parries

Parry is a defensive action in combat in which a weapon, shield, or hand is used to deflect or redirect an incoming attack away from the defender. The goal is to reduce or neutralize the impact and create a counterattack opportunity. The term is used across martial arts, fencing, and historical swordplay, and techniques vary by weapon and tradition. In fencing, a parry stops the opponent's blade by guiding it with a blade or guard and is often followed by a riposte. Fencing systems classify parries by position, with established parries I to VI in foil and épée, and variations in sabre. Effectiveness depends on timing, distance, grip, and footwork. In boxing and similar arts, a parry is a quick deflection of an incoming punch with the hand or forearm, intended to open a countering line while maintaining defense. In historical swordplay and medieval martial arts, parries are performed with a shield, sword, or dagger and combine with blocks, binds, and disengages; mastery emphasizes timing rather than brute force.

Despite usefulness, parries have limits: mis-timing can expose the defender, and multiple attackers or feints can defeat single-parry defenses. Proper training emphasizes posture, timing, and distance management, as well as integration with footwork and angles.