by S. Alexander

Created on: November 14, 2009

Beginner's Guide to Olympic Fencing

Olympic fencing is a sport that dates back to the inception of the modern Olympic games in 1896. Originally, only men competed in this event category. According to the International Fencing Federation, women can now participate in all styles at all levels of this sport. Today, adults and children alike enjoy fencing for competition, exercise, fitness, and fun. Fencing falls into three categories: foil, epe, and sabre.

Foil

The foil is the weapon most students start with when they begin learning Olympic fencing. This style forces you to learn good form and follow strict rules. The foil is a slightly flexible, narrow, rectangular blade with a dish shaped guard to protect your hand. You can strike your opponent anywhere on the torso with the blunt, padded point at the end of the blade.

If you and your opponent strike each other simultaneously, the person with the right of way wins the point. This means if you extended your arm first or were the last person to parry (tap the other person's blade with your own,) you are the one who scores. Strategy is very important in foil fencing.

Epe

Fencing in the epe category is intended to most closely mimic historical dueling. The weapon is a long, highly flexible blade that tapers to a blunt point. A large, bell shaped guard protects your hand. You score points by striking your opponent with the tip of your blade.

This blow can land anywhere on your opponent's body. However, you are not allowed to strike with the edge of the blade. If you do this by accident, it does not count as a point. Being fast and accurate is the key to winning an epe bout. Your goal is to touch your opponent with the tip of your blade before he/she touches you.

Sabre

The Sabre has its roots in the cavalry style of fighting. The weapon for this style of Olympic fencing is a flattened, curved blade that is somewhat wider than either a foil or an epe. It has a hand guard that extends from the base of the blade to the end of the handle and helps protect your knuckles.

You are allowed to strike your opponent with either of the blade's edges or with the tip. This blow can land anywhere on your opponent's body above the waist (except on the hands). Sabre follows right of way rules similar to foil. However, in this style you rely more on fast footwork than parrying to avoid a blow.

Basic Equipment

Besides a blade, you need several other items to practice fencing safely. These include: a glove, a mask with a neck guard, shoes with textured rubber soles, a chest guard, a groin protector (for men) and chest-protector inserts (for women). Knee length pants and long socks are usually worn as part of the traditional uniform.

You will also need a clear, flat place to practice. A regulation size fencing strip is 14x1.5 meters. If your opponent steps backward off the end of this strip with both feet, you win a point. Have one or more impartial judges on hand to call points and referee each bout. For greater accuracy, use the type of electronic scoring system used at the Olympics. It features wire mesh vests/masks and pressure triggered buttons on the weapons.

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