All about fencing

All About Fencing

By Eli Salem

The History of Fencing

The development of fencing as a sport with precision touch began in 15th Century. In the beginning fencing was a men's sport. Fortunately things have changed.

Today girls and women can fence just like men and boys do. When we talk about fencing in books we naturally refer to girls as well as boys. Since the first Olympic Games of modern times 1896, fencing has been a part of Olympic program. That's why fencing is also referred to as a classic sport. Today there are more than a million fencers in over 100 countries around the world who train nearly 50,000 fencing clubs.

Types of Weapons

Fencing is a sport for boys and girls. There are 3 different types of swords. You can fence with any of these weapons.

This was not always the case years ago, women could only fence with foil. Later épée was added. Finally, women were able to fence with all three including saber. The foil is the lightest of the three weapons. The foil is the thrusting weapon. This means that only touches made with the tip of the blade count. The épée has a triple edge blade and a large bell guard. Like foil, épée is a thrusting weapon. The saber is different and has a totally different shape. You can hit your opponent in the trunk, head or arms. I want to learn to fence with all three weapons.

Learning Fencing

A fencer's most important goal is to win against another fencer from your practice group. If you lose you just keep practicing until you defeat them.

Once you have achieved that you will want to defeat stronger and better fencers so you keep setting your self higher goals.

Different Types of Grips

You have been watching your opponent and you know he doesn't want to attack first. To perform the measure game and move your opponent to a distance that is an advantage to you. Don't follow the opponent but try to attack him when he is moving towards you. When the right moment has come, attack without hesitation.

Fun Facts

1. Fencing is one of the foul sports to be included in every modern Olympic games since the first in 1896.

2. Fencing is also a sport in the original Olympic games in Ancient Greece.

3. Many of the ballet positions came from fencing.

4. Fencing is known for being the only combat sport with no weight classes.

5. President Theodore Roosevelt and Winston Churchill are former fencers.