Basic Knife-Fighting Techniques: Into the Fray Episode 168
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Standard Attack On Preparation·USCCA
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Standard Attack On Preparation
Genusスタンダードプレパラシオン攻撃(Sutandādo Pureparashion Kōgeki)
HybridTranslation: standard attack on preparation
Overview
The Standard Attack On Preparation executes the timed offensive action by reading the opponent's preparatory movement (typically a forward step or arm retraction before their attack) and launching an immediate, direct cut or thrust that lands before the opponent's attack reaches the execution phase. [1] The technique is essentially a pre-emptive strike — the fencer recognises the opponent's intention and acts before the intention becomes an action with right-of-way. [1],[2] Execution requires sharp observational skills, explosive acceleration, and the confidence to commit to the attack based on reading subtle preparation cues. [2],[3]
History & Origin
The standard attack on preparation has been part of fencing theory since the classical period but became a critical competitive tool in modern sabre fencing, where reading and exploiting the opponent's preparation is a primary tactical objective. [1] It is a key skill taught to competitive sabre fencers. [2],[3]
Effectiveness
The standard attack on preparation is the fundamental tempo attack targeting the opponent's preparatory movements. [1]
Lineage
This is the baseline form of the attack on preparation as taught in fencing academies. [1]
Competition Record
Attack on preparation is a regular scoring action at all levels of FIE competition. [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
Variants
Simple attack — single blade action (disengage, beat, or direct) to score
Compound attack — multiple blade actions (feint then disengage) to create an opening
Riposte — immediate counter after a successful parry
Counter-attack — attacking into the opponent's attack with priority or right-of-way
Videos
Aikido: Multiple Attack Randori
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Standard Attack On Preparation·Kaze Uta Budo Kai / Windsong Dojo
Nick Lowry demonstrates Tomiki aikido principles for facing multipe attackers
12 BASIC STRIKES AND 12 BASIC BLOCKS | ARNIS
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Standard Attack On Preparation·MATTI San Juan Official
12 Basic Strikes and 12 Basic Blocks this video shows the proper stances, strikes and movements. #arnis #kali #eskrima …
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3 videosWhat Instructors Say
The transcripts provided do not address the technique of 'Standard Attack On Preparation' in sabre sport fencing. Instructor 1 (MATTI San Juan Official) teaches arnis striking and blocking fundamentals with no fencing content. Instructor 2 (Kaze Uta Budo Kai) covers aikido multiple-attacker randori, focusing on releases, evasion, and positional control against sequential attackers. Instructor 3 (USCCA) presents knife-fighting self-defense fundamentals, emphasizing angle-one attacks and target prioritization. None of these instructors discuss sabre sport, preparation phases, or attack timing in fencing contexts. The material is drawn from disparate martial disciplines (Filipino martial arts, Japanese aikido, and knife combat) with no overlap addressing the specific fencing technique requested. No synthesis regarding standard attacks on preparation in sabre sport can be constructed from these sources.
Synthesized from 3 instructors
- MATTI San Juan Official — 12 BASIC STRIKES AND 12 BASIC BLOCKS | ARNIS: Covers arnis striking and blocking sequences; not applicable to sabre sport fencing.
- Kaze Uta Budo Kai / Windsong Dojo — Aikido: Multiple Attack Randori: Addresses aikido multiple-attacker defense and release techniques; not applicable to sabre sport fencing.
- USCCA — Basic Knife-Fighting Techniques: Into the Fray Episode 168: Demonstrates knife-fighting fundamentals and angle-one attacks; not applicable to sabre sport fencing.
