Fencing 101

If you’re familiar with the sport of fencing, you’ve no doubt seen the protective equipment that the competitors wear.  It’s important to know all the different pieces of equipment, as well as to have a familiarity with the different swords used, to really understand this sport.

The weapons.

Fencing has three weapons – the epee, the sabre, and the foil.  These swords are somewhat like their ancient counterparts, but are actually much lighter.  They all range from 30” to 35” long, and usually weigh under 500 grams, or about a pound.

Like any other sports equipment, there is a set of requirements to which each weapon must conform, obviously for safety reasons as well as for fair play.

The Epee.

The Epee has a large hand-guard and a blade which has a V-shaped cross-section. It is usually the heaviest of the three weapons used in fencing.

Epee fencers score touches with the tip of the blade, and are allowed to hit any part of the opponent’s body. Epeeists often train to hit the opponent’s hand, toe and leg, since these are the closest targets.

The Sabre.

The sabre has a basket-shaped hand-guard that completely covers the hand, and a blade which is Y-shaped in cross-section.

Sabre fencers can score with the tip, but more commonly use the edge of the weapon to make “cuts” to the target; this makes it different from the foil and epee, which only scores by using the tip.

The sabre is the only edged weapon in fencing. Sabre fencers can hit any part of the opponent’s body above the waist.

Sabreurs often train to hit the opponent’s hand, since it is a close target, and the opponent’s head, since it is easy to hit with an edged weapon.

It’s thought by some that the sabre is the most difficult sword to learn fencing with, since it is typically heavier and has a more opportunities for hits, and attacks are very fast.

The Foil.

The foil has a small, round hand-guard and a blade that is rectangular in cross-section.

Foil fencers score touches with the tip of the blade, and are allowed to hit anywhere on the opponent’s torso, including groin, chest and back (but not including arms, hands, legs and head).

Foilists train to hit the chest, but a school of technique is also built around hitting the opponent’s back with a move that bends the blade in a curve (the “flick”).

Equipment and Protective Gear.

As with any other sport, safety should be of first importance for the organizers and participants alike.  Being properly equipped with the right safety gear is an absolute must for anyone that is interested in fencing, whether experienced or just beginning with this sport.

Additionally, bear in mind that many competitions have regulations as to the type of safety equipment that’s required, and certain standards that the equipment must meet.  Never assume that anything you purchase or use in your class is sufficient for competition; instead, review their requirements carefully.  If you’re not sure of any of your equipment, never hesitate to ask your instructor or the event coordinator.

Electronic scoring.

It may seem strange, but the fencer’s movements are so quick it would probably be impossible for a human judge to see every stroke or hit.  So, the fencers compete on a rectangular strip of floor, and fencers are actually attached to a cord which is connected to a reel on each short side of this strip. Each cord is spooled on a reel and each reel is connected to a scoring machine, which is on a table along one side of the strip. This electrical cord is what keeps the score – a strike is recorded electronically.

The electrical circuit set-ups for all three types of swords are virtually the same. The body cord of the fencer attaches to a lightweight, transmitter-receiver pack, which is worn on the back at the waist. This pack is about the size of a cigarette pack and is much like those packs worn for portable microphones. This pack transmits radio signals to the electric scoring box with the lights.

This cord system is designed to move in and out with the fencer’s movements, but can give some added distraction.  Newcomers to the system do feel some resistance during strikes and so need to compensate.

To make the fencer totally unencumbered, a reel-less, electrical system has been developed and was tested in the 2004 Athens Olympics.  However, until this system is in place, you do need to consider the cords you need for electrical competition when purchasing your equipment.

Here are some of the most basic pieces of protective equipment, also referred to as armor:

Jacket.

