Fencing

Fencing descends from the European duelling and military sword schools of the Renaissance and became a codified sport in the 19th century. It has been part of every modern Olympic Games since 1896; the international federation (FIE) dates from 1913. Three weapons, three rulesets, one common skill: hitting without being hit.

Character

• Foil: Light thrusting weapon; target is the torso; right-of-way rules decide who scores in a double touch.
• Épée: Heavier thrusting weapon; whole body is target; no right of way – whoever hits first scores.
• Sabre: Cutting and thrusting; target is everything above the waist; right of way applies; the fastest of the three.
• Electric scoring: Since the mid-20th century hits are registered electronically.

Who is it for?

Anyone who loves tactics, reaction speed and one-on-one duelling without the bruises of contact sports. Clubs lend beginner equipment; the mask, jacket and glove are the essentials. Fencing is also one of the few combat sports with a strong adult-beginner and veteran competition scene.