Learn the Basics of Fencing

Fencing is one of the oldest sports in the world. In fact, it is one of only a handful of sports that have appeared in every modern summer Olympics.

Although fencing as a sport is derived from a form of combat, it is not a violent sport. The rules are heavily enforced, the weapons are rubber-tipped, and fencers wear extensive protection all over their bodies.

The field of play on which fencing takes place is called a "strip." The fencing strip is a long, narrow area marked off on a hard floor or padding. Each fencer stands at one end of the fencing strip and faces the other with one foot pointed forward. Each attempts to touch the other with his weapon. When one fencer succeeds, he scores a "touch." The winner is the first fencer to reach a certain number of touches. The number is different at different levels of competition.

Scoring in competitive fencing is determined electronically. Weapons are connected to an electric sensor, and the tip of the weapon is sensitive, such that every time it touches the opponent, it registers.

In a sense, fencing can be viewed as three different sports. There are three different weapons used in three different competitions, and each weapon has its own rules. Most fencers specialize in one weapon. The three fencing weapons are:

Foil

- Foil fencing was originally designed as a training exercise for combative fencing. For that reason, it is probably the oldest form of non-violent fencing.

- The weapon is light and has a small bell guard over the hand.

- The target area is the torso. Any hit that lands on the opponent outside the target area halts the competition temporarily but does not score a touch.

- A fencer must hit his opponent with the tip of the weapon, or the hit doesn't count.

- "Right of way" applies. "Right of way" states that, if both fencers attack and land their points on the opponent, the one who started his/her attack first, or the one who most recently defended against the opponent's attack, gets the touch. (Think of it as taking turns. One fencer attacks, then it's the other's turn.)

Epee

- Epee fencing is meant to simulate an actual duel, unlike foil fencing, which was originally meant to train fencers to be methodical.

- The weapon is heavy and has a large bell guard to protect the hand.

- The target area is the entire body.

- Just like in foil fencing, a fencer must hit his opponent with the tip of the weapon, or the hit doesn't count.

- "Right of way" does not apply. Whoever lands the point first gets the touch. In the case where points land simultaneously, both fencers get a touch.

Sabre

- Sabre fencing simulates cavalry combat.

- The weapon has a bell guard over the hand and a metal strip that extends from the bell guard to the base of the weapon's handle.

- The target area is anything above the waist.

- Unlike foil and epee fencing, sabre fencing allows fencers to hit their opponent with any part of the blade - the point or the edge.

- "Right of way" applies.

Fencing is a great sport and is great exercise. If you're interested in fencing, there are fencing clubs everywhere that you can join. The US Fencing Association has a list of clubs on its website. Check it out, and get fencing!