Fencing

Fencing is a combat sport where athletes use swords to compete. There are three main kinds of fencing: foil, épée, and sabre. Each kind uses a different sword and has its own rules. Most fencers pick one kind to focus on.

Fencing became popular in the late 1800s. It started from old European ways of fighting with swords. An Italian school helped change the old style of classical fencing, and a French school later improved the rules. In fencing matches, players earn points by touching their opponent’s body with their sword.

Fencing has been part of the Olympic Games for a very long time. It was one of the first sports included in the Olympics. Along with athletics, cycling, swimming, and gymnastics, fencing has been in every modern Olympics since the start. In the 1904 Olympics, there was also a type of fencing called singlestick, but it was only in those games and is not part of fencing today.

Competitive fencing

Further information: Fédération Internationale d'Escrime

Fencing is overseen by the Fédération Internationale d'Escrime (FIE), based in Lausanne, Switzerland. The FIE has 155 groups from different countries. Each group is recognized by their country's Olympic Committee as the main body for Olympic-style fencing.

The FIE makes the rules for big tournaments like the Olympics. In a fencing match, players try to score hits within a set time. In early rounds, matches end when a player scores 5 hits or 3 minutes pass. In later rounds, matches end when one player scores 15 hits or 9 minutes end. Team matches have nine bouts, and the first team to reach 45 hits wins. If scores are tied, a short sudden-death period decides the winner.

See also: Collegiate Fencing and High School Fencing

Universities and schools also hold fencing events. Students can compete in the World University Games, the NCAA championship, and the USACFC National Championships in the United States, and the BUCS in the United Kingdom. Many schools and universities have fencing programs to get more young people involved. Some places use foam and plastic swords for younger children to make it safer and more affordable, with special competitions like the Plastic-and-Foam Fencing FunLeague in Scotland.

History

Main article: History of fencing

See also: History of physical training and fitness

Fencing started as a way to learn sword fighting for protection. Over time, it changed from real fights to a sport for fun and exercise. Today, fencing is known for its good sportsmanship and honor.

The oldest book about fencing is from around the year 1300. It comes from Germany and talks about using swords and small shields. Later books from Italy and Germany also taught people how to fight with swords. In the 1700s, a man named Domenico Angelo started a fencing school in London. He helped turn fencing into a sport and wrote a book about it in 1763.

In the late 1800s, rules for fencing were officially written down. Fencing became an Olympic sport in 1896. Today, fencing matches use special electric scoring machines to make it easier and fairer to see who wins.

Weapons

Main article: Foil (fencing)
Main article: Épée
Main article: Sabre (fencing)

Fencing has three main types of weapons. The foil is a light sword. Players score points by hitting the torso with the tip. The épée is heavier. Players can hit any part of the body with the tip to score. The sabre lets players hit the upper body with the edge or tip. Each weapon has special guards to protect the fencer’s hand.

Equipment

Most fencing gear is made from strong materials like cotton or nylon to keep fencers safe during practice and competition. Fencers wear special jackets, gloves, and shoes that protect them.

Each part of the outfit has a purpose. The jacket has a strap that goes between the legs for extra security. The gloves help keep a good grip on the weapon.

Fencers also use electric equipment in some types of fencing to know when a hit is valid. This includes a body cord that connects the fencer to a scoring system. The rules for these tools change depending on whether the fencer is using a foil, épée, or sabre, but they all help make the sport fair and safe.

Techniques

See also: Fencing tactics and Glossary of fencing

Fencing has two main kinds of moves: ones that try to hit the other person and ones that help you stay safe. Sometimes, a move can do both.

Common attacks include the lunge, where you step forward to try to hit your opponent, and the riposte, a quick move back after you block an attack. Defenders often use a parry to block the opponent's blade and then attack back.

Other variants

Fencing has many interesting versions. One is wheelchair fencing, made for people with disabilities, where competitors fence while seated in wheelchairs. There is also chair fencing, similar to wheelchair fencing but for able-bodied people, where fencers sit on chairs and follow the usual rules. Another special type is one-hit épée, which is part of the modern pentathlon sport.

Other fun versions include fencing with toy lightsabers, which became popular when shown on TV. There are also different rules in school and university matches, and some groups like the American Fencing League have their own unique ways of running competitions. In two-handed fencing, fighters may use a small shield called a buckler or a short knife called a dagger to block attacks.

In popular culture

A well-known movie about fencing is The Fencer. It was directed by Klaus Härö and was inspired by the life of Endel Nelis, a skilled Estonian fencer and coach. The film was nominated for an award at the 73rd Golden Globe Awards for Best Foreign Language Film.

In 2017, the first issue of the Fence comic book series was published by Boom! Studios. This series follows a group of young fencers.