Written by Michele Wheat
Sports fencing is more of a contact sport than a combat sport. It's not about learning how to fight but about scoring points by combining strategy and precise footwork, because of this fencing is often called "physical chess".
Roots in Swordsmanship
Throughout history and in television and film we see the practice of swordplay. Another historical practice was the use of duels to settle a matter between two parties. Fencing was used primarily for military training but then later practiced for sport in the 14th and 15th centuries.
- The first manual on the subject, "Treatise on Arms" discussed fencing as a scientific art. It was written by Diego de Valera between 1458 and 1471.
- Around this time when Spain was a leading power of Europe, we see fencing spread to other cultural centers and is even taught in some Italian universities where students from all over Europe attended.
- In the 15th century, German masters begin creating their own fencing guilds like the notable Marxbruder of Frankfurt.
- Over time the Spanish, Italian, and French schools of fencing began to implement lighter and more efficient weapons. During the 17th and 18th century we see the "foil" (a weapon that has a flattened tip) and the mesh wire mask. These innovations paired with a set of established rules made fencing safer as well as cemented it as a sport.
An Olympic Sport
Fencing has been featured in the Olympics since its introduction at the 1896 Games in Athens. It is one of the original nine sports of the modern Olympics. To compete in the Olympics is the ultimate achievement and goal for many competitive fencers.
- Women's fencing was introduced to the Olympics in 1924 at the Paris Games. Only the foil was used for women competing in the games up until 1996 when the épée was included. The women's sabre finally appeared at the 2004 Games in Athens.
- Nedo Nadi is considered one of the greatest Olympic champions and most versatile fencers in history. At the 1920 Antwerp games, he collected five gold medals from five different competitions in the foil, épée, and sabre events!
The Weapons of Sports Fencing
There are three weapons used:
- The épée, weighs around 500 grams and has a 90-centimeter blade. The heaviest of the three, it is descended from the original dueling sword. It has a stiff blade with a large guard to protect the hand. The entire body is a valid target area.
- The foil is the most technical of the weapons. It has a 90-centimeter blade and weighs around 350 grams. Foil fencers may only target the torso of their opponents' body for valid points, which is covered by a metallic vest referred to as a lamé.
- The modern sabre weighs around 400 grams and is 88 centimeters long. While only thrust attacks count for the other two blades, a sabre can receive points for cutting their target. Anything above the waist up is a valid target area including the head, because of this a mask with metallic covering is worn.
An Inclusive, Team Orientated Sport
Fencing professionals are often passionate about the fact that almost everyone can learn to fence. What a fencer may lack in physical strength they can make up for with their mental strengths and vice versa!
- College fencing is extremely competitive, the NCAA being one of the highest levels of competition showcases in the sport.
- Wheelchair fencing competitions also take place alongside many North American tournaments. The rules are very similar to standard fencing but include a fixed distance between fencers with the chair fixed at a certain angle.
Additional Fencing Resources
- Fencing.net- A useful tool for finding Fencing clubs and news, as well as training tips.
- About Fencing- More information about scoring and the three fencing weapons.
- A Short History of Fencing- A short but detailed account about the birth of fencing detailing more about the Spanish, French, and Italian schools.
- Olympic Fencing Games- Learn more about the history and highlights from past Olympic fencing games.
- Wheelchair Fencing at the Paralympics- More information about rules and competitions for wheelchair fencing.
- Britain's National Fencing Museum- The Museum's website has pictures and articles documenting the fascinating development of fencing weapons over time.
- Rules of Fencing- A more detailed overview of the rules and equipment used.
- FIE History- A brief history of fencing techniques with different methods of education from the International Fencing Federation.
- USA Fencing- This organization promotes the sport of fencing in the United States. Their website has information about safety, rules, and regulations.
College Information
- National Fencing Club Rankings- A source for highly competitive fencers that ranks the best clubs by divisions.
- The USACFC- The United States Association of Collegiate Fencing Clubs (USACFC) promotes fencing at the college level and hosts the College Fencing National Championships.
- Colleges with NCAA Sanctioned Fencing Teams- A lengthy list of colleges that have fencing teams. This website is also a great resource for families with fencers aspiring to compete.