The jacket worn in fencing of course serves as protection against the blade, but is also designed to keep the combatant as comfortable as possible.  It is padded in the chest area and typically has a high collar, and fastens on the side opposite the weapon hand.  Most are designed with a fabric that wicks away perspiration.  When considering which brand of jacket to purchase for yourself, investigate these options.  Sometimes paying a few extra dollars for a higher quality material will be well worth it, and of course men’s and women’s jackets are sized differently.  Women’s jackets also have a padded breast protector available, worn under the jacket in a pocket area.

Pants.

Fencing pants too are designed for protection but comfort as well.  Their material also is typically designed to keep perspiration from sitting on your skin.

The materials used for most fencing pants are also designed to allow the greatest freedom of movement.  They are knicker-length, worn with white socks that come above the knee, or are ankle length.

When trying pants, be sure that there is adequate room for lunging and other such movements – never get a pair that are tight or snug in any way.

Masks.

Your type of mask is actually dependent upon your weapon; be sure that you’re using the appropriate type of mask for the weapon at hand.

Masks have a padded bib area, which is like a flap that protects the neck.

Your mask should not be too snug around your face or push down on the top of your head, but should have adequate padding inside and should not be so loose that it causes a distraction.

Glove.

A white fencing glove is worn on the weapon hand; the other hand is left bare.  Make sure you choose a glove that is not too tight or too loose and that fits properly around the sleeve of your jacket.  Move your fingers back and forth, making a fist repeatedly, to be sure you’ve chosen the right glove for you.

Shoes.

There is really nothing very special about fencing shoes except that they are lightweight and offer arch support.  You may want to opt for a pair of light court shoes, at least at first, before investing money in fencing shoes.  However, be sure that if you’re going to participate in a competition of any sort that your equipment, including your shoes, meets their regulations.

For children.

Fencing gear for children is available; be sure that if you are outfitting your child that you purchase items that are of an appropriate size, and replace them as necessary as the child grows.  Having loose fitting or too snug clothing may be fine for everyday items, but not for competition.

Other equipment tips.

It’s always recommended that men wear a protective athletic supporter when fencing.  Women should also always wear the protective breast pads under their jackets.

Be sure that your socks go up over the knee so that your entire leg is covered.  This is not just for safety, but is part of the regulations of most fencing schools and competitions.

Many fencing equipment stores offer a “beginner’s kit,” which usually has one item of each of the above.  These kits may be less expensive than purchasing items separately, so definitely investigate this option as well, especially when you’re first starting out.

Some fencing schools will have equipment that you can rent, which may also be a good option for someone just starting out who is hesitant to invest money for the sport immediately.  However, remember that if you own the protective clothing, you’re the only one using it – and sweating in it!

As we’ve said, if you’re thinking of taking up fencing as a means of self-defense, you may want to consider a good kickboxing or karate class instead.  It’s unlikely that a sword will ward off an armed carjacker or that you could drag one along in your sweatpants when you decide to go jogging at night.

But of course that’s not the reason many people are finding themselves drawn to the sport of fencing, even in our modern times today.  Let’s take a look at some of those other reasons here.

For exercise.

Let’s face it, there’s an epidemic of obesity sweeping through, not just America and the western countries, but in virtually every country of the world as well.

Note the actual statistics regarding the elevated Body Mass Index (BMI) in just the last three decades, taken from the Centers for Disease Control in the U.S.:

This increase is not limited to adults. Among young people, the prevalence of obesity and excess weight increased during this same time period:

from 5.0% to 13.9% for those aged 2–5 years

from 6.5% to 18.8% for those aged 6–11 years

from 5.0% to 17.4% for those aged 12–19 years

Concerns of obesity.

