Swordplay continues to fascinate many people even though it long ago ceased to be a significant form of military or personal combat. If you are interested in learning to fence, you'll find plenty of opportunities. Many colleges and universities in the United States have fencing teams and there are fencing clubs in most major U.S. cities.
Identification
Fencing is a style of sword fighting drawn from European traditions. Fencing matches take place on a marked "strip" 2 meters wide and 14 meters long. When you fence, your goal is to score a "touch" with the tip of your sword. In saber competition you may also score using the sword edge. You can compete in fencing at any level whether you are male or female, including the Olympic Games.
History
Fencing has its origins in Europe in the 1400s and 1500s, when the rapier, a narrow-bladed double-edged sword, became popular. Although dueling helped making fencing popular, efforts to make friendlier contests safer led to the introduction of the "right of way" in 1650. This rule only allows scores by the fencer who attacks first or who has control of the action. In 1780 the introduction of face masks improved fencing safety. In 1896, men's foil and saber competitions were part of the first modern Olympics. Women began to compete in foil matches in 1924.
Types
In fencing you may compete in three events. The events are defined by the type of sword used. The foil is the lightest blade. You use only the point of a foil to score points. The target area is limited to the torso. The epee is also a weapon that uses only the point, but it is a heavier sword. In epee matches you can score by making a touch on any part of your opponent's body. Unlike the epee and foil, which are designed for thrusting only, the saber is an edged weapon that is also made for cutting. You can use the front edge and part of the back edge to score in addition to using the sword point. However, only touches above the waist count.
Equipment
As a fencer you must follow strict rules set forth by the International Fencing Federation. Your weapon and your protective clothing must meet federation standards. Fencers wear a protective vest called a plastron under their fencing uniform. You also wear a fencing mask, padded outer garments and gloves. Because scoring is electronic, you wear a conducting jacket and a "bodycord" attached to your sword and by wire to a scoring indicator. The swords carry a mild electric current. When a touch is made, the scoring indicator registers the electric charge.
Competition
For practice you engage in "assaults." An assault is a fencing activity that is not scored. Scored actions are called bouts and make up a fencing match. You begin in the "en garde" position and move to attack or defend yourself when the action begins. If your opponent takes the initiative and attacks first, you must parry--that is, block your opponent's sword with your own. You can follow the parry with a riposte and a counterattack.
Member Comments