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Fencing has been around in one form or another for hundreds of years. The current style of fencing reflects the gradual change from war time killing techniques to a modern sport. This is reflected in the specialisation of modern fencing to a choice of three weapons, (foil, epee, and sabre) each representing the different combat background from which they developed. The rules for each of the weapons are different, although the match format remains consistent. Specific details for each weapon can be found through the associated links.
Nowadays fencing is regulated in Britain by the BFA (British Fencing Association) and throughout the world by the FIE (Federation Internationale d’Escrime). These bodies make the rules that standardise how we go about killing each other.
At the heart of fencing, the aim is essentially to stab or hack your opponent before they stab or hack you. While the blood thirsty nature of this has been removed by the amount of protective clothing required, the objective remains to make contact of a sufficiently heavy nature to score a hit.
A match fought according to competition rules will be to either 5 or 15 hits depending on how far into the competition the match is. Matches to 5 last 3 minutes, matches to 15 last 9mins in 3min periods separated by 1min breaks. The first fencer to reach the designated number of points is the winner. Electric equipment is used to establish more easily who has scored the hit by beeping and lighting up on the relevant side. The role of the President (referee) is to make a decision as to who gets the point, keep score, watch the time, and most importantly to control the fight.
Various tactics can be employed by a fencer during a match. The decision to attack or defend is often only the tip of the ice berg when investigating techniques. Timing and each choice of attack or defence type are crucial to a fight. Equally the combination of actions during the length of the fight is important because your opponent will come to predict what action you will take if you use a limited range.
It is the mental and psychological involvement in fencing that helps to make it such a great sport to participate in. If you are not constantly anticipating and evaluating your opponent’s actions during the fight, you will be hit. Similarly, it is important to be in a combative mindset and ready for the fight, in order to instantly overcome lost points and re-attack. When combined with the physical skill and coordination required fencing becomes both a challenging and yet potentially extremely rewarding pastime.