Successful Epee Parry Riposte
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Epee Parry·Tim's Fencing Academy
Sorry had some camera focus problems, will be fixed for future videos! It is very simple, don't be lazy and take the bl…
Epee Parry
SubFamilyエペ受け(Epe Uke)
HybridTranslation: epee parry
Overview
The Epee Parry subfamily covers all blade-deflection actions in epee, where the fencer uses their blade to redirect or block an incoming thrust before responding with a riposte. [1] Parries in epee must cover a wider defensive area than in foil because the entire body is a valid target — the fencer must be prepared to parry attacks to the hand, arm, leg, and torso, not just the torso. [1],[2] Epee parries tend to be smaller and more precise than sabre parries, using minimal blade movement to deflect the incoming point while maintaining readiness for the riposte. [2],[3]
History & Origin
Effectiveness
Lineage
Épée parry technique was adapted from classical foil and smallsword parries but expanded to cover the full body target area. [1]
Competition Record
Parry-riposte remains an effective scoring pattern in Olympic épée, though counter-attacks and remise actions are more common than in foil. [1]
Images
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Cutting, thrusting, or striking with a bladed weapon — edge alignment and trajectory determine cutting effectiveness
Joints Involved — Wrists (edge alignment and rotation), elbows (extension for thrusts, chambering for cuts), shoulders (arc of the cut), hips (power generation)
Force Vector — Varies — downward diagonal cut (kesa-giri), horizontal cut (yoko-giri), thrust (tsuki), or rising cut (kiri-age)
Weapon Mechanic — Edge alignment (hasuji) is critical — the blade must travel along its cutting plane for effective cuts
Position & Entry
From en garde position — Establish distance, extend the blade toward the target with a lunge or advance-lunge, recover to guard
As riposte (counter-attack) — Parry the opponent's attack and immediately riposte with a thrust or cut to the exposed target
From distance (preparation) — Use blade work (beats, feints, engagements) to create an opening before the final attack
Videos
#21 Ceding Parry in epee
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Epee Parry·Beth Speedy
Delivered as part of the FIE Epee Coaching Academy in Budapest from Hungarian coach educator, Bela Kopetka. They aim to …
2 videos
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
2
Low2/10
Modern sport fencing uses blunted weapons and full protective gear; injury rate ~2.5 per 1000 exposures (Harmer 2008)
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
— FIE — Legal fencing technique — governed by FIE rules for...
FIE Rules of CompetitionPDFHEMA — Legal in historical fencing competition {src— various organizations
Training Notes
✓Epee parries deflect the opponent's blade away from the target before responding with a riposte — in epee, parries must cover the entire body since every part is a valid target (Evangelista, The Art and Science of Fencing, 1996)
✓Epee parries differ from foil parries: they must cover a wider target area (whole body vs. torso only) and do not establish right of way
✓The primary epee parries correspond to the eight positions: quarte (inside high), sixte (outside high), septime (inside low), octave (outside low), and their variations
✓In epee, the parry-riposte sequence is a two-part action: parry (deflect the attack), then riposte (counter-thrust into the opening created by the parry)
✓Epee parries must be firm: the heavier epee blade requires more force to deflect than the lighter foil blade
✓The circular parry (counter-parry) is particularly useful in epee: it catches the blade and redirects it regardless of the attack line
✓Opposition parries (maintaining blade contact after the parry) are favoured in epee: they close the line while setting up the riposte
Common Mistakes
!Making parries too large — the parry should move the opponent's blade just enough to clear the target
!Not riposting immediately after the parry — in epee, the opponent can withdraw and re-attack; the riposte must be immediate
!Using the same parry for all attacks — different attack lines require different parry positions
!Parrying with a stiff arm — the parry should use the wrist and forearm with a relaxed shoulder
!Not maintaining opposition after the parry — in epee, closing the line during the riposte prevents the remise (renewal of attack)
!Parrying too early — an early parry allows the opponent to disengage; time the parry to the final attack
!Not training parries against attacks to the low line — epee attacks can target the legs and feet; low parries are essential
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1En Garde — assume the fencing ready position with proper blade presentation
2Advance/Lunge Preparation — close distance with footwork
3Attack — execute the touch with right-of-way (if applicable) and proper point/edge
4Recovery — return to en garde after the action
Sources & References
Primary Source
The Art of Fencing (Luigi Barbasetti, 1932)
1BookThe Art of Fencing (Barbasetti, 1932)
Alias sources — [1] FIE Rules of Competition [2] Classical Fencing (Rogers, 2014)
2BookOn Fencing (Nadi, 1943)
Effectiveness sources — [1] The Art and Science of Fencing (Evangelista, 1996) [2] FIE coaching manuals
3OtherJapanese Martial Arts Hybrid Terminology
Mixed Japanese-Western terminology — combines traditional Japanese terms with katakana loanwords
4CitationThe Art of Fencing (Barbasetti, 1932)
Alias sources — [1] FIE Rules of Competition [2] Classical Fencing (Rogers, 2014)
5CitationOn Fencing (Nadi, 1943)
Effectiveness sources — [1] The Art and Science of Fencing (Evangelista, 1996) [2] FIE coaching manuals
Community
Athletics
Requires
explosive lunge speed, finger/wrist dexterity, cardiovascular endurance
Favours
long reach (tall, long arms), fast-twitch legs
Key muscles
quadriceps (lunge), calves, forearm/finger flexors, core
Sub-techniques
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need to start my rear parry earlier than my ceding parry?
