Sword Fencing Terminology - Full Quiz 57 Questions Levels 1-3

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1. Attack

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Sword Fencing Terminology - Full Quiz 57 Questions Levels 1-3 - Quiz

Sword fencing terminology quiz using BFA glossary (if required, recommend you open the BFA glossary in different window by using this link)

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2. Bout
 

Explanation

A bout refers to a fight or contest in which participants compete against each other, usually in a combat sport. In this context, it specifically refers to a fight for a specific number of hits, where the participants aim to land a certain number of successful strikes on their opponent to win the bout.

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3. Balestra

Explanation

The correct answer is a short, sharp jump forwards, leading with the front foot and landing with both, usually as a form of preparation. This explanation accurately describes the balestra as a forward jump where the front foot leads and both feet land together. It also mentions that this jump is typically used as a form of preparation, which aligns with the purpose of the balestra in various disciplines such as fencing and martial arts.

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4. Double action
 

Explanation

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5. Corps a corps

Explanation

Corps a corps refers to bodily contact between the fencers in a bout. This term is used in fencing to describe a situation where the fencers come into physical contact with each other during the course of the match. It can happen when the fencers are trying to gain an advantage or when they are attempting to defend themselves. This type of contact is an important aspect of the sport and is often used strategically by the fencers to gain an upper hand in the match.

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6. Feint

Explanation

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7. Part-whole method

Explanation

The correct answer explains the concept of the part-whole method in teaching movement. It involves breaking down a movement into its individual parts, focusing on the parts that require the most skill, and practicing them separately. Once each part is mastered, they are then combined to create the complete movement. This method allows for a more focused and targeted approach to learning complex movements, ensuring that each part is fully understood and mastered before attempting the whole movement.

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8. Appel

Explanation

The correct answer is "Beating the piste with the ball of the foot, either as a front foot or rear foot appel." An appel is a technique used in fencing where the fencer stomps their foot on the ground to create a loud noise. This is done to intimidate or distract the opponent. In this case, the correct answer specifies that the piste should be beaten with the ball of the foot, which is the area just behind the toes. It also states that the appel can be done with either the front foot or the rear foot, allowing for flexibility in executing the technique.

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9. Broken time

Explanation

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10. Compound riposte

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11. Envelopment

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12. Opposition

Explanation

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13. Circular parry
 

Explanation

The correct answer is: Deflection of the opponent's attacking blade by making a circle with the sword point. This means that when an opponent attacks, the defender uses their sword to create a circular motion, redirecting the attacking blade away from them. By making a circle with the sword point, the defender can effectively parry the attack and protect themselves from harm.

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14. Quarte
 

Explanation

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15. Tierce
 

Explanation

The correct answer is "High line, pronated guard on the sword-arm side." This means that the guard position is held on the side of the sword-arm in a pronated (palm facing down) position, and it is used to defend against attacks in the high line. The high line refers to the upper body area that is vulnerable to attacks, such as the head or upper torso. By using a pronated guard on the sword-arm side, the fighter can effectively protect themselves against high line attacks.

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16. Successive parries

Explanation

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17. Cadence

Explanation

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18. Pronation
 
 

Explanation

The correct answer is "The position of the sword hand with the knuckles uppermost." Pronation refers to the rotation of the hand or forearm so that the palm faces downwards or towards the ground. In the context of sword fighting, pronation would mean holding the sword with the knuckles facing upwards.

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19. Indirect

Explanation

The correct answer is an offensive action made by first passing the blade under or over the opponent's blade. This explanation suggests that the action described involves attacking the opponent by maneuvering the blade either under or over their blade. This implies that the attacker is taking an offensive approach to gain an advantage in the fight.

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20. High / low lines

Explanation

This answer refers to the high and low divisions of the target area above and below a theoretical line. It means that the target area is divided into two sections, with the upper section being the high division and the lower section being the low division. This division helps in identifying and aiming at specific areas of the target during fencing.

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21. Low line, semi-supinated guard on the non-sword-arm side

Explanation

The correct answer is Septime. In fencing, the term "low line" refers to the area below the opponent's waist. A "semi-supinated guard" means that the hand is rotated slightly outward. When the guard is on the non-sword-arm side, it is known as "septime". Therefore, the correct answer is Septime.

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22. Derobement
 

Explanation

Derobement refers to the evasion of the opponent's attempt to beat or take the blade while the sword arm is straight and the point is threatening the target. This means that the fencer is able to avoid the opponent's attack by swiftly moving the blade out of the way while maintaining a straight arm and keeping the point of their sword in a position that poses a threat to the opponent. This technique allows the fencer to defend themselves effectively and maintain control over the bout.

