Fencing comes in three forms: Foil, epee, and sabre
Each has different rules and weapons. Most fencers specialize in one of these weapons. Learn more about the different styles of fencing. You can also check out the latest news and events to keep up with the sport. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned competitor, fencing can be a great sport to start.
Foil
Foil fencing is a type of fencing that involves the use of a metal weapon. The foil is a flexible, rectangular-shaped weapon that is made of metal. It weighs less than a pound and is made from thin, flexible sheets of metal. This is one of the three weapons used in fencing.
This weapon is thin and shaped for thrusting, and the point is blunted. The expert fencer will use a technique called flicks and bends the weapon around the opponent's back or shoulder to plant a hit. Foil fencing rules have evolved over the centuries to keep the sport safe. The rules for foil fencing include a 'right of way', which establishes the blade of the opponent.
Foil fencing rules are similar to those for saber fencing. Priority is given to the fencer who initiates the attack. When both fencers hit, the fencer who has priority gets a point. The defending fencer has the right to parry, but must not hit the opponent outside of his/her target area. If the defending fencer hits the other fencer off-target, the fencing bout is halted.
Foil fencing competitions are run according to standards set by national fencing federations. The rules differ depending on the country, but generally there are age groups that separate the competition by body maturity and skill level. Usually, age groups for foil fencing include Y10, Y12, and Y14. The next age category is called junior, and anything over 19 is called senior. It is possible to compete in a younger category if you have the proper skill and body.
Epee
If you've ever watched a bout of epee fencing, you know that the action is fast-paced and requires quick thrusting. Epee fencing is a bit different than foil fencing because its rules allow the fencer to hit the entire body, not just the torso. In other words, in foil, only hits to the abdomen and chest are worth points. In epee, any hit can hit the body part.
To compete in the sport of epee fencing, you must first have a good grip on the weapon. The epee's blade is triangular, and is about one inch wide on each side. It's used for thrusting and stabbing. Unlike foil, epee fencing also requires a proper hand guard, which protects the hand from injury.
The epee began life as a sport, and soon evolved into a combat weapon. Duelling became an integral part of the sport, and epee fencers began to develop a duelling mentality. This mentality translates into a heightened awareness of how to strike an opponent without getting hit in return.
The first electric epee was used at the 1936 Olympics and the 1936 World Championship. It was then used in the British championship in 1938. The epee blades were triangular, which made them easier to control. A triangular blade was also introduced at the 1912 Olympics. In addition, an international tournament in London introduced a 15-minute time limit. The organisers also applied colouring matter to the point of the blade. It was still not possible to use a neutralizing agent at the time of the bout, so a pencil crossed over each hit.
Sabre
One of the three main disciplines of fencing is sabre. This weapon is used for thrusting and cutting. The cutting edge is located on the back of the blade. A sabre sword can be up to six feet long. A sabre can also cut through flesh. It is one of the most difficult weapons to learn.
In sabre fencing, the fencer with initiative is awarded a touch. To be awarded a touch, the fencer must make contact with their opponent's blade or equipment. In this example, Homer had the initiative, and thus was awarded the attack. However, this is not always the case. Sometimes a fencer is unable to reach his opponent's blade or the scoring equipment.
When learning sabre fencing, it is important to know the basic movements. A sabre has a V-shaped base that transitions to a flat rectangular end. The blade is flexible near the end, but fixed horizontally 70 cm from the tip. This is important, because the blade should be aligned horizontally.
Sabre fencing is a fast-paced sport with an intense focus on speed and precision. It is a popular college and high school sport, and has even gained Olympic status. Teams consist of three members and an alternate. In a sabre match, the three individuals must make precise footwork and use excellent speed to strike the opponent.
