History
Weapons and Equipment
Safety
Competition
Sex
Age and Fitness
The dictionary defines to fence as "to practice sword play". This has been done since swords were invented with the intention of giving the swordsman the skills for real combat. The idea of fencing as a sport did not appear until the first part of the 18'th century. This used harmless weapons and safety equipment, and had rules of play. Sporting fencing continued in parallel with more serious weapon training until the early 20'th century when the last duels were fought.
Three different weapons are used in fencing, the Foil, the Epee and the Sabre.
The foil was the first sporting weapon and is derived from the "small sword" of the 18'th century. With a Foil, hits are scored with the point, but only on the opponent's body. The head, arms and legs are "off target".
The Epee is derived from the duelling Epee, and is slightly longer and heavier than the Foil. Epee fighting is the nearest that fencing gets to duelling. With an Epee hits are scored with the point on any part of the opponent. Head, arms, legs, feet, are all "on target".
The Sabre is derived from cutting weapons such as sabres and cutlasses, but the sporting version is very much lighter. With a Sabre hits can be scored with the edge of the blade as well as with the point, on any part of the opponent above the waist.
Most beginners start by learning to fence Foil. They may then move on to the other weapons. It is fairly unusual to fight all three weapons competitively; fencers will usually concentrate on Foil and Epee or Foil and Sabre according to their physique and temperament. (Epeeists tend to be tall and thoughtful, Sabreurs are more likely to be short and impulsive)
Apart from the sword, the basic equipment for a fencing beginner is:
Once a beginner progresses to competitive fencing it will also be necessary to wear:
Most competitive fencing uses electric scoring equipment in which case the fencer must provide:
From its nature, fencing is potentially dangerous. However the sport is in fact very safe as fencers take care to keep it that way.
The main safety precaution is to ensure that protective clothing, particularly the mask, are always worn during practice and combat. In addition, fencers learn to move around watchfully (so they don't stray into someone else's fight) and to handle their sword carefully so they don't injure anyone. Any club member who tries rushing around whirling a sword around their head will be thrown out very quickly.
Fencing is a combat sport - the whole point is to face up to an opponent and try to beat them. It is likely to appeal to the individualist rather than to the team player. (Fencers often take part in team matches, however the actual fights are invariably one to one; the other team members can do nothing more than cheer from the sidelines.)
Club fencing is quite informal. Fencers simply pair off, find a bit of space and fight. They may fight towards a particular score, so that one or other wins, or they may just fight, without counting hits, until they get tired. It is normal for a fencer who is hit to acknowledge it.
Beginners should not be afraid to fence an experienced fencer.Where the fencers are of widely different abilities, the stronger fencer will adjust to the standard of the weaker to make a more even match. There is no glory in massacring a beginner. Sometimes such a fight may turn into an impromptu lesson.
In a fencing competition, fencers compete on a "piste", a strip 14m long and 2m wide. Normally they will be connected up to electric recording equipment which sounds a buzzer and flashes a light to signal hits. The fight will be controlled by a referee. In early rounds of a competition the fight will be "first to 5 hits" in a bout of 3 minutes. In the later rounds the fight will be "first to 15 hits" in 3 bouts of 3 minutes.
Both sexes participate in all forms of fencing. Serious competitions are invariably fought single-sex however club fencing is mixed. Although men may have an advantage of strength and reach, this is usually quite small and women can overcome it by skill and experience.
As in any sport, fitness is important in fencing, and top-rate fencers are usually very fit. However, experience and technique also play a very important part in fencing, and can make up for deficiencies in fitness. A good fencer may be able to continue as a formidable opponent to an age which, in most sports, would be seen as "past it". Many fencers continue to fence seriously in competitions well into their 40's or 50's, and may continue (joints permitting) to enjoy club fencing into their 60's and 70's.
Great strength is not required. Most fencing actions are fast and light; a fencer who tries to rely on brute strength will be easily beaten by skill and agility.