Introduction to Fencing

Fencing is a combat sport that draws an intelligent, individualistic person to its corps. It draws from martial arts, dance, and chess to create a very special entity called a “fencer.”

Like fellow Olympic sports archery and javelin, fencing has its roots in ancient combat. Around 1200 BC, the Egyptians began the custom of fencing for sport, as seen by images in decorative reliefs from that period depicting knobs on the end of weapons, earflaps and other protective garb. Sword craftsmanship evolved through the ages, from the short, wide swords favored by the Greeks and Romans to the heavy two-handed broadswords in vogue during the age of chivalry. After the advent of gunpowder and firearms, armor became obsolete and lighter swords gained popularity as the sidearm of choice for European officers and gentlemen.

“Introduction to Fencing” by Craig Harkins Read the entire article on fencing.net here

The Weapons
Foil
The foil is approximately 35 inches in length and weighs less than one pound (16 ounces). Points are scored with the tip of the blade and must land within the torso of the body. The valid target area in foil is from the shoulders to the groin, front and back. The target area does not include the head, neck, arms and legs. Fencers wear a metallic vest called a lamé which covers the valid target area so that a valid touch will register on a scoring machine when fencing in competitions.
Epee
The epee is the descendent of the dueling sword. It weighs approximately 27 ounces, has a larger bell guard to protect the hand and a stiffer blade than the foil. Touches are scored only with the point of the blade; however, the entire body is the target area.
Saber
The saber is the modern version of the slashing cavalry sword and is similar in length and weight to the foil. The saber is a thrusting weapon as well as a cutting weapon; therefore, the tip and the entire blade are used. The target area is from the bend of the hips to the top of the head, front and back, simulating the cavalry rider on a horse. The saber fencer’s uniform includes a metallic jacket called a lamé which covers the valid target area so that a valid touch will register on a scoring machine when fencing in competitions.
Choosing a Weapon
Youth beginner students-
We are initially introduced to the foil because foil skills are the basis of all other techniques. At times, an epee or saber student will be asked to return to the basics of foil to retrain certain skills, especially point control. We recommend beginner youth fencers learn foil for at least the first 3 months of fencing. All beginner youth fencers will fence with “dry,” or non-electric, weapons. As students progress, the coach will recommend advancing to competition level at which point the student will begin purchasing their own electric equipment.

All competitive fencers are required to meet the current requirements of the USFA rules and ensure their equipment is in good working order. Instructors in the Intermediate and Advanced Foil classes may introduce students to the epee or saber. Students usually develop an interest in, or preference for, a specific weapon and request classes or lessons for that weapon.

Adult beginner students, or those entering our Fitness Fencing program, are initially taught epee. This is to allow the student to concentrate on technique and strategy without worrying about right-of-way rules (foil and sabre requirements for which fencer is on the attack). However, Fitness Fencers may choose to fence any of the three weapons at any time. Our goal in the Fitness class is to get the adult student up and fencing at a level they can have fun when competing in local competitions.
The Sport that is Fencing

“Fencing, like other martial arts, has evolved away into the competitive sports world. Still, much of the history of fencing remains, and can be seen in the many conventions still in practice today, like saluting your opponent or retrieving their lost weapon.” – Anita B. Bersie, Fencing II Final Exam, University of Wisconsin”

Fencing need not involve the egos of participants. Winners and losers of a bout shake hands and often talk about the match and try to learn from each other. Fencers on both sides are always willing to compare tactics. Along these lines, even a losing bout can be fun and helpful in the training process. Losing is not so much a defeat as it is an opportunity to learn. The gentlemanly heritage of modern fencing contributes greatly to the courtesy and manners of fencing. Its history as a cordial ac