What is Fencing?

Fencing is a fast and athletic sport that came from historical swordsmanship and military training. It is a sport with all the safety and technology of the present day, but preserving the honor and customs of its heritage. Today's top fencers train long and hard to be the best they can be, both physically and mentally.

The Object:

The main object of a fencing bout is to effectively score five points (in preliminary pool bouts) or 15 points (in direct elimination bouts) on your opponent before she/he scores that number on you. Each time a fencer scores a touch, she/he receives a point. Direct elimination matches consist of three three-minute periods in foil and epee, sabre fencers receive a break after 8 points.

The Weapons:

Foil, epee and sabre are the three weapons used in the sport of fencing. While it is not unusual for fencers to compete in all three events, they generally choose to perfect their skills in one weapon. Foil and epee are point-thrusting weapons. Sabre is a point-thrusting as well as a cutting weapon. The target areas differ for each weapon.

Foil:

The Foil has a flexible rectangular blade, approximately 35 inches in length, weighing less than one pound. Points are scored with the tip of the blade and must land within the torso of the body. The valid target area in foil is the torso, from the shoulders to the groin, front and back. It does not include the arms, neck, head or legs. The foil fencer's uniform includes a metallic vest (called a lame) which covers the valid target area, so that a valid touch will register on the scoring machine. A small, spring-loaded tip is attached to the point of the foil and is connected to a wire inside the blade that completes a circuit when depressed beyond a pressure of 500 grams. The fencer wears a body cord inside his uniform which connects the foil to a reel wire, connected to the scoring machine. A touch landing outside the valid target area is indicated by a white light while valid hits are shown by a green or red light, depending on who hits. Off target hits do not count in the scoring but they do stop the fencing temporarily. Foil technique emphasizes strong defense and attacks to the torso.

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Epee:

The epee (pronounced "EPP-pay"), the descendant of the dueling sword, is similar in length to the foil but is heavier, weighing approximately 27 ounces, with a larger guard ( to protect the hand from a valid hit) and a much stiffer blade. Touches are scored only with the point of the blade. The entire body is the valid target area. The blade is wired with a spring-loaded tip at the end that completes an electrical circuit when it is depressed beyond a pressure of 750 grams. This causes the scoring machine to register a touch. Because the entire body is a valid target area, the epee fencer's uniform does not include a lame. Unlike foil and sabre, there are no rules of right-of-way to decide which attacks have precedence, and double hits are possible. Epee technique emphasizes timing, point control, and a good counter-attack.

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Sabre:

The sabre is the modern version of the slashing cavalry sword, and is similar in length and weight to the foil. The major difference is that the sabre is a thrusting weapon as well as a cutting weapon. The target area is from the bend of the hips (both front and back), to the top of the head, simulating the cavalry rider on a horse. The sabre fencer's uniform includes a metallic jacket (lame), which covers the target area to register a valid touch on the scoring machine. The mask is different from foil and epee, with a metallic covering since the head is a valid target area. Touches can be scored with either the point or the edge of the blade, anywhere above the opponents waist. Sabre technique emphasizes timing, feints, and a strong offense.

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The Strip:

All distances are given in meters. The key is as follows:

strip
  • A= table for scoring machine
  • C= centerline
  • G= on guard lines
  • S= start of warning area
  • R= end of strip
  • E= optional strip extension (for electric strips)

Right of Way:

One of the most difficult concepts to visualize in foil and sabre is the rule of right-of-way. This rule was established to eliminate apparently simultaneous attacks by two fencers. In essence, right-of-way is the differentiation of offense and defense, made by the referee. The difference is important only when both the red and green lights go on at the same time in foil and sabre. When this happens, the winner of the point is the one who the referee determined was on offense when the lights went on. Epee does not use right-of-way in keeping with its dueling origin - he who first gains the touch earns the point. Or if both fencers hit within 1/25th of a second, both earn a point.

The Development of a Fencer:

Fencing is competitive. A strong desire to win is a part of the sport. However, there are few beginners who will win major competitions. It is important for fencers and parents to understand this. It is also important to understand that we develop a fencer who fences correctly. Fencing well is rewarded with victories.

No fencer begins by making all actions correctly. There is a period of development. The first victories are correct actions made in a bout, even if the score is not what the fencer wanted. The winning scores come later. Typical development begins with technical development. The tactical skills develop later.

Competition:

As you progress in your fencing skills you will want to compete in many competitions. Before you go packing your bags and heading for the tournaments, please be aware of two things:

  • 1) Let your coaches help you select your competitions and events. Some competitions are inappropriate to your level of skill. Additionally, timing between tournaments is important. You do not want to fence a difficult tournament immediately before attending an important tournament such as sectionals, divisionals, or a national final.

Some tournaments have age group limited events. It is usually OK to fence in as many age groups as you can handle. BUT! Let the coaches help you decide which age groups you can handle. Also, in an important tournament, you may not want to fence an event out of your age group before your event. If you do, you may be all worn out before your event begins.

  • 2) There are some important reasons for having your coach at the competition.

The Coach:

  • You may be missing a simple movement. If your coach is there, he or she will point it out between bouts. It can make a difference in the outcome of the event.
  • Coaches keep an eye on adherence to rules. Sometimes tournament organizers do not understand how to set up pools and elimination tables. It is the coaches' job to watch for these things to be sure the fencer is not disadvantaged. More experienced fencers will know the rules and be able to take care of this for themselves.
  • While the rules are explicit about spectators interfering with the refereeing of a bout, we have seen countless instances where a coach has asked the referee for explanation. This often gets situations straightened out. In local competitions, there are often few or no rated referees. Coaches often explain rules to fencers who are serving as referees at the tournaments. Occasionally coaches are seen reminding rated referees of rules and standards of procedure.

It is in your interest to go to tournaments with your coach at hand.