About Fencing

The Martial Art of the West

Fencing is a sport that developed from practices used in training sword fighters. “Sport” sword fighting has been in existence since at least 1100 BC, taking its present form about 200 years ago. Today, fencing is conducted with light, blunt weapons equipped with electrical scoring devices. The object is no longer to injure ones opponent, but to score points by touching him. Fencing is open to both men and women and tournaments are frequently “mixed,” with both men and women fencing each other. Fencing is enjoyed internationally and is one of the original events in the modern Olympic Games.

Fencing can be enjoyed by all ages and, once learned, can be a life-long sport. Some fencers are still competing successfully at over 60 years of age. In this sport, which has been likened to a physical game of chess, many have found that the patience and skill of experience can compete with the energy and agility of youth. Competition, sponsored by the United States Fencing Association (USFA) occurs locally, regionally and nationally, with top fencers competing in Olympic and international tournaments sponsored by the Federation Internationale d’Escrime (FIE). Many colleges boast fencing clubs and some have teams which compete collegiately in NCAA tournaments. Many communities also have fencing clubs of various sizes from small, informal gatherings to large, professionally coached “salles d’armes”.

Equipment needed to start the sport is minimal. Tennis shoes, loose jeans, and a tee shirt or sweat shirt will suffice for group lessons. After several weeks of lessons, actual fencing equipment is used but the club has some jackets, masks, and weapons to loan during classes. If you choose to buy your own equipment, you will need a mask, a full jacket, a weapon (foil, for the beginner class), and a glove. Many fencing vendors put together starter equipment set that costs about $150.

Weapons

Foil Foil is a stabbing weapon, thus attack is done with the point of the weapon. The fencer establishes the “right of way” by moving the weapon toward the opponent’s target area. The fencer with the “right of way” and score the touch gets the point. Target: TORSO ONLY (indicated in red)
Epee Epee is also a stabbing weapon attack is done with the point of the weapon. In Epee, the “right of way” rule does not apply. The fencer who score the touch first gets the point. If both fencers hit each other at the same time, both will get a point.Target: FULL BODY (indicated in red)
Saber Saber is a slashing weapon. Attacks can be made with the point or the edge of the weapon. The “right of way” rule also apply to saber. As in foil, the fencer with the “right of way” and score the touch gets the point.Target: UPPER BODY (indicated in red)