Absence of blades When opposing blades are not actually in contact. NOT ENGAGED. Abstraction The process of reducing a fight sequence down to it's most essential characteristics. Academic assault A bout during a display in which hits are not usually counted. Academic combat A mechanical, technically correct fight, with little or no acting intent. Accent Stressing of one particular action or sequence. Acquired parry Another name for a circular or counter parry Across A guard position which has the weapons blade directed across the body. Action Any movement line or cue which demands a reaction form your opponent. What is a fight sequence, but a series of actions and reactions? Action director Fight or movement director who co-ordinates sequences of movement on a larger scale. Perhaps with giant puppets or with crowds. Actions Simple, compound, progressive, or combined movements of the blade and/ or body used to accomplish the combatant's objectives within a fight. Actor/ combatant a/ The first category of four skill levels dictated by the SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FIGHT DIRECTORS. b/ Any actor involved in a fight sequence. AD Assistant director. In film there can be three (or more AD's). The first AD is the most relevant, as he/ she calls the shots and is the voice of the director on set.  Ad Lib Extemporaneous movement or sequence which has not been choreographed into the fight. Not a good thing. Advance Footwork carrying the body forward. In classical fencing by stepping the forward foot first, followed by a step of the same length or shorter by the lag. In historical combat by stepping forward foot first, or by passing with the rear. TO STEP FORWARD. Advisor When a fight director has not been given enough time, payment or control over production he/ she may wish to be known as the FIGHT ADVISOR. This makes it clear to a company that for one or all of these reasons, the fight director cannot guarantee the safety or quality of a fight in production. Effectively washing hands of responsibility. Sadly, the FIGHT ADVISOR is becoming a more and more regular occurrence.  After Cut A cut on the riposte. Aerial Shot (Film) Camera shot, taken from the air. Agrippa, Camillo 1568, Agrippa recommended the use of only four guards, corresponding roughly to prime, seconde, tierce, and low quarte in modern fencing.  Aids The last three fingers of the hand which assist or "aid" the manipulators. Ala Mazza A less formal duel, often by groups, as well as individuals. Alignment Essentially good posture, where the various parts of the body are all in correct relative position to one another. Alta High line. Alto Used in reference to the target at the upper part of the opponents body; at the shoulder or chest level. Angelo, Dominico Italian author of "School Of Fencing" (1763) which is considered to be the foremost text on swordplay, containing some of the best plates on the topic. Angulation Method of angling the blade from the wrist or arm which enables the point to land by going round the opponents parry or guard position. Answer  a/ A riposte b/ To meet an aggressor in a fight; to return a hostile action. Anticipation 1/Term used to describe when a combatant acts in advance of the appropriate moment. This can happen when the actor ceases to think but to mark moves automatically, due to long and exhausting rehearsal. 2/ When an actor speaks or moves in advance of the appropriate moment. Appel A beat on the ground with the ball of the foot, usually done while lunging so that the front foot hits twice, toe, then heel. A "front foot" or "back foot" appel according to which foot is used. Can throw the opponent fractionally off guard if used efficiently.  Arena stage Stage with the audience all around it. Known as theatre "in the round". Armet 15th century helmet fitted with visor and cheek pieces at skull. Armpit Kill a/ Cliché kill, you know the one. b/ A kill delivered under the opponents arm piercing the chest. Armour Protective clothing or shield which offers the wearer some cover from damage caused by opponents attacks. Armourer a/ Maker or supplier of weapons armour etc. b/ In film, the person in charge of weapons on and off set. Arms Of The Hilt The two half circular guards forward of the quillions on a rapier or smallsword Arrebatar A cutting attack from shoulder with the entire arm. Arret French term for stop stroking. Assault 1/ A bout between two fencers. 2/ An attack by one or more opponents. Assistant fight director One who assists the FD, either by filling in or by working under the direction of the fight director. Assisted Parry The action of a parry, against a heavy weapon or action joined by a second weapon, or support ( hand/ shield). Assisted Heavy Parry The action of a parry, against a heavy weapon, joined by a second weapon, with both weapons taking the opposing blade to the floor. Associated term used by modern writers of parts of a weapon which are thought not to be original. Attack a/ A simple or compound offensive action intended to hit one's opponent. b/ An assault. c/ The beginning portion of any sound. Attack on preparation An offensive action launched as the opponent prepares for attack. e.g. as the opponent steps forward or back before straightening their attacking arm. Attack on the blade Actions used to deflect or remove the opponents blade before you attack. e.g. beat, pressure, froissement etc. Attack with opposition An attack which maintains contact with the opponents blade in the hope of deflecting it. Popular in Italian foil. Avances The part  of the target nearest you. e.g. the sword wrist or forward foot. Avantage The slight bow or bend in the foible of a fencing blade which "trains" the blade to give on a hit rather than pierce. Avoidance A movement of the body and/or feet which displaces the target from the line of attack.