Parrying experts

[jspierre]

I've heard people, really in epee, say that 'so-and-so's parries are hard to get through', meaning, I think, they just parry very well.

I think these types of fencers really do exist, though I'm not sure what exactly explains their superior technique. I think it's just a quesiton of hand speed, and accuracy, but there's also elements of closing distance, pressuring, anticipation, and great self-confidence. It's like a guy who just quitely seems to challenge you to hit them, you through your best stuff at them, and (like Emril), BAM, they nail the parry, and riposte, leaving you hanging there in failed mid-attack like sorry dog.

Guys to me that US fencers might know that I think have this are Akhi (when he actively competed - saber), Jan (seems to hv great hand speed/coordination - epee), and maybe Jon T or Dan (foil).

How do they do this? Does anybody drill for this either in lessons or outside of lessons? Can you do it? And what can you do to defeat this skill in terms of an attack?

[prototoast]

Basically, parrying ability comes from two things, reaction time/hand spee and good distance. Reaction time/hand speed just come from practicing over and over again (not necessarily for speed) but to recognize an attack and make a good parry automatic. Distance obviously requires a different kind of practicing to be able to be where you need to be but still pressuring your opponent to induce a favorable reaction. When both these things work really well, the defender will be very good at parrying.

[mrbiggs]

The technique of the parry is also very helpful when a fencer parries alot. For example, many of the really good parriers I've seen are able to parry 1-8 without their point straying from their oppoenent's target. This allows for quick ripostes, and attack in preparation or counterattacks when the parries don't work.

[keith]

How do they do this? Does anybody drill for this either in lessons or outside of lessons? Can you do it? And what can you do to defeat this skill in terms of an attack?

leaving aside technique (just a small aside).

The most devastating parries are made just before your opponents front foot lands at the end of the lunge. This is the moment when they are most committed to the attack and travelling the fastest. Parrying early on the first movement of the front foot is all fine and good but this is where everyone trains to perform the disengage (or set up a counter riposte) so early parries quickly morph into second intention actions (or are best just replaced by attack in prep).

As to timing that depends on how deep you opponent is attacking: if they are lunging three feet through you you'll have to step back in order to time the parry, if they are spot on with distance then you don't have to retreat. If they are lunging short you can step in.