Jump to:

• What is Fencing?
• A brief history of Fencing
• Fencing Today
• Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS FENCING?

Fencing is the art and sport of fighting with swords. It combines many element of physical and mental control, developing fitness, technique, co-ordination, tactical thinking, problem solving, distance appreciation and reflexes. It is often described as a game of chess at lightning speed, employing deception, traps, intimidation and a host of other tactical and psychological aspects. It's an exciting and competitive sport, suitable for both men and women of any age. By its very nature fencing necessitates the use of skill, timing and technique over brute strength, allowing everybody to compete on equal terms, regardless of age, sex or stature.

Fencing comprises of three weapon categories: Foil, Epée and Sabre. Foil and Epée are stabbing weapons where only hits with the point can score, in Sabre cuts with the edge of the blade also score. Foil and Sabre are governed by a set of rules known as ‘right of way’, whereas Epée is judged purely on who hits first.

Fencing is a modern Olympic sport and is one of only three that has been in every modern Olympic Games. Below is coverage from the 2006 World Championships. [top]

 

A BRIEF HISTORY OF FENCING

Fencing is an art of the greatest antiquity with centuries of history and tradition behind it. Probably the first record of fencing occurs in a relief carving in a temple at Luxor in Upper Egypt, created around 1190 BC. The fencers are depicted using swords with covered points and wearing masks remarkably similar to their modern equivalents. Indeed, since long before the birth of Christ the Persians, Greeks, Romans, Babylonians - in fact all ancient races practised - swordsmanship according to set rules and movements.

These ancient combats were characterised by the heavy armour worn in battle. So long as such protection was used, swords remained comparatively heavy and cumbersome - though far from the extent to which they are often portrayed.

The Italians were the first to appreciate the superiority of the use of the point of the sword rather than the edge. They developed lighter weapons and nimbler, better-controlled play. This style spread throughout Europe and by the mid-16th century was well established as Rapier Fencing. The long Rapier initially employed was still a relatively clumsy weapon, unsuited to quick defensive action. In most cases it was used in conjunction with a long knife or cloak that was used to parry (block) the opponent's attacks. It wasn't until the 17th century in France that the lighter, shorter sword replaced its heavier counterpart and allowed both attacking and defensive moves to be made with just the one weapon. This new French school of ‘small sword’ fencing quickly replaced Rapier fencing in much of Europe.

 

 

Fighting at close quarters at such high speed always involved the danger of injury, even though the weapons were blunted. The conventions of fencing were first established as a safety precaution. By limiting the target and discouraging simultaneous attacks the combat became safer and more defined. Fencing developed as a formalised 'conversation' of attacks, parries and counter attacks. These conventions remain the basis for modern fencing conventions to this day. Those interested in training in early fencing methods should visit the Historical Fencing page. [top]

 

FENCING TODAY

Fencing Foil: The foil is the initial training weapon you will use when you start fencing. It is however still fenced in its own right just as much as (if not more than) the other weapons throughout Britain. It is a lightweight weapon measuring approximately 3' from pommel to tip. On a non-electric or 'steam' foil used for practice, the blade is blunt, fitted with a rubber tip and flexible to prevent injury. An electric sword is similar, but is fitted with a button on the tip known as a 'point'. Attacks are made only with the point to specific target areas:

This is the entire torso, including the back down to waist level. Hits made to the arms, legs or mask are off-target - hits to these stop the bout like a normal hit, but do not score. Foil is governed by a series of conventions known as Right of Way, designed to teach fencers the correct actions to use should the weapons be sharp.

Interested in taking up foil? Why not consider the 'Introduction to Foil' DVD from our merchandise section?

Fencing Epée: Epée, like foil, is a thrusting weapon - hits must be made with the tip, and not the flat of the blade. However, the weapon has a larger guard to protect the hand and arm, the whole body is target, and there are no rules of Right of Way - if you hit the other person you get a point. To prevent endless double lights, once you have been hit you have only 40-50ms to hit back. Thus in epée, it is far more important to hit without being hit. Some epeeists hold their weapon by the pommel for extra reach. Below is coverage of Epée fencing from the World championships in Torinto:

 

 

Sabre Fencing: Sabre, like foil, is a 'conventional' weapon with Right of Way. However, sabre is fundamentally different to foil and epée as hits can be made with 'cuts' as well as thrusts. In sabre, the entire upper body from the waist upwards, except for the hands, is target. This includes the arms, chest, back, the mask including the bib and the wrist. In electric sabre, a lamé jacket that covers the body including the arms is worn. The mask and bib are also made conductive (a wire connects the mask and jacket by crocodile clips), and an overlay of lamé material is worn over the wrist to make it conductive. Any contact of the opponents blade to your jacket, mask or overlay will count as a hit. There is no off-target in sabre; any hit made to any part of the body except the target will have no effect. Below is coverage of sabre fencing from the World championships in Torinto:

 

 

Right of Way: These rules determine which fencer is awarded the hit should both lights come up in a bout. The basic principle is that it is unwise to attack someone who’s already attacking you. Instead you should defend yourself and once safe then attack. Therefore, if fencer A lunges at fencer B and fencer B’s reaction is to stick out his/her arm and counter attack, providing both hit, fencer A recieves the point. Likewise if fencer A attacks and fencer B performs a successful parry (block) and then ripostes (attacks after the parry) it would be unwise for fencer A to simply attack into the riposte. It all sounds very complicated, but becomes simple when you start to fence. Further information can be found in our 'Understanding the ref' aticle. [top]

 

Some frequently asked questions about fencing can be found here.