In essence, a feint is a deliberate fake or misleading movement intended to draw an opponent’s guard or weapon in the wrong direction, thereby creating an opening for an actual strike. This technique demands not only physical agility but also a strong sense of timing, strategy, and psychological insight, as the fencer aims to manipulate the opponent’s reactions.
A successful feint typically begins with a believable threat, such as a thrust, slash, or lunge, that appears genuinely dangerous. The goal is to provoke the opponent into committing to a defensive response, leaving them vulnerable to a follow-up attack. Once the adversary takes the bait, the attacker shifts into the real strike, in an attempt to blindside the opponent.