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23. Low line, pronated guard on the sword-arm side

Explanation

The correct answer is Seconde. In fencing, the term "low line" refers to the area below the waist. "Pronated guard" means that the hand is rotated with the palm facing down. "Sword-arm side" indicates the side of the body where the sword arm is located. Seconde is a fencing position where the sword is held low and to the side, with the palm facing down. This position corresponds to the given description of a low line, pronated guard on the sword-arm side.

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24. Beat

Explanation

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25. Counter attack

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26. Progressive actions
 

Explanation

The correct answer is actions made with the sword point continually moving towards the opponent's target. This means that the person using the sword is constantly advancing towards their target while maintaining the forward movement of the sword. This strategy allows for a more aggressive and continuous attack, making it harder for the opponent to defend or counterattack. It also ensures that the attacker maintains control of the fight and keeps the pressure on their opponent.

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27. Prises de fer

Explanation

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28. Development

Explanation

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29. Compound Prises de fer

Explanation

The correct answer is "Two or more consecutive takings of the blade, alike or different, with no loss of blade contact." This means that the compound prises de fer involve multiple consecutive actions of taking the blade, whether it is the same or different, without any interruption or loss of contact with the opponent's blade. This technique requires precision and control to maintain continuous blade contact throughout the sequence of actions.

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30. Quinte

Explanation

This answer is correct because in fencing, the term "quinte" refers to a specific position or guard. In this case, it is described as a low line guard with the non-sword-arm side pronated. This means that the fencer's arm is rotated so that the palm is facing downwards. This guard is commonly used in foil fencing to protect the lower body and create opportunities for attacks.

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31. High line, semi-supinated guard on the sword-arm side

Explanation

The correct answer is "Sixte". In fencing, a high line refers to the area above the waist, and a semi-supinated guard means the hand is rotated slightly outward. The term "sword-arm side" indicates that the action is being performed by the arm holding the sword. Therefore, the correct action in this context would be a "Sixte", which is a type of parry or defensive action in fencing.

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32. The renewal of an action made with a lunge by first returning to guard forwards or backwards

Explanation

The correct answer is "Reprise". In fencing, a reprise refers to the renewal of an action made with a lunge by first returning to guard forwards or backwards. This means that after making a lunge, the fencer returns to their starting position before continuing with another attack or action. The term "reprise" is used to describe this specific sequence of movements in fencing.

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33. The renewal of an action after being parried by replacing the point on the target in a different line to the original action

Explanation

Redoublement refers to the renewal of an action after being parried by replacing the point on the target in a different line to the original action. This technique is often used in fencing to deceive the opponent and create an opportunity for a successful attack. Disengagement, on the other hand, refers to changing the line of the attack by maneuvering around the opponent's blade. Rassemblement is not related to the given explanation and is therefore not the correct answer.

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34. Supination
 

Explanation

Supination refers to the position of the hand where the palm is facing upward or forward, and the thumb is pointing away from the body. In this case, the correct answer states that supination is the position of the sword hand with the finger-nail uppermost. This means that the hand holding the sword is in a supinated position, with the palm facing upward and the thumb pointing away from the body.

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35. Double
 

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36. Priority
 

Explanation

The correct answer explains that in foil and sabre fencing, the fencer gains the right of way by extending the sword arm and continually threatening the opponent's target. This means that the fencer who is constantly attacking and keeping their opponent on the defensive has the priority in scoring points. By extending the sword arm and maintaining a continuous threat, the fencer maintains control and has the advantage in the match.

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37. The renewal of an action after being parried by replacing the point on the target in the line of the original action

Explanation

A remise refers to the renewal of an action in fencing after it has been parried by the opponent. It involves replacing the point of the weapon on the target in the same line as the original action. This allows the fencer to continue their attack and potentially score a point.

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38. Change beat
 

Explanation

A change beat refers to a specific type of beat that is executed after passing under or over the opponent's blade. This technique involves striking the opponent's blade with enough force and precision to change its position or angle. By doing so, the fencer gains an advantage and disrupts the opponent's attack or defense. This move requires skill and timing to successfully execute and can be an effective strategy in fencing.

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39. Croise

Explanation

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40. Absence of blade

Explanation

The correct answer is "When swords are not in contact." This means that the absence of blade-to-blade contact between the opposing fencers is the reason for the given statement. In fencing, the swords must make contact with each other to be considered in play. If there is no contact between the swords, it indicates that the fencers are not engaged in a bout or exchange of attacks.

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41. Change of engagement
 

Explanation

The correct answer is re-engagement of the opponent's blade on the opposite side by passing under or over it. This refers to the action of regaining contact with the opponent's blade after it has been disengaged or changed position. This can be done by either passing the blade under or over it, effectively changing the line of engagement. This technique is commonly used in fencing to gain an advantage over the opponent and create an opportunity for an attack.

