edge significantly affects the feel and effectiveness of the parry. The specific edge alignment determines whether you're beating the outside or inside edge of your opponent's blade, which changes how the technique responds.
How does the Parry of Octave work?
The Parry of Octave deflects low-line attacks to the outside by dropping the blade downward with the hand in pronation. Octave covers the outside low line — the outer thigh and hip area.
Where does the Parry of Octave come from?
The Parry of Octave was codified in European fencing treatises from the 16th century onward. Italian and French schools developed the technique into its modern form through centuries of refinement.
Is the Parry of Octave legal in competition?
Unified MMA: legal — Legal defensive technique; WBC/Boxing: legal — Legal — blocking and evasion are core boxing skills; WKF: legal — Legal — blocking is a fundamental karate skill; Kyokushin: legal — Legal; WT: legal — Legal; WAKO: legal — Legal; K: legal — 1/GLORY — Legal; IFMA: legal — Legal
How dangerous is the Parry of Octave?
Danger rating 1/10. Defensive parrying technique
How do I set up the Parry of Octave?
The standard setup chain: En garde → Preparation → Parry of Octave → Recovery.
How do I defend against the Parry of Octave?
Standard counters include: Counter-parry / Distance management / Stop-hit.
What are the variants of the Parry of Octave?
Common variants: Direct parry of octave; Indirect parry of octave; Compound parry of octave.
How effective is the Parry of Octave in competition?
Used in FIE international fencing competition
What are common mistakes when doing the Parry of Octave?
Top errors to watch for: Over-extending / Telegraphing the action / Poor recovery.
What are other names for the Parry of Octave?
The Parry of Octave is also known as Okutābu, Octave, Parry 8, Eighth Parry, Parade d'Octave.