What are the defensive lines for fencing and where did they originate?

I'm taking a fencing class and the instructor told us the front four lines, but the numbers don't seem to have any order to them. I tried asking him about the other numbers he mentioned, but he just started talking in circles about defensive techniques and didn't answer my question. (maybe because he's Egyptian) Anyhoo, it'd really help if someone could put a diagram or a link to a diagram (I'm a visual learner sometimes)|||I'm going to assume you're talking about parrying (blocking). If you're talking about foil or epee (at least I think foil's the same as epee) you've got 9 basic parries. These are based upon righty positions.


1. the weapon is held to the left side of the body the tip pointing straight down.


2. err... good question


3. the weapon is held low near the thigh with the weapon pointing upwards and fowards (a little off the opponent).


4. basic across the body block you just roll te wrist to the side from en guarde position.


5. don't even bother


6. basically, the en guarde position. It should protect your right arm (or with a small variation, the right side of your body) assuming you start in 6.


7. same as 4 but the weapon points down and fowards to defend the legs by going to the left.


8. like 7 but you go to the right (in the direction of 6).


9. In sabre this would be 5 it's rather disused now. so I wouldn't bother (at least until you get more practice).


Of course your instructor may have them ordered differently (I know 4, 6, 7, and 8 are rather standard but not sure about the others). Try asking him to demonstrate. He may also be talking about (defensive) binding, which might be more confusing than helpful. Don't worry too much, fencing coaches enjoy confusing their students, but they will make sure you get it in due time.