Introduction to Fencing
Modern fencing began as a form of military training and became a sport in the 15th century. More info @ https://www.olympic.org/fencing-equipment-and-history The full rule book can be found at USAFencing |
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3 Styles of Fencing
Foil:
The foil is a thrusting weapon based on the blunted practice smallswords.
The goal of a foil fencer is to strike the valid target area of an opponent (which is limited to the torso only) with the tip of the weapon, while also taking into consideration the conventions of "right of way" (see below).
The foil is a thrusting weapon based on the blunted practice smallswords.
The goal of a foil fencer is to strike the valid target area of an opponent (which is limited to the torso only) with the tip of the weapon, while also taking into consideration the conventions of "right of way" (see below).
Epee:
The épée (pronounced "eh-pay") is based on the rapier and is also a thrusting weapon, with the objective being to strike the opponent with the tip of the weapon.
Unlike foil fencing, the entirety of the body - from head to toe - is a valid target, and the first to strike the opponent gets the point.
If two épée fencers ("épéeists") strike one another at the same time (defined as within ~0.045 seconds of one another), both receive a point.
The épée (pronounced "eh-pay") is based on the rapier and is also a thrusting weapon, with the objective being to strike the opponent with the tip of the weapon.
Unlike foil fencing, the entirety of the body - from head to toe - is a valid target, and the first to strike the opponent gets the point.
If two épée fencers ("épéeists") strike one another at the same time (defined as within ~0.045 seconds of one another), both receive a point.
Sabre:
The sabre (pronounced "Sey-ber) has its origins in the army officers' cavalry swords.
Unlike the foil and the épée, the sabre may be used to strike the opponent's valid target (upper body) with either the tip (with a thrust) or the edges (with a cutting motion) of the blade to score a point.
Sabre fencers also follow the conventions of "right of way" (see below).
The sabre (pronounced "Sey-ber) has its origins in the army officers' cavalry swords.
Unlike the foil and the épée, the sabre may be used to strike the opponent's valid target (upper body) with either the tip (with a thrust) or the edges (with a cutting motion) of the blade to score a point.
Sabre fencers also follow the conventions of "right of way" (see below).
Right of Way
The Convention of Priority, or "Right of Way", is a set of guidelines that determines who gets the point when both fencers land a valid hit at the same time.
For more information, check out this video: "The rules of fencing"
The Convention of Priority, or "Right of Way", is a set of guidelines that determines who gets the point when both fencers land a valid hit at the same time.
For more information, check out this video: "The rules of fencing"