• Fencing is the highly regulated and stylized art of sword fighting. The exercise of mock dueling with various types of swords has been practiced for over a thousand years to evolve into a fast-paced sport that challenges both mind and body and is fondly referred to as physical chess by enthusiasts.

• Fast Facts

  1. 3 weapons
  2. 1. Foil
     : A thin, flexible blade with a blunted tip.
  3. 1. Épée
     : Three sided blade with a large bell for added protection.
  4. 1. Sabre
     : A long, highly flexible blade that is usually curved.
  5. The term "fencing" is derived from the Middle English word, "defens," meaning "to defend"
  6. The first fencing handbook dates to the 12th century
  7. A summer Olympic sport since 1896
  8. One of four sports that have been featured at every modern Olympic Games
  9. French is the official language of international fencing

• Rules and Scoring

  Modern fencing weapons and suits contain specific electrical wiring that are connected to an electronic scoring device. When a fencer lands a hit with their weapon, it interrupts a circuit on their opponent's suit, which then registers the appropriate amount of points on the scoring device.

  The competition takes place on a fourteen meter long and up to two meter wide strip known as a piste. The match is regulated by a referee and up to four side judges. The bouts are timed: The clock begins when one of the fencers yells "Fence," stops if someone says "Halt," or after three minutes have passed.

• Disclaimer

  Always wear the proper safety equipment when fencing.

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Olympic Games | NCAA | Peter Westbrook | Keeth Smart | Sada Jacobson | Mariel Zagunis | Karate

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