Counterattacks traditionally come in two varieties, one in which the fencer extends directly or indirectly to the target, relying on speed, distance, and timing to hit, and one in which the fencer counters the attack with opposition and an extension in the final line. Today counterattacking actions tend to be considered Stop Hits, Stop Cuts, or Stop Thrusts, with a descriptor attached, such as stop hit with opposition or intercepting stop hit (for example, see Handelman 2014). However, in the classical period the action without and with opposition were considered distinct actions. A separate post will consider the differences in more detail.
Maitre Louis Rondelle (1892) provides a detailed description of the execution of the one of these, the Time Thrust. The time thrust is executed between the opponent's last feint and the final attack - it is thus intended as a counterattack against the compound attack (Rondelle uses older terminology, the composite attack, in place of compound attack). The timing is important and is predicated on the completion of the step forward with the feint. Effectively it gives the fencer a half-tempo advantage of the opponent as it lands while the opponent's blade is still in transit to the final line.
This requires either very good reconnaissance and an excellent understanding of the opponent's skill set and the tactical progression of the bout or the detection of a tell to identify when the feint is the last feint. In a compound attack, the last feint is the one in a one two, the two in a one-two-three, the three in a one-two-three-four … the coupe in the tour d'epee. In other words, given the complexity of classical period compound attacks, potentially dozens of different points in the progression of the incoming attack. The Time Thrust is not an action for the feint of heart or those prone to indecision. However, given a predicable opponent, it can be devastating.
Rondelle divides the time thrust into two categories based on the line into which the final attack is made. Theoretically these categories could be extend to cover attacks into any of the four quadrants of the target, but his restrictions make sense when the geometry of the action is considered.
The Direct Time Thrust is a straight thrust that anticipates the final line of the attack and hits the opponent in that line, simultaneously closing it to his or her attack. It deals with any compound attack in sixte against the high outside line. It is executed with a lunge and the weapon hand closing the line.
The Time Thrust in Opposition deals with attacks in quarte into high inside. As the opponent starts the final disengage, the fencer lowers the point and intercepts the opponent's blade when it is in low sixte, maintains contact with opposition in octave, and hits the opponent in the low line.
The assignment of the two different time thrusts to two specific lines makes considerable sense. Attempting to close quarte with a direct time thrust requires considerable practice and some good luck - the final disengage into quarte is much easier to intercept and hit in octave. Similarly, attempting to intercept a disengage into sixte with opposition in septime is a relatively large movement that would seem open to being deceived, but closing the line in the final sixte is a strong position.
Rondelle stresses that the fencer must follow the opponent's feints carefully to be able to judge which action will be the final. Controlled execution of intentional parries against the feint encourages the opponent to make the final attack, which can then be defeated.
Copyright 2018 by Walter G. Green III
Rondelle's Time Thrust by Walter G. Green III is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
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