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About Fencing
What is Fencing?
The sword is one of the oldest weapons, in use since mankind started using metals.
There are pictures of Egyptians using swords over 3000 years ago, but they were probably around
long before that. Fencing is the art of fighting with swords. In mediaeval times, swords became
so big and heavy that both hands were needed to wield them, and the armour worn to protect soldiers
from them was so heavy they could hardly move. Once gunpowder and guns came into use, swords
became smaller again and armour became lighter. In the 17th and 18th centuries, duelling with
rapiers became the standard way of settling disputes and matters of honour between gentlemen.
Fencing has been an Olympic sport for men since the games were reinstated in 1896, and women have
fenced in the Olympic Games since 1924. Fencers spend many hours developing the skills, speed
and fitness required to compete and succeed in competitions.
The Swords
There are three types of swords used in modern fencing:
- The Foil a light flexible sword - hits can be scored by thrusting the point at the opponent's
trunk of the body. Hits on arms, legs or head do not count.
- The Epée a heavier thrusting sword - hits can be scored with the point on any part
of the opponent's body.
- The Sabre has a curved handle and narrow V-shaped blade - valid hits can be scored with the
point or with the edge on any part of the opponent's body above the waist, including the head and arms.
Fencing Equipment
- Mask - an essential piece of equipment, worn over the head to protect the face and eyes
- Jacket - made of strong material to protect the body and arms
- Under-plastron - worn under the jacket for extra protection
- Glove - usually made of leather and worn on the sword hand for protection
- Breeches - Made of the same strong material as the jacket, they protect but allow fast movement
- Shoes and socks - sports shoes for good grip and knee length socks for extra protection
Fencing Language
- On Guard How fencers stand while they are fencing - or about to start
- Lunge Stretching forward to score a hit
- Parry Stroke of the sword that defends against an opponent's attack
- Riposte Hitting back after parrying
- Piste The area used by two fencers while they are fighting each other - there are
specific measurements, but it is, as you might expect, long and narrow. Both fencers have to remain
within the piste while fencing
Scoring
Fencing is a very fast sport and it is often impossible to see clearly if a hit was scored or not,
or who scored a hit first. Electronic equipment is used for registering hits. Red and green
light show valid hits and, in foil fights, white lights show non-valid hits. Usually a match is won
when one fencer scores 5 valid hits, but sometimes 8 or even 10 hits have to be scored to win.
The Cost of Fencing
Compared to other sports, fencing is not very expensive for a beginner. Most clubs will have
some equipment that can be borrowed while you try the sport out. Many clubs have special arrangements with a
particular supplier so their members get discounts off equipment. You can check out the price list
at 
How to Get Started
If you live in the UK you could call
the British Fencing Association on 020 8742 3032.
WARNING - Fencing should never be tried unless supervised
by a properly qualified coach and the correct clothing and equipment is used.
[Disclaimer & Copyright]
Page last updated: 5 January 2004
Copyright © The Portsmouth and Southsea Fencing Club. All rights reserved
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