Foible and the Forte
When force is applied upon you, knowing the proper way to respond is a crucial part of success. Pressure can be applied in all different directions. When pressure is applied to the inside or outside of the arm, these many different directions can be considered combinations of up, down, left and right.
Terminology from fencing can help us to better understand our hand-to-hand training.
Foible - the weaker part of a sword between the middle and the tip. The foible of the arm is between the middle of the forearm to the wrist.
Forte - the strong part of the sword closest to the base. The upper forearm is the forte of the arm.
Just as the blade, this foible section of the arm is weaker in terms of leverage, and is used for motions where speed is needed and leverage is not crucial. When pressure is applied downward or against the outside of the foible, the proper response through disengaging the arms (jow sao) under and around. Alternately, when pressure is applied upward or the the inside of the foible, the proper response should be to take an angular step to the opponents opposite side and counter with your opposite hand.
The "strength" of the forte section of the arm refers to the control established over the opponent's weapon/arm upon contact of one's forte with the opponent's foible (a situation of favorable leverage). The proper response to pressure applied from any direction against the forte should be to step angularly and counter the the opponent's opposite side - the same action as pressure applied the inside of the forte.
