Fencing is one of the original sports in the modern Olympics. It is also an NCAA sport, and scholarships are available to many universities. The uniqueness of the sport of fencing is in the fact that it is the safest among all the other martial arts sports since it requires absolutely no body contact. All points are scored by the tip of a flexible foil, contrary to hands or legs, as used in the rest of the martial arts sports. Fencing is the sport of swordplay. It is a sport of mind and body discipline that can’t be taken to a street fight or any physical aggression of any kind. The sport of fencing is the second fastest sport on earth. In this sport, you will see two fencers in an intense, powerful, and smart performance on a six-foot-by-40-foot strip of ground. The movement is so fast the touches are scored electrically. Fencers face off on a 14 m x 2 m (you may want to put the equivalent in feet for us metrically dimwitted Americans!) strip with one of three kinds of swords and duel each other not for blood or honor but points. Fencing is a great example of a sport where you compete independently but can also work together as a group or team to win a match. Fencing requires strength, speed, balance, and a very sharp mind. A good strategy is perhaps the most important part of the sport, but fair play and sportsmanship are also necessary. Many colleges and high schools have fencing teams. Adult competitions are held between clubs all over the country and the world.

What Fencing Can Do for You?

Based on our world-class training system background, we believe that the values and ethics taught through fencing will lead students not only to excel in the sport but also in life. Fencing can help you acquire the reflexes of a boxer, the legs of a high-jumper, and the concentration of a tournament chess player. The sport develops your agility, strength, speed, and cunning. And because it’s action-packed, it’s known as the fastest martial sport of them all. Fencing develops and encourages the spirit of healthy rivalry and competition, emotional control, confidence, courage, and self-discipline. Even though fencing is not a team sport, camaraderie and teamwork will develop into qualities that determine not only the winners in the sport but also in future living. The spirit of healthy competition, justice, and fair play helps students achieve balance and harmony with the co-existing world. The coaches and the experienced fencers will always extend the meanings and values of hope, honor, and hard work to the upcoming generation of fencers. For many fencers, the ultimate goal is to become a champion, Olympian or otherwise. We can achieve these goals with the collective help of coaches, parents, other fencers, and, most importantly, the fencer’s determination. Most importantly, however, our fencers will learn to overcome and win not only against an opponent but also themselves, their weaknesses and fears, and ultimately realize their potential!

Why Fencing?

The sport of fencing is a uniquely classic sport. Fencing develops discipline, balance, coordination, and sportsmanship. It helps youth develop quicker reflexes and the ability to make fast analyses of tactical situations, which transfer to problem-solving skills. Mentally, it is mind-consuming, allowing no moment’s break, earning its nickname “Physical Chess.”

Pool bouts are 5 points in 3 minutes played, yet the direct elimination matches are 15 points and consist of three three-minute played periods.

What Are the Weapons Used?

Foil, épée, and sabre are the three weapons used in the sport of fencing. Foil and épée are point-thrusting weapons. Sabre is a point-thrusting as well as a cutting weapon. The target areas differ for the three weapons, even though all three are scored electrically. The three types of fencing weapons are separated by the difference in bill guard, target area, and blade shape. (While it is not unusual for fencers to compete in all three events, they generally choose to develop their skills in one weapon. Until recently, women were permitted to compete only in foil, but now the USFA & FIE offer national competitions for women in épée and sabre. Women’s épée was added to the World Championships in 1989 and was held for the first time at the Olympic Games in 1996.)

What Is Foil?

The foil has a flexible rectangular blade, approximately 35 inches long, weighing less than one pound. Points are scored with the tip of the blade and must land within the torso of the body. The valid target area in foil is the torso, from the shoulders to the groin, front and back. It does not include the arms, neck, head, and legs. The foil fencer’s uniform includes a metallic vest (called a lamé) that covers the valid target area so that a valid touch will register on the scoring machine. A small, spring-loaded tip is attached to the point of the foil and is connected to a wire inside the blade. The fencer wears a body cord inside his uniform, which connects the foil to a reel wire connected to the scoring machine. There are two scoring lights on the machine. One shows a green light when a fencer is hit, and one shows a red light when her opponent is hit. A touch landing outside the valid target area (that which is not covered by the lamé) is indicated by a white light. These “off-target” hits do not count in the scoring, but they do stop the fencing action temporarily.