Circular Parries Fundamentals

Circular parries can be executed from each of the four basic parries in foil and épée. The defender responds to an attacker's lunge by making a small circle under the opponent's blade and repositioning to parry the opposite line from the original attack. This technique is demonstrated here using a basic attack from the four position, with the defender executing a circular six parry to the outside line.

Circular Six Parry Drill

The attacker initiates a primary attack followed by a remise. The defender responds to the first attack with a circular six parry, and upon recognizing the remise, executes another circular six parry combined with a riposte. Incorporating riposte practice into parry exercises reinforces proper timing and counterattack mechanics.

Parry Five and Riposte: Technical Execution

Parry five and riposte is a difficult and risky maneuver that requires regular practice to be effective in competitive bouts. The defender anticipates the attacker's lunge and executes a reverse lunge or dives under the opponent's blade while bringing the blade arm above the head to form parry five. The tip is angled toward the opponent so the attacker moves directly into the blade for a touch, with arm extension available for added reach.

Parry Five Safety Considerations

Practitioners must exercise extreme caution when employing parry five and riposte in épée matches, where the head remains a valid target area. The risky nature of this technique demands precise execution and timing to avoid leaving the head exposed during the maneuver's completion.

Stop Thrust: Advanced Tactical Application

The stop thrust is a specialized technique effective against aggressive opponents who advance aggressively and close distance quickly. This maneuver requires speed, agility, coordination, balance, stability, and flexibility to execute successfully. The technique is employed while retreating and involves using the heel of the front foot to strike the heel of the back foot, driving backward momentum upward for nearly instantaneous deceleration.

Stop Thrust: Body Mechanics and Target Displacement

During the stop thrust execution, the fencer's body extends to maximum reach while simultaneously displacing the target area away from the opponent's line of attack. When executed correctly, the aggressive opponent runs directly into the extended blade, resulting in a point awarded in line. This technique is most effective in tournament settings where opponents employ forward-pressing tactics.

Fencing 101: Skills to Win: Circular 6, Parry 5 & Riposte, The Stop Cut

RecSport Education

Sixte Parry

2 min read·6 key moments·PT5M47S video

Key Takeaways

•Circular Parries Fundamentals
•Circular Six Parry Drill
•Parry Five and Riposte: Technical Execution
•Parry Five Safety Considerations

This video covers the circular 6 parry, and the riposte from a parry 5 position, and a version of the stop thrust I learned in college and find to be effective in some situations. Performed by: Ryan and Gregg Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/RecSport Other links: Gregg's Channel, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmYimvqLcsPLcoO8Z-k8GHQ

Related Techniques

Octave Parry Quarte Parry Septime Parry

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about sixte parry?

This video covers circular parries fundamentals, circular six parry drill, parry five and riposte: technical execution. It provides detailed instruction from RecSport Education.

How long does it take to learn sixte parry?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 6-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.