Learn This Technique
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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
✓Standard attack on preparation execution: from en garde, read the opponent's advance or preparatory step, and as they begin their preparation, extend the arm and deliver a cut to the arm or head, arriving before they establish their own attack (Evangelista, The Art and Science of Fencing, 1996)
✓Step 1: from en garde, observe the opponent's rhythm — identify when they advance or prepare
✓Step 2: as they begin their advance step (preparation), begin your arm extension with the blade threatening
✓Step 3: deliver a cut to the arm (nearest target) or head (largest target) while stepping forward or lunging
✓Step 4: the cut must arrive during their preparation, before they extend their own arm for the attack
✓Step 5: the touch is awarded to you because the opponent had not yet established their attack
✓Step 6: recover to en garde
✓The key is reading the opponent: attack on preparation requires recognizing the moment of preparation
✓Drill: partner advances rhythmically, you cut to the arm during their advance — 10 reps, varying the timing
Common Mistakes
!Not reading the opponent's preparation — without recognizing the preparatory movement, the timing is guesswork
!Hitting after the opponent has established their attack — the touch must arrive during preparation, not during the attack
!Starting too late — the window for attack on preparation is brief; delayed starts miss the opportunity
!Using a large, slow cut — the cut must be fast and compact to arrive during the preparation window
!Not training against varying rhythms — opponents prepare at different speeds; adaptability is essential
!Standing at the wrong distance — too far and the cut falls short; too close and the opponent's attack may arrive first
!Not practising the specific timing in sparring — attack on preparation timing can only be developed against live opponents
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) [3] Classical Fencing (Rogers, 2014)
2BookOn Fencing (Nadi, 1943)
Effectiveness sources — [1] The Art and Science of Fencing (Evangelista, 1996)
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) [3] Classical Fencing (Rogers, 2014)
5CitationOn Fencing (Nadi, 1943)
Effectiveness sources — [1] The Art and Science of Fencing (Evangelista, 1996)
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
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I avoid getting locked down when facing multiple attackers?
According to Kaze Uta Budo Kai instructors, you should always be looking for the next attack as it occurs rather than getting locked into engagement with one person. Never spend much time turned away from incoming attackers—continue facing the next threat if at all possible.
When an attacker makes contact with me, what should I do?
The moment of contact gives your opponent permission that it's their turn to attack. This is your signal to immediately disengage and look for the next incoming threat rather than staying committed to the current engagement.
How does the Standard Attack On Preparation work?
The Standard Attack On Preparation executes the timed offensive action by reading the opponent's preparatory movement (typically a forward step or arm retraction before their attack) and launching an immediate, direct cut or thrust that lands before the opponent's attack reaches the execution phase. The technique is essentially a pre-emptive strike — the fencer recognises the opponent's intention and acts before the intention becomes an action with right-of-way.
Where does the Standard Attack On Preparation come from?
The standard attack on preparation has been part of fencing theory since the classical period but became a critical competitive tool in modern sabre fencing, where reading and exploiting the opponent's preparation is a primary tactical objective. It is a key skill taught to competitive sabre fencers.
Is the Standard Attack On Preparation 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 Standard Attack On Preparation?
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 Standard Attack On Preparation?
The standard setup chain: En Garde → Advance/Lunge Preparation → Attack → Recovery.
How do I defend against the Standard Attack On Preparation?
Standard counters include: Parry (Absetzen) — deflect the incoming blade with a counter-displacement / Void (Step Back) — withdraw from measure to avoid the cutting arc / Counter-Cut (Nachreisen) — strike into the opponent's opening during their attack.
What are the variants of the Standard Attack On Preparation?
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 Standard Attack On Preparation in competition?
Attack on preparation is a regular scoring action at all levels of FIE competition.
What are common mistakes when doing the Standard Attack On Preparation?
Top errors to watch for: Not reading the opponent's preparation — without recognizing the preparatory movement, the timing is guesswork / Hitting after the opponent has established their attack — the touch must arrive during preparation, not during the at… / Starting too late — the window for attack on preparation is brief; delayed starts miss the opportunity / Using a large, slow cut — the cut must be fast and compact to arrive during the preparation window.
What are other names for the Standard Attack On Preparation?
The Standard Attack On Preparation is also known as Sutandādo Pureparashion Kōgeki, Counter-Tempo Attack, Attaque au Moment, Attack in Preparation.