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42. Cut-over (coupe)
 

Explanation

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43. Breaking ground

Explanation

The correct answer is "Stepping back." The given phrases "Breaking ground" and "Stepping forwards" suggest a forward movement, while "To jump back quickly, evading the opponent's attack" implies a backward movement. Therefore, the most suitable action to counter the opponent's attack would be stepping back.

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44. Bind
 

Explanation

The correct answer is "Taking of the foible of the opposing blade diagonally from high to low line, and vice versa." This answer refers to the technique of binding in fencing. Binding involves taking control of the opponent's blade by deflecting it with the foible (the weaker part of the blade) and moving it diagonally from a high line to a low line, or vice versa. This technique allows the fencer to gain control over the opponent's blade and create an opening for an attack.

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45. Counter-time

Explanation

The correct answer is an action made by the attacker into a counter attack which is provoked by the opponent. This means that the attacker is initiating an attack in response to an attack from the opponent. The attacker is using the opponent's attack as an opportunity to counter and potentially gain an advantage in the fight.

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46. Coule
 

Explanation

The correct answer describes the action of extending the sword arm and grazing lightly down the opponent's blade while maintaining contact throughout. This technique is used in sword fighting to control and redirect the opponent's blade, creating an opportunity for a counterattack. By maintaining contact with the opponent's blade, the swordsman can feel their movements and react accordingly, effectively defending themselves while staying in control of the situation.

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47. Compound action

Explanation

The correct answer is "Two or more single actions performed together as one continuous action." In compound action, multiple single actions are combined and executed as a single continuous action. This means that two or more separate actions are performed simultaneously or in quick succession, merging them into a single fluid movement. This allows for a more efficient and effective execution of the actions, maximizing their impact and achieving the desired outcome.

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48. Prime

Explanation

The correct answer is "High line, pronated guard on the non-sword-arm side." In fencing, the guard refers to the position of the fencer's non-sword-arm. A pronated guard means that the palm of the hand is facing downward. The high line refers to the upper part of the target area, which is above the waist. Therefore, the correct answer suggests that the fencer should have their non-sword-arm in a pronated guard position on the side opposite to their sword-arm, while focusing on the high line as the target area.

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49. Barrage

Explanation

The term "barrage" refers to a fight off that takes place in a competition to determine a result in the event of a tie. This suggests that when two competitors have the same score or performance, they engage in a final round to determine the ultimate winner. This explanation aligns with the context of the term "barrage" in the context of fencing competition.

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50. Ceding parry
 

Explanation

Ceding parry is a defensive move in fencing where the fencer gives way to their opponent who is taking the blade. This means that instead of directly blocking or countering the opponent's attack, the fencer moves their blade out of the way, allowing the opponent's blade to pass by. By doing so, the fencer avoids getting hit and creates an opportunity to counterattack. This technique is effective when the opponent's attack is strong and difficult to directly parry or counter.

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51. Counter-disengagement

Explanation

The correct answer is "An indirect action which deceives a change of engagement". This means that counter-disengagement is a tactic used to deceive an opponent by making them believe that there will be a change in engagement, but in reality, the fencer maintains their position and uses this deception to gain an advantage.

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52. Disengagement

Explanation

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53. Compound attack

Explanation

An attack comprising one or more feints refers to a strategy where a person initiates an attack by making deceptive or false moves to confuse their opponent. Feints are used to create openings or opportunities for a successful attack by misleading the opponent's defensive actions. This type of attack involves the use of cunning and trickery to gain an advantage over the opponent.

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54. Direct

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Attack
Bout 
Balestra
Double action 
Corps a corps
Feint
Part-whole method
Appel
Broken time
Compound riposte
Envelopment
Opposition
Circular parry 
Quarte 
Tierce 
Successive parries
Cadence
Pronation   
Indirect
High / low lines
Low line, semi-supinated guard on the non-sword-arm side
Derobement 
Low line, pronated guard on the sword-arm side
Beat
Counter attack
Progressive actions 
Prises de fer
Development
Compound Prises de fer
Quinte
High line, semi-supinated guard on the sword-arm side
The renewal of an action made with a lunge by first returning to guard...
The renewal of an action after being parried by replacing the point on...
Supination 
Double 
Priority 
The renewal of an action after being parried by replacing the point on...
Change beat 
Croise
Absence of blade
Change of engagement 
Cut-over (coupe) 
Breaking ground
Bind 
Counter-time
Coule 
Compound action
Prime
Barrage
Ceding parry 
Counter-disengagement
Disengagement
Compound attack
Direct
Alert!

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