Rapier Tip of the Month

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December 2001

The lateral parry does not change the line, but simply deflects the attacking blade away from the body. An inside attack is deflected to the inside; an outside attack is deflected to the outside. It is not strictly necessary for the point to remain in line.

The counter-parry rolls the defending blade under the attacking blade to change the line and deflect the blade to the opposite side. The tip of the defending blade draws a circle, first moving away from the attacking blade, then under it, and finally deflecting it as it reaches the top of the circle. An inside attack is actually deflected to the outside; an outside attack is deflected to the inside. Perform this parry by drawing the loop with your fingers. Do not roll the wrist; it should remain palm-up.

The manner in which the parrying blade engages the attacking blade creates another nuance. A beat parry knocks the attacking blade away, removing the threat and creating an opening, but not retaining engagement. A parry by opposition knocks the attacking blade away, but retains contact with it to control it.

There is another parry, which is commonly taught in the SCA. To perform the "SCA-parry", move the hilt to deflect the attacking blade, while maintaining the point in line. The blade contact (engagment) is maintained (parry by opposition). This enables you to make a quick riposte by simply stepping forward without moving your blade. Ideally, this should be executed as a counter-thrust, performed simultaneously with your opponent's attack rather than as a two step process.

Naturally, each of these techniques is susceptible to a different response by the attacker. It is important to vary your defensive responses by using different parry techniques in order to avoid predictibility in your defense which the attacker may exploit. Remember, predictible = dead.