Counter Charge Tactica: Withdraw vs Disengage
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Counter-Disengage·Counter Charge Podcast
In this video Jeremy and Matt discuss the difference between withdrawing and disengage. Yes they are different!
Counter-Disengage
SubFamilyコントル・デガジュマン(Kontoru Degajuman)
Translation: Counter-disengagement
Overview
The Counter-Disengage deceives the opponent's change of engagement or circular parry by making a full circular movement of the blade, returning to the original line of attack. [1] It anticipates and defeats the opponent's attempt to catch the blade with a circular defensive action. [1]
Counter-DisengageFencingContre-DégagementCounter-Disengagement
History & Origin
Effectiveness
The Counter-Disengage 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 — Counter-Disengage-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 counter-disengage
From engagement — Transition into counter-disengage
Variants
Direct counter-disengage
Indirect counter-disengage
Compound counter-disengage
Videos
1 video
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
3
Moderate3/10
Sport fencing with protective equipment; historically lethal with sharp weapons
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Advanced
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
✓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 → Counter-Disengage → 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 counter-disengage deceives the opponent's parry by circling the blade around their attempted parry — the attacker's blade passes under or over the parrying blade to hit the now-open target. Requires reading the opponent's parry intention. (Fencing technique manuals; Biomechanics of Human Motion)
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between disengaging and just backing up in combat?
You can't simply back up to disengage if you're within engagement range of an opponent—you need to actively counter-charge or move to a new engagement instead. Think of disengaging as a way to leave one combat and either retreat or move to a new combat entirely, rather than just stepping backward.
Can you disengage if you're too close to your opponent?
No—if you're within engagement range (close proximity), you cannot disengage by simply withdrawing. You must counter-charge or engage a different unit to break the engagement.
How does the Counter-Disengage work?
The Counter-Disengage deceives the opponent's change of engagement or circular parry by making a full circular movement of the blade, returning to the original line of attack. It anticipates and defeats the opponent's attempt to catch the blade with a circular defensive action.
Where does the Counter-Disengage come from?
The Counter-Disengage 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 Counter-Disengage 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 Counter-Disengage?
Danger rating 3/10. Sport fencing with protective equipment; historically lethal with sharp weapons
How do I set up the Counter-Disengage?
The standard setup chain: En garde → Preparation → Counter-Disengage → Recovery.
How do I defend against the Counter-Disengage?
Standard counters include: Counter-parry / Distance management / Stop-hit.
What are the variants of the Counter-Disengage?
Common variants: Direct counter-disengage; Indirect counter-disengage; Compound counter-disengage.
How effective is the Counter-Disengage in competition?
Used in FIE international fencing competition
What are common mistakes when doing the Counter-Disengage?
Top errors to watch for: Over-extending / Telegraphing the action / Poor recovery.
What are other names for the Counter-Disengage?
The Counter-Disengage is also known as Kontoru Degajuman, Counter-Disengage, Contre-Dégagement, Counter-Disengagement.