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.
[Illustration: Figure 19.—Parry Right.]
(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.)
[Illustration: Figure 20.—Parry Left.]
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.
[Illustration: Figure 21.—Block Slash.]
[Illustration: Figure 22.—Block Vertical Butt Stroke.]