Fencing is competition sword fighting. Saber fencing is considered the fastest form of fencing. At one point in its history, the saber was a dueling weapon. In 2010, men, women and children all fence saber. The U.S. Fencing National Championships and the Paralympics have a wheelchair fencing division. Fencing has become a way to stay fit and a way to challenge the athlete mentally as well as physically.
History of Saber Fencing
Originally a form of military training, fencing became a sport in the 15th century. By the 1600s, distinct national styles had developed. At that time, men wore swords on a daily basis and dueling was considered to be an essential part of a young man's education. In the 19th century, the three classical fencing weapons--the foil, the épée, and the fencing saber--came to be used. The fencing saber was blunted, making it a sport weapon instead of a lethal instrument. Fencing appeared in the Olympics for the first time in 1896. Women's fencing appeared in 1924. Now all three of the classical fencing weapons are a part of the Olympics and other competitions worldwide.
The Saber
The fencing saber is not a military saber. The fencing saber is lighter and faster than its military counterpart and was probably developed from Italian dueling sabers. The saber has a straight, thin, tapered blade, usually with a Y-shaped cross-section. The point of the blade is folded over to minimize the chance of punctures. Unlike the foil and épée, the saber has a guard to protect the hand. The guard curves over the fingers, following the line of the knuckles.
Other Equipment
Other fencing equipment includes a mask to protect the face, gloves, and a puncture-resistant jacket and breeches. Protective gear--chest protectors, underarm protectors, and athletic supporter cups--are also commonly used. In competition, the fencers may wear a bodywire. This wire runs from the fencer to a scoring box. When the opponent's saber touches the jacket, the box will register a hit.
Rules of Competition Saber Fencing
The aim of saber fencing is to touch the opponent from the waist up with the weapon. If the two fencers touch simultaneously, the point is awarded to the attacking fencer. Fencers fight for a specified length of time--3x2 minutes according to Olympic rules. The winner is the one who has scored 15 hits or who is ahead when time has elapsed. The field of play for the match is called a "strip" or a "piste." It is 18 meters long and 1 1/2 to 2 meters wide. All combat must take place within that zone, and if a fencer steps out of the zone, a point is awarded to the opponent.
Technique
Fencers salute each other before each assault. They go into on-guard position on their line, with the saber in front of them, and their other arm behind the body so as not to protect the chest. Fencers may lunge in under their opponent's guard. They may run in making contact as they pass. They may parry an opponent's blade and slip inside it for an attack. They may slash with the side of the blade or thrust in with the point of the blade. Points can be scored with not just the tip but also the blade of the saber, either the cutting edge, the flat or the back. After each point, the clock is stopped and the fencers return to their starting line.
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