You may already be familiar with some of the consequences of obesity and excessive weight, however, consider the extent of the problem and the exhaustive list of all the conditions and health concerns it can cause or irritate, as provided by the American Obesity Association:

Asthma

Arthritis

Birth Defects

Cancers

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)

Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)

Daytime Sleepiness

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Diabetes (Type 2)

End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)

Gallbladder Disease

Gout

Heat Disorders

Hypertension

Impaired Immune Response

Impaired Respiratory Function

Infections Following Wounds

Infertility

Liver Disease

Low Back Pain

Obstetric and Gynecologic Complications

Orthopedic Complications

Pain

Pancreatitis

Psychosocial Effects & Stigma

Sleep Apnea

Stroke

Surgical Complications

Urinary Stress Incontinence

A person’s body weight is really a ratio of calories taken in versus calories burned through activity.  Someone who eats even a moderate amount of calories but is very sedentary may be overweight, as these unused calories are stored as body fat.

Unfortunately, the diet of our modern society is loaded with extra calories, as sugar and fat is added to almost anything and everything.  Many meals are also very calorie-dense, meaning that they have an excessive amount of calories for the amount of food in them.  Couple these facts with the fact that so many foods are so easy to obtain and that we’re being tempted constantly with food – ice cream parlors and fast food restaurants are on practically every corner – and it’s no wonder that the majority of persons in the world are at least somewhat overweight.

Yes, cutting calories and eating better is a good choice for many, but you can only stop eating so much before you need to perform some type of activity to burn those calories, and fencing burns approximately 400 calories per hour for most combatants.

Benefits of exercise.

Warding off excess weight is only one of the benefits of exercise.  Even for someone who does not have a weight problem, regular vigorous exercise can help improve blood circulation, which contributes to the health of all the body’s muscles, organs, and systems.  A higher heart rate means that blood is moving through your system more often, which means that it’s being filtered through the lungs more often.  Your organs and systems are getting this “fresh blood” on a regular basis, and more dead cells and other irritants are being filtered away, while new cells are being fed and nourished regularly.  This is a great aid in warding off sicknesses and diseases, and in making a person just plain feel better.

Exercise also strengthens the heart, as it beats faster during exercise and then more often during the day.  Like any other muscle, the more the heart is used, the stronger it becomes.  Someone who exercises regularly is less likely to have heart attacks or heart disease, two common occurrences in those who live sedentary lives.

Other benefits of exercise include controlled blood pressure, reduction of stress, more mental clarity, and better sleep.  Additionally, it seems as if people who exercise regularly have more self-esteem and self-confidence.

All of this information points to the obvious – exercise is of great benefit, for many reasons.  And fencing provides a fun, enjoyable, and amazingly interesting way of staying active.  Many people prefer it over something as simple and potentially repetitive as walking or jogging; not to criticize these activities, but it is true that fencing is never boring!  Running on a treadmill in front of a television screen at your local gym can get old very fast, whereas fencing never presents the same scenario twice.

For competition.

Competition can be an evil side of sport, there’s no doubt about that.  Being too fiercely competitive can bring out the absolute worst in any athlete, and it’s a sad fact that this type of competitiveness even affects the onlookers – think of the term “hockey dad,” and it no doubt brings up a picture of an angry, violent man that’s far too wrapped up in his child’s performance or games.  Unfortunately, stories of cheating, point shaving, steroid use, and other such things in sports are far too common.

This doesn’t mean that competition in of itself is wrong.  Think about your favorite sport, be it college basketball, professional football, or gymnastics.  How interested would you be if no one ever kept score?  If there were no divisions or bowl games or a playoff season?  If no one every won or lost?  Chances are, the competition aspect of the sport and the games themselves are a big part of what keeps you hooked.  When the score of a game is close, when it comes down to the last inning or the last few minutes of the final quarter or period of play, when one competitor’s score is just a tenth of a point off from another’s, that’s when the sport is the most exciting!

Motivation.

For an athlete, competing against someone else can also be a great motivator.  Wanting your team to win a game is one thing, but when your sport is a one-on-one competition, then the demands – and the spotlight – are on you and you alone.  Yes, this means there’s great pressure, but it also means there’s a lot of exhilaration and a tremendous sense of accomplishment every time someone wins in that type of competition.  Being able to rely on yourself and yourself alone can be a great incentive to keep you training and working hard.

