what Is Fencing

Modern Fencing; a sport of swordfighting which is directly descended from the duel. It is an ancient sport which has been in the Olympics since 1896. Fencing has often been described as super fast speed chess. Two competitors face off in a bout, and compete to score points on each other with their weapons (Foil, Epee & Sabre). Both fencers will outwit, outplay and outlast each other through bladework, footwork, tactics and strategies. Fencing bouts are characterised by flurries of speed, highly aerobic movement, and lightning-fast blade movements.

A bout (or a match) in any discipline, is fenced on a field of play called a piste, measuring 1.5m x 14m, which is constructed of conducting material and electrically linked to the registering apparatus. The bout is controlled and judged by a referee. Hits made in various forms, are indicated via coloured lights (red or green) on the electric scoring apparatus. Hits are registered via electric circuitry in the fencer’s weapon and clothing, connected to the apparatus via cabling on spring-loaded reels. The referee awards hits, based on the indications of the registering apparatus, and on his or her analysis of the phrasing of the fencing actions of the combatants. Each discipline (weapon) has its own particular rules regarding valid or invalid hits and right-of-ways.