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.

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.

Always wear the proper safety equipment when fencing.

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