Beth Speedy explains that you must start a rear parry (like grazing six) earlier to be ready in time, whereas a ceding parry can happen a moment later because it's only a modification of the wrist.
What's the most important thing to focus on when parrying and riposting in epee?
Tim's Fencing Academy emphasizes that maintaining distance at the moment your opponent attacks is most important; taking a step back as they advance gets them off balance and stretched out, setting up your parry and riposte.
How much should I step back when parrying, and what's a common mistake?
Tim's Fencing Academy advises taking only a small step back—just an inch or so—rather than jumping back five inches, and to bend your legs and sit low to maintain reach; stepping back too much prevents you from reaching your opponent for the riposte.
Can I riposte to different target areas after a parry?
Tim's Fencing Academy confirms that with a parry you can riposte to any target, and recommends becoming proficient at hitting the hand, elbow, shoulder, and other areas depending on the situation.
How does the Epee Parry work?
The Epee Parry subfamily covers all blade-deflection actions in epee, where the fencer uses their blade to redirect or block an incoming thrust before responding with a riposte. Parries in epee must cover a wider defensive area than in foil because the entire body is a valid target — the fencer must be prepared to parry attacks to the hand, arm, leg, and torso, not just the torso.
Where does the Epee Parry come from?
Epee parry technique was adapted from classical small sword fencing, where parries needed to protect the entire body from thrusting attacks. The traditional eight parry positions (prime through octave) were inherited from French and Italian fencing schools.
Is the Epee Parry legal in competition?
FIE: legal — Legal fencing technique — governed by FIE rules for foil, épée, and sabre; HEMA: legal — Legal in historical fencing competition
How dangerous is the Epee Parry?
Danger rating 2/10. Low — modern sport fencing uses blunted weapons and full protective gear; injury rate ~2.5 per 1000 exposures (Harmer 2008)
How do I set up the Epee Parry?
The standard setup chain: En Garde → Advance/Lunge Preparation → Attack → Recovery.
How do I defend against the Epee Parry?
Standard counters include: Beat Parry — deflect the blade with a sharp lateral beat before it reaches target / Displacement — move the body off the line while threatening with the point / Counter-Thrust — extend into the attacker's line during their advance.
What are the variants of the Epee Parry?
Common variants: Simple attack (single blade action (disengage, beat, or direct) to score); Compound attack (multiple blade actions (feint then disengage) to create a…); Riposte (immediate counter after a successful parry); Counter-attack (attacking into the opponent's attack with priority or rig…).
How effective is the Epee Parry in competition?
Parry-riposte remains an effective scoring pattern in Olympic épée, though counter-attacks and remise actions are more common than in foil.
What are common mistakes when doing the Epee Parry?
Top errors to watch for: Making parries too large — the parry should move the opponent's blade just enough to clear the target / Not riposting immediately after the parry — in epee, the opponent can withdraw and re-attack; the riposte must be imm… / Using the same parry for all attacks — different attack lines require different parry positions / Parrying with a stiff arm — the parry should use the wrist and forearm with a relaxed shoulder.
What are other names for the Epee Parry?
The Epee Parry is also known as Epe Uke, Parade d'Epee, Epee Defence.