How is "continuation" defined in the context of fencing?

In the context of fencing, "continuation" is defined as the act of executing a series of uninterrupted offensive actions. This concept is vital to understanding the dynamics of a bout, where maintaining a flow of attacks can put pressure on the opponent and create opportunities for scoring points. When a fencer engages in a continuation, they focus on their offensive strategy without pauses, allowing them to dictate the tempo of the match and capitalize on any openings presented by their opponent.

In contrast, maintaining a defensive position involves a more reactive approach, where the fencer is primarily focused on defending against their opponent's attacks rather than pressing their offense. Changing tactics from offense to defense indicates a strategic shift that interrupts the flow of the offensive actions, which does not align with the idea of continuation. Finally, starting a new bout after a reset is entirely different as it refers to the logistics of the match rather than the offensive strategy itself. Understanding continuation helps fencers and referees alike recognize the flow of offensive actions and their significance in scoring and strategy during a bout.