Chapter V: Section 4: Individual Defense

401. GENERAL

At times the bayonet fighter may lose the initiative and the opponent may move into the attack. Some defensive measures are therefore necessary for protection and in order to permit the bayonet fighter to regain the initiative. The basic defensive moves are the block and parry. The parry is effective against the jab, while the block is used against the slash and the vertical butt stroke. Timing, speed, and judgment are key factors in handling defensive moves. The parry is done either to the right or left, depending on the position of the incoming blade. If the opponent’s blade comes in above the bayonet fighter’s piece, the parry should be to the right. If it comes in below the bayonet fighter’s piece, the parry should be to the left.

402. PARRY RIGHT

a. Execution

(1) If the opponent’s blade is thrust toward the bayonet fighter in a position above the piece of the bayonet fighter, the parry will be to the right.

(2) From the guard position, step forward about 7 inches with the left foot, keeping the right foot as a base.

(3) Extend the left arm outward, to the right and down, engaging the opponent’s weapon and forcing it to the right and down. This is done by pulling the right hand back along the right hip. Ideally, the opponent’s weapon is engaged at the balance of the bayonet fighter’s weapon. The operating handle is pointed toward the deck after the opponent’s weapon is engaged. (See fig. 19.)

b. Move into the Attack and Recovery.

(1) Move directly into the attack rather than returning to the guard position.

(2) Deliver a jab, or step forward with the right foot and deliver a vertical butt stroke.

(3) Recover to the guard position as prescribed in section 3.

403. PARRY LEFT

a. Execution.

(1) If the opponent’s blade is thrust toward the bayonet fighter in a position below the piece of the bayonet fighter, the parry will be to the left.

(2) From the guard position, step forward about 7 inches with the left foot, using the right foot as a base. Bring the rifle to a vertical position with the right forearm nearly parallel to the deck.

(3) Snap the left hand forward to the left and down engaging the opponent’s weapon anywhere between the back of the bayonet and the balance of the bayonet fighter’s piece. The rifle will be nearly horizontal with the operating handle up and the sling pointing toward the opponent. (See fig. 20.)

b. Move into the Attack and Recovery.

(1) After the parry left, a slash can be delivered by stepping forward with the left foot. A horizontal or vertical butt stroke can be delivered by stepping forward with the right foot.

(2) Recover to the guard position as prescribed in section 3.

404. BLOCK AGAINST SLASH

a. Execution.

(1) From the guard position, thrust the rifle out and up. The weapon stays in the same general position as in the guard position, but the arms are now nearly at full extension.

(2) Push the balance of the rifle into the opponent’s rifle. (See fig. 21.)

b. Move Into the Attack and Recovery.

(1) After the opponent’s slash is blocked he is overextended and off balance.

(2) Counter with a slash or horizontal butt stroke.

(3) Recover to the guard position in the same manner as outlined in section 3.

405. BLOCK AGAINST VERTICAL BUTT STROKE

a. Execution

(1) From the guard position, extend the arms out and down.

(2) The rifle is now nearly horizontal to the deck, and the arms fully extended.

(3) Engage the opponent’s stock near the balance of the rifle. (See fig. 22.)

b. Move into the Attack and Recovery

(1) Counter with a horizontal slash or horizontal butt stroke.

(2) Recover to the guard position in the same manner prescribed in section 3.