Opposition
Intermediate Level Fencing term
Definition
To attack with opposition is to attack while maintaining a contact with the partner’s blade somewhat stronger than a mere engagement. There can be no hard-and-fast rule, but the strength should probably be just enough to carry the defender’s blade slightly out of line, without being considerable enough to force it into a new line altogether. It is possible to parry and riposte with opposition in the same way; but in this case the term is often used to indicate a mere contact or engagement of the blades, in contrast to the detached parry and riposte. We sometimes hear of an engagement with opposition. This is engaging and holding the partner’s blade rather more firmly than is usual.
Explanation
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