Thrusts
Thrusts are to attack with a stabbing attack, or to use the point of the sword. The thrusts are the same as you would use with a smallsword. Note how Tierce, Prime and Seconde are launched at a similar wrist angle but vary in the height of their attack in relation to the opponent’s sword, and the line on which they attack. The same goes for Carte over the arm, carte and low carte. As a rule, thrusts should be made with blade contact with the opponent’s blade to safely control it whilst you make the attack, or with blade domination.
When you make thrusts, by default you should engage the opponent’s blade with your true edge until you know better. Do not cock back your hand when launching thrusts, simply aim at the target, displace the opponent’s blade where possible, and drive in your point. Your safety when launching these attacks is more important than landing on your opponent, so focus on protecting yourself at the time of making the thrust. This is more difficult when using the Prime and Carte over the arm thrusts as they work around an opponent’s guard rather than driving into it. They are best used once an opponent has made some resistance against your blade or made a parry against a more typical thrust (Tierce and Carte).
Tierce – A thrust made on the outside of the opponent’s sword using an outside or hanging guard position.
Prime – A thrust made on the inside of the opponent’s sword using an outside or hanging guard position.
Seconde – A thrust made below the opponent’s sword (guard) using outside or hanging guard position.
Carte of the arm – A thrust made on the outside of the opponent’s sword using the inside guard position.
Carte – A thrust made on the inside of the opponent’s sword using the inside guard position.
Low Carte – A thrust made under the opponent’s sword (guard) using the inside guard position.
Videos about this topic
The curvature of the sabre makes some thrusts more difficult but makes others sneakier as they can work around the opponent’s guard. See the video below for more information.