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.