Riposte

In fencing, the riposte (French for "retort") is an offensive action with the intent of hitting one's opponent, made by the fencer who has just parried an attack.

In everyday language, a riposte is synonymous with a retort and describes a quick and witty reply to an argument or an insult.

Etymology

In sabre and foil, the priority switches when the parry is successfully executed; the defending fencer now has right of way and may immediately attack with a riposte. The riposte may be direct, or may include compound footwork. If the riposte is delayed, the original attacker's remise gains priority. Riposte is analogous to kaeshi techniques in kendo.

When one sets up a second intention attack, the reactions of one's opponent must be predicted. A fencer may execute an attack expecting to be parried, preparing to counter-parry and counter-riposte.

See also

Touché

References

Glossary of fencing

This is a glossary of terms used in fencing.

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Parries generally cover one of the 'lines' of the body. The simplest parries move the blade in a straight line. Other parries move the blade in a circular, semicircular, or diagonal manner. There are eight basic parries, and many derivatives of these eight. (see #Prime, #Seconde, #Tierce, #Quarte, #Quinte, #Sixte, #Septime, #Octave, #Neuvieme). See also #Lines.

In foil, the opponent's blade should not only be deflected away from the target, but away from off-target areas as well. An attack that is deflected off the valid target but onto invalid target still retains right-of-way. In sabre, the opponent's blade need only be deflected away from valid target, since off-target touches do not stop the phrase. Sabre parries must be particularly clean and clear to avoid the possibility of whip-over touches. In épée, a good parry is simply any one that gains enough time for the riposte; opposition parries and prise-de-fer are commonly used, since they do not release the opponent's blade to allow a remise.

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Historical and Foreign Fencing Terminology

Note that the vocabulary here is primarily a glossary of modern fencing terms. Over time, the teminology has evolved, and different terminology may be found in Medieval and Renaissance sources. In many cases, English, French, and Italian terminology may be used (often interchangeably) for the same thing.

See also

Outline of fencing

References

Riposte (album)

Riposte is the third album by Slovenly, released on 1987 through SST Records.

Track listing

All songs written and composed by Slovenly. 

Personnel

Vic Abascal – production

Steve Anderson – vocals

Rob Holtzman – drums

Lynn Johnston – bass clarinet, saxophone, viola

Tim Plowman – bass guitar, guitar

Tom Watson – guitar, bass guitar

Scott Ziegler – guitar, bass guitar

References

External links

Riposte at Discogs (list of releases)