Guide Note

Fencing is the highly regulated and stylized art of sword fighting. The exercise of mock dueling with various types of swords has been practiced for over a thousand years to evolve into a fast-paced sport that challenges both mind and body.

Fast Facts

1. 3 weapons
   1. Foil: A thin, flexible blade with a blunted tip
   2. Épée: Similar to a foil, but heavier and stiffer
   3. Sabre: Points can also be scored using the edge of the blade edge, rather than the tip, as with the other two weapons
2. The term "fencing" is derived from the Middle English word, "defens," meaning "to defend"
3. The first fencing handbook dates to the 12th century
4. A summer Olympic sport since 1896
5. One of four sports that have been featured at every modern Olympic Games
6. French is the official language of international fencing

Modern fencing weapons and suits contain specific electrical wiring that are connected to an electronic scoring device. When a fencer lands a hit with their weapon, it interrupts a circuit on their opponent's suit, which then registers the appropriate amount of points on the scoring device.

The competition takes place on a fourteen meter long and up to two meter wide strip known as a piste. The match is regulated by a referee and up to four side judges. The bouts are timed: The clock begins when one of the fencers yells "Fence," stops if someone says "Halt," or after three minutes have passed.

Disclaimer

Always learn the basics of fencing from a professional. The techniques are skills that can not be learned any other way.

Always wear the proper safety equipment when fencing.