Really, how many sports offer more of a one-on-one competition than fencing?  There are no teammates to pass a ball to, no one to block your opponent’s line for you.

And while fencing offers this type of competition, it is still much easier on the body than many other sports that are also one-on-one.  For example, some people may have a hard time with contact sports such as wrestling, boxing, karate, or other martial arts.  While fencing keeps you completely active and working at your peak, it’s typically much easier on the joints and muscles overall, and sustains the competitor far less injuries, than these other sports.

Mental stimulation.

Most sports require more planning and thought than many non-athletes.  Adjusting your play according to how the opposing team or your individual opponent acts is an important aspect of virtually any game.

For many sports, however, this aspect of the competition is rather limited and over quickly.  In American football, when executing a play, a running back may adjust his path by a few feet when he see the defensive line shift.  However, once he does that, the football gets thrown and the play is pretty much over.  The team regroups to plan their next one.

In baseball, outfielders adjust their position according to how the ball is hit, but again, the play is over.  The catch or scoop up the ball and throw it to another lineman, and then wait for the next batter.

In fencing, however, interactions between the two opponents happen very quickly but are never that simple.  Parries, or the exchange of blades, can go through several complicated movements, and initiating these movements or defending against them involves responding with your entire body.

The mental challenge that fencing presents is one that many participants say simply cannot be found in any other sport.  Fencing is not about simply overpowering your opponent, or even necessarily being quicker or having better reflexes than him.  Movements are often planned out, with one laying the groundwork for the next – in a matter of seconds.

Constantly trying to anticipate your opponent’s moves, studying him while being engaged, all of these challenges make fencing not just a physical sport but a mental one as well.

Sport as art.

Everyone has their favorite sport, and their own reasons as to why it’s their favorite.  Some look at American football and admire the sheer power and athleticism of the men on the field, and for those who understand how plays are planned and executed, they have an appreciation for the thinking behind them as well.  Some admire the speed and seamless teamwork of basketball or hockey, with players on opposing teams zigzagging between one another at a pace that’s almost impossible to follow.  The slower pace of baseball or cricket may appeal to those who simply want to relax and allow themselves to get involved with the game as it unfolds.

But for others, a sport that seems like an art form is what they’re drawn to, as an observer or participant.  Gymnasts and skaters must have absolute athletic ability but obviously a certain amount of grace and elegance as well.  These sports don’t rely on just physical strength to overpower an opponent, or the speed needed to outrun him.

Fencing is much like these sports in that it’s very beautiful to look at and requires a certain grace to perform.  Like gymnastics, it teaches and requires balance and coordination, and a certain style, even poise, from its participants.  A true athlete who also wishes to express himself or herself in such a refined way – without comprising athletic ability – would no doubt be drawn to the art of fencing.

So with all this information in mind, suppose you have an interest in this sport, but have no idea where to begin.  What equipment is needed?  What’s involved in the classes?  What does a beginner need to know about all the other aspects of the sport, other than just trying to strike or dodge your opponent?  Do they really say “en garde,” and what does that mean?

Let’s take a look at some of this information now.

Sada Jacobson (USA) vs. Xue Tan (CHN) - photo S.Timacheff FencingPhotos.com

If you were looking for a web site about home improvement, or about how to keep your neighbors out of your yard and your dogs penned in, unfortunately you’ve come to the wrong place!  That’s not the type of fencing that we’re talking about here.

Chances are, you already knew that.  “Fencing,” as many people know, refers to a form of armed combat typically using swords, but technically it may also include knives, bayonets, batons, clubs, and any similar handheld weapon.

Hundreds of years ago, fighting with swords was commonplace, both in Europe and Asia.  A student of martial arts in China and Japan learned to fight, not only with his hands, feet, and weapons such as a staff or sai, but also with a variety of swords.  The Chinese and Japanese did much to study and further the use of different sizes and weights of swords used in battle, and most history buffs know how important the sword was to the Japanese Samurai and to the Chinese warrior as well.

