The reader may also note that we seem to be speaking of "fencing time" as if one fencing time was a concrete, quantifiable, and invariable period. This is not the case. One fencing time is a relative, not absolute thing. It is defined simply as "the time it takes to perform one fencing action." Thus, a lunge with the rapier is one time, a direct cut with the edge is one time, a parry against the lunge or cut is one time, and a step forwards or backwards is one time. Of course, actions can be combined, so a step backwards taken together with a parry, or the extension of the arm which is an integral part of the lunge, is still one time.

By extension of this principle, it also takes one time to jab with a fist, one time to throw a roundhouse kick, or one time to unbalance an opponent in judo. In terms of "clock time," it is of course not the case that everyone's roundhouse kick travels at the same speed, and, likewise, we know that a jab, relatively speaking, is faster than a roundhouse kick. However, they are all alike in that they are single, simple actions, and so, for the purpose of our discussion, which concerns the tactical use of "timing" and not the measuring of "time," we shall consider them the same.

Given the definition of what one fencing time is, it is easy to understand the concept of "dui tempi," that is, "two times." This is, quite simply, one simple action followed by another. Thus, a parry followed by a riposte (that is, a counterattack) is considered "dui tempi," a block followed by a punch is likewise two times; and a defense against a throw followed by an attempt to counter-throw can be seen as two times. Two jabs thrown in quick succession is two times; likewise, a jab followed by a reverse punch is also two times. Again, the relative speed of the actions is not important; what is important is that they are two discreet actions, whether offensive, defensive, or a combination of both. This is the most elementary mode of offense or defense: One attacks, and then one defends; or, conversely, one defends, and then one attacks.

Below two action sequences illustrate "dui tempi" timing. In the first series Maestro Martinez parries Ken's cut to his head and then responds with a cut of his own. In the second, unarmed sequence, in response to Ken's reverse punch, Maestro Martinez first blocks the attack, and then simultaneously checks Ken's arm and strikes.