Difference between revisions of "Fencing"

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[[Image:Fencing.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Fencing]]
 
[[Image:Fencing.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Fencing]]
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'''Fencing''' is an [[olympics|Olympic]] sport, derived from the practice of dueling. It is also one of the disciplines of the modern [[pentathlon]].
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'''Fencing''' is an [[olympics|Olympic]] sport, derived from the practice of dueling with swords. One-touch epee fencing is also one of the disciplines of the modern [[pentathlon]].
  
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It is governed by the FIE (Federation D'Internationale D'Escrime).
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It is governed by the FIE (Federation Internationale D'Escrime).
  
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==Classes==
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==Weapons==
  
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Three classes of weapons are included in fencing:
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Three classes of weapons are included in modern fencing, each with its own rules of play:
  
 
*Foil
 
*Foil
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: The standard fencing class and the weapon which comes to mind when the average person thinks about fencing.  Foils are very simple weapons, consisting only of a handle, blade and small hand guard (some foils even remove the guard completely. In Foil matches, Only hits with the point are legal, making solid contact to the torso.
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: The foil is the smallest and usually the lightest of the three weapons. It has a rectangular blade and a small guard, and is usually (though not always) held with an orthopedic 'pistol grip.' Foil bouts are governed by right-of-way rules, which essentially have the feners 'take turns' attacking. Touches are scored with the point of the weapon, and are only valid when registered on the opponent's torso. In electrically-scored foil, this target area is covered by a conductive lamé to facilitate scoring of on-target and off-target hits.
 
   
 
   
 
*Epee
 
*Epee
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: The Epee is a smaller, quicker weapon, usually consisting of a grip, hand guard and blade, in an Epee match, any hit with the point, making contact anywhere on the body is considered a valid hit.
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: The epee has a larger guard than the foil, and is generally heaver than either a foil or a sabre. Epees can be used with either orthopedic or French grips. In epee, touches can be made only with the point, and the entire body of the opponent is considered valid target. Epee bouts tend to be slower than those in foil or sabre due to the lack of right-of-way considerations.
  
 
*Sabre
 
*Sabre
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: The Fencing Sabre is a larger weapon, consisting of a grip, large handguard and long, slightly curved blade. When dueling with Sabres, hits with either point or edge are legal, but all points are scored above the waist, making leg and groin hits illegal.
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: Sabre is the only weapon in which touches can be scored with any part of the blade. The game is fast-paced and, like foil, considers right-of-way. The target area is the body from the waist upwards, including the mask.
  
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Fencing bouts are generally decided by the first competitor to reach 5 points, but historically, epee bouts were often decided by a single hit.
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==Competition==
  
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Fencing rules draw heavily from the concept of honor and honoring one's opponent.  Trash Talking and Playing to the crowd are serious violations and can even result in disqualification and reversal of points.
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A fencing bout is usually decided at five or 15 touches, depending on the round and competition, though in veterans' competition (for older fencers) the longer bouts end at 10 touches. Bouts occur on a narrow strip, or piste, that is 14 meters long. Electrical scoring systems, which vary by weapon, are used in most modern fencing practice and competition.
  
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Some historical thought was also given to having an Olympic fencing event for the [[bayonet]].
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==Equipment==
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Fencers are generally required to wear the following equipment in competition:
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* a long-sleeved fencing jacket, preferably with a croissard, and which has a double layer of material in the weapon arm;
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* an underarm protector, which is worn beneath the jacket and provides an extra layer of protection to the torso;
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* for female fencers, a chest protector, usually plastic, to protect the breasts from impact. Some male fencers also wear chest protectors;
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* knickers, short pants similar to baseball pants, which are required to extend at least four inches above the bottom of the jacket and which are usually secured with suspenders;
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* a mask, to protect the head. Traditionally, fencing masks have a metal mesh front through which the fencer can see; some modern masks have a clear window so that spectators can see the athlete's face. In electric sabre, the mask must be conductive;
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* a glove, to protect the weapon hand. Most fencers do not wear gloves on their non-weapon hand;
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* in electric foil and sabre, a conductive lamé, which covers the target area and allows for electric scoring.
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* socks, which may be of any color, which extend to the bottoms of the knickers.
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Body and mask cords, as well as electric weapons, are also required for electrically-scored competition.
  
 
==External links==
 
==External links==

Revision as of 21:06, January 13, 2008

Fencing

Fencing is an Olympic sport, derived from the practice of dueling with swords. One-touch epee fencing is also one of the disciplines of the modern pentathlon.

It is governed by the FIE (Federation Internationale D'Escrime).

Weapons

Three classes of weapons are included in modern fencing, each with its own rules of play:

  • Foil
The foil is the smallest and usually the lightest of the three weapons. It has a rectangular blade and a small guard, and is usually (though not always) held with an orthopedic 'pistol grip.' Foil bouts are governed by right-of-way rules, which essentially have the feners 'take turns' attacking. Touches are scored with the point of the weapon, and are only valid when registered on the opponent's torso. In electrically-scored foil, this target area is covered by a conductive lamé to facilitate scoring of on-target and off-target hits.
  • Epee
The epee has a larger guard than the foil, and is generally heaver than either a foil or a sabre. Epees can be used with either orthopedic or French grips. In epee, touches can be made only with the point, and the entire body of the opponent is considered valid target. Epee bouts tend to be slower than those in foil or sabre due to the lack of right-of-way considerations.
  • Sabre
Sabre is the only weapon in which touches can be scored with any part of the blade. The game is fast-paced and, like foil, considers right-of-way. The target area is the body from the waist upwards, including the mask.

Competition

A fencing bout is usually decided at five or 15 touches, depending on the round and competition, though in veterans' competition (for older fencers) the longer bouts end at 10 touches. Bouts occur on a narrow strip, or piste, that is 14 meters long. Electrical scoring systems, which vary by weapon, are used in most modern fencing practice and competition.

Equipment

Fencers are generally required to wear the following equipment in competition:

  • a long-sleeved fencing jacket, preferably with a croissard, and which has a double layer of material in the weapon arm;
  • an underarm protector, which is worn beneath the jacket and provides an extra layer of protection to the torso;
  • for female fencers, a chest protector, usually plastic, to protect the breasts from impact. Some male fencers also wear chest protectors;
  • knickers, short pants similar to baseball pants, which are required to extend at least four inches above the bottom of the jacket and which are usually secured with suspenders;
  • a mask, to protect the head. Traditionally, fencing masks have a metal mesh front through which the fencer can see; some modern masks have a clear window so that spectators can see the athlete's face. In electric sabre, the mask must be conductive;
  • a glove, to protect the weapon hand. Most fencers do not wear gloves on their non-weapon hand;
  • in electric foil and sabre, a conductive lamé, which covers the target area and allows for electric scoring.
  • socks, which may be of any color, which extend to the bottoms of the knickers.

Body and mask cords, as well as electric weapons, are also required for electrically-scored competition.

External links

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