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Fencing brings to mind armor-clad knights battling with long swords. Fencing has its roots as an art of attack and defense. But now recreational fencing has developed as a competitive sport with its set of rules and techniques. As a regular sport at the Olympic games and as part of the modern pentathlon, modern fencing has come into its own. It differs in technique and style from the classical fencing practiced in France and Italy as also the use of electrical scoring patterns. Read on to find out more about the various fencing swords, gear and terms used.
The History of Fencing
The fencing sword has always been an offensive and defensive weapon since the 5th century. The rapier was introduced in fencing schools in Italy around the 16th century and this led to systematization of fencing. The Italian technique became very popular throughout Europe. The épée was invented in France and its use was widespread. The Italian style of fencing was characterized by the use of pronounced and vigorous movements with the rapier whereas the French style of fencing was more formal and restrained. It was the style popularized by the French that gained more prominence and formed the basis for modern fencing rule and competitions. Rapier fencing was used more for self –defense and dueling.
The fencing sword was widely used in the Middle Ages in Europe for duels. The 19th century saw fencing developing into a sport. The fencing gear and equipment such as the mask of wire netting, the chest protector (plastron) and the glove on the fencing sword hand were developed during this period. As compared to traditional fencing, modern fencing is athletic and mobile. Classical fencers displayed prowess in sophisticated blade work. Emphasis had moved from killing an opponent to settle a dispute to defeating an opponent in a sport.
Zhong Man of china claimed the gold medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Men's Individual Sabre.
Fencing Sword Weapon
A fencing game hinges around a fencing bout or game. A player has to score 15 points in a direct elimination play or 5 points in a preliminary pool play to win the game. A fencer scores each time he scores a touch. Direct elimination matches are usually a bout of 3 three-minute periods.
Fencing equipment can be classified as foil, épée and saber. Fencers develop their skills with any one of these weapons though some fencers have known to be proficient in the use of all three. While foil and épée are point-thrusting equipment, saber is point thrusting as well as cutting equipment. The target areas for each of the fencing equipment differ.
A foil is made up of a flexible rectangular blade that weighs less than a pound and is approximately 35 inches in length. To score a point, the tip of the blade must land within the torso of the body, from shoulders to groin, front and back. A foil fencer wears a metallic vest known as a lame that covers the target area. Any touch on this vest results in a light on the scoring machine.
The épée is a heavier version of the foil with a lighter guard and a stiffer blade. A fencer can use the épée to score a point by touching the opponent anywhere on his body. The épée fencer's uniform does not include a lame since the entire body is a target area. The épée is a more complex equipment to use on account of its shorter and lighter design. It had a leather safety tip that resembled a flower bud and thus was born the name ‘le fleuret’. Fencing saber
The blades of fencing equipment are made of tempered steel. Individual fencers choose handles or grips for foil and épée according to their preferences. A French grip is slightly curved with a pommel at the end whereas the Italian grip has a crossbar with pronged handles. The saber has a scoop shaped hand guard that curves under the hand. The fencing saber is similar in length and weight to the foil and resembles a modern day slashing cavalry sword. The target area for the fencing saber is from the hips to the top of the head. The saber fencer’s uniform also has a lame so as to cover the target area and register a valid touch on the scoring machine.
Fencing Club
A fencing club can be found at various universities and educational institutions. Some fencing clubs date back to the 19th century. A fencing club offers training to novice fencers as well as conducts competitions and duels.
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