Swords were important pieces of equipment for soldiers in Greece and Rome as well.  Their popularity as a means of personal protection off the battlefield spread throughout Europe and were used as such for hundreds of years.

Today however, rarely do two combatants meet on an actual battlefield armed with only swords or knives.  Compared with guns and other weapons, swords of course are bulky, hard to use, difficult to conceal, and somewhat impossible to sneak past a metal detector!

Many people’s familiarity with fencing today revolves around what they’ve seen only in movies, with two men in fancy pantaloons and boots (and possibly a cape as well!) fighting over the virtue of a beautiful woman that is swooning over them nearby.  To most, fencing seems like a fancy dance, an old-time curiosity rather than an actual threat or means of protection.

This doesn’t mean that people’s interest in fencing is completely dissipated today, however.  There is still great attention paid to this graceful sport, as borne out by those movies – often box office successes – that are set in these “olden” times and that feature heavy emphasis on swordplay.

For example, consider the two recent “Zorro” movies (with megastars Antonio Banderas and Catherine Zeta-Jones), “The Princess Bride,” “Highlander” (both a movie franchise and television series), and the “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies, all of which have done quite well with audiences.  Even the “Kill Bill” movies, which were set in modern times, featured heavy swordplay throughout.

And of course the light saber, featured in the “Star Wars” movies, could be considered a type of sword and their Jedi battles a form of fencing!  (In fact, US Olympian and silver medalist Keeth Smart tried out fencing because he thought the sword fighting in Star Wars was cool.)

While movies and television shows typically portray a fanciful and frenetic form of battle with few rules or attention to form, the term “fencing” today usually refers to the swordplay one finds in European schools of swordsmanship, and the Olympic sports that have developed from them.  Both of these venues are governed by rules that dictate each combatants’ moves, strike zones, weapons, and so on.  Emphasis is placed on footwork and controlled movements, rather than simply trying to overpower or “out-stab” your opponent.

Note what the official web site for the Olympics says regarding fencing:  “Evolved from the ancient form of combat, fencing is one of only four sports that has been featured at every modern Olympic Games. It was the first to include recognized professionals in a medals competition after modern Olympic Games founder Pierre de Coubertin arranged special events for professional fencing ‘masters’ in the original 1896 and 1900 competitions.

Fencing was one of the few sports that admitted professionals prior to the 1980s. In fact, the original Olympic rules, written by de Coubertin, specifically stated that fencing professionals, called masters, could compete. Events for masters at the Olympics were held in the foil in 1896 and 1900. Masters also competed in épée and sabre events at both the Olympics in 1900 and the Intercalary Olympic Games in 1906.

Women’s fencing first appeared in the Olympics in 1924. Today, men compete in both team and individual events at the Olympics using three types of swords – the foil, the épée and the sabre.

Women compete in both team and individual events at the Olympics using the foil, the épée and the sabre. Women’s épée events were first added to the Olympic program during the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, and women’s sabre was added in 2004.¹

Today of course we do not see two armed combatants settling disagreements with swordplay, but these fencing schools still continue to thrive and flourish.  Celebrities have been known to take up fencing, among them Jerry O’Connell, Katherine Moening, Marcel Marceau and Robert Goulet.  Many celebrities that have had to train in fencing for a particular movie role have enjoyed it so much that they continue with the sport.

Colleges often offer fencing as an elective sport, right along with the more popular football, soccer, and basketball.  Fencing even continues to be taught at the high school level in some areas.

But why bother to take an interest in fencing today, if it really serves no purpose in a practical sense – or is there a practical purpose to fencing in today’s world?  Why do Olympians and professionals alike still keep the art and science of fencing alive?  Let’s discuss that in greater detail in the next section.

Congratulations to the following Clubs/Cities that have been awarded a Regional Open Circuit tournament for the 2010-2011 season:

Thank you to all of the Clubs and Divisions that submitted ROC Bids to the ROC Advisory Group and US Fencing.  Qualifying procedures to 2011 Summer Nationals will be announced in September 2010.

http://usfencing.org/news/2010/06/29/2010-2011-roc-location-and-dates/36882

The USFA has put together a program that trains fencing coaches and teachers to be better at what they do. The training is at three different levels with “three” being the highest. Each weapon type is taught separately. The goal of this training is to create a national coaching environment with consistency and continuity, which will ultimately lead to a well-taught cadre of youth fencers. The training is focused on safety, comprehension of skills and teaching ability.

The USFA Coaches College is held at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado in mid-summer. The facility is located in a residential part of town and is convenient to the many attractions of the area. The schedule, however, limits one’s time for participating in the local scene.

Excerpts from my personal journal. After driving down to the OTC from Denver, I realized to my surprise that I was feeling a bit apprehensive. After checking in with security I made a brief circuit of the compound. The familiar 5 rings are everywhere and I can’t stop grinning! After seeing the Olympics on TV for so many years it’s just wild to actually be here at the OTC!! Checking in was a breeze and I soon found my dorm room. Oh happy day, it’s got AC!!! Actually, it looks like all the buildings have air conditioning so maybe this will be bearable after all. Being from a far northern clime, I was pretty concerned about the heat. 93 degrees F the first day. I put down my stuff and went in search of a barber.

Arrival day consists of orientation by the instructors. All questions are answered and expectations communicated. Several volumes of study material are distributed with promises of more to come. The schedule for the coming week is distributed and discussed. First on the agenda is Safety and CPR training. This takes a day and a half and covers Sport Safety, Accident Prevention, CPR and emergency situations. This is pretty intensive training. You are tested and grilled in both written and practical applications. If you pass, you are rewarded with a Red Cross Approved Adult and Child CPR card (good for 1 year) as well as a Sport Safety Training card (3 years) recognized by Red Cross and the United States Olympic Committee.

Yippee Skippee!! I can do CPR! Hope I never have to but it feels good to know that I can do it if necessary. I’ve always wanted to get the training but couldn’t find the time. Now that I have the card I’ll have the incentive to renew it every year. I need to make some changes on how we do things in our fencing club though. Waivers signed by kid’s parents, update the first aid kit. Put up some signs and phone numbers. I know I should have done this stuff before now… been lucky so far.

The schedule for the week has you starting at 8:00 am and working through 8:00 pm every day, with breaks for lunch and dinner. The application information discusses the intensity of the workout drills and the effects of high altitude and proper hydration. It mentions this several times. Take it seriously. It is hard to breathe at 6600 feet when you are used to about 50 feet above sea level. Do drink lots of water for a week or so before you go there. Do plan on a serious physical workout several times a day.

I can only speak to Level 1 Foil as this was my first trip to the College. The instructors had a good feel for the group that they were working with. The instruction was first rate and well presented. It consisted of a series of footwork drills done individually, followed by a series of bladework drills done with a partner. Emphasis is placed on teaching the proper skills by giving cues to the student.

Properly done, the student is led through a progressive lesson with little conversation from the coach. The coach is taught to “let his blade do the talking”. Corrections are made and the lesson culminates with the student having a clear understanding of the technique being taught and circumstances leading up to the timely execution of it.

Man am I glad I bought the big bottle of Ibuprofin! I lunged more today than I have in the last 2 weeks. Can’t help but notice that I’m not in the best shape of all the people here, but I’m not the worst either. Quite a cross section of students here. As young as 17 and old as, what? Maybe 52? Several times I have been receiving group instruction and just had to pinch myself as I realize that we are all here for the same purpose, at the OTC, dealing with and discussing the same shared issues about a sport that has been in the modern Olympics longