About Fencing
What is fencing?
What is modern fencing?
Why should I fence?
What about safety?
What are some fencing terms?
What type of basic Foil equipment should I buy?
What type of basic Epée equipment should I buy?
What type of basic Sabre equipment should I buy?
What is the history of fencing?
The development and primary use of fencing was for self-defense in the battlefield. Both the short as well as the long double-edged hacking swords required a strong arm to swing the unwieldy weapons and combatants relied on their ability to avoid the attack completely rather than stopping the attack with his blade. The heavy armors and swords slowed down fencers--"slow attacks were met with slow defenses." Like an overturned turtle, duelists were at their opponent's mercy if they were unlucky enough to trip.
Fencers soon abandoned the armor completely after the invention of gunpowder when they discovered the armor's ineffectiveness. Further, swords became lighter and more refined such that the double fisted grip was no longer necessary. Duelists became more agile and it was at this point that parries and systems of defenses came into prominence. For a price, fencing masters would teach their "secret" thrusts or parries to duelists.
In the seventeenth century, gunpowder replaced the sword as the weapon of choice and fencing developed into a sport. The art of swordsmanship became increasingly important for the true gentleman who exercised his skills in defense of his honor instead of his life.
The general spirit from the Age of Chivalry prevails today, modern fencing, however, is now much faster and athletic. Instead of drawing blood, the object now is to score points and to demonstrate one's ability against opponents. The three weapons used today are:
Foil
Originally designed as a practice weapon, with blunted tips to prevent injuries, the modern foil is the lightest of all weapons and it's use is considered basic to fencing. The valid target areas are the torso--from the groin to the collar bone--and any touches not landing in that area is off-target. Fencers score touches by thrusting and landing with the tip of the foil. In addition, foilists are bound by "right-of-way," which is the right to attack.
Epee
Of all three weapons, epee resembles real dueling most. The entire body is valid target and no right of way rule exists. Whoever touches first wins the point. If both fencers touch simultaneously, the director awards points to both. The weapon is stiffer than the foil. Still, fencers must thrust with the point.
Sabre
The sabre has its roots in the cavalry where officers mounted on horses charged at each other. For this reason, saber is the only weapon in which fencers can slash and thrust. The area of valid target also reflects its history: touches are scored on any part of the upper body above the waist. (Since horses were valuable animals, soldiers tried to prevent injuries to an opponent's horse so that it could be captured for future use.) The right of way also governs sabre fencing.
Above all else fencing is a lot of fun. It is a fast paced physical game with a mental game similar to chess. In fact, fencing has been called "chess at a hundred miles an hour." People also fence to keep in shape. Fencing provides a good cardio-vascular work out and builds reflexes. At the University of Chicago there are other reasons to fence as well. Team members get to compete against some of the best NCAA division I teams out there including Notre Dame and our across town rivals Northwestern. The University of Chicago also competes on the National Circuit at USFA North American Cup Meets. This provides traveling opportunities plus unparalleled competition. Another reason to fence at The University of Chicago is our current coaching staff. Between Bhakyt and Borris we have one of the strongest pair of coaches in the country. The true question to be asked is, "Why not Fence at Chicago?"
Fencing is a safe sport. From the bystander's point of view, being hit by an opponent charging down the strip looks like it could be dangerous. Fencing, however, is one of the safest sport, with some statistics showing it to be even safer than golf! Masks cover the face as well as the neck area, thickly padded jackets cover the body, gloves shield hands and fingers, and women wear chest protectors for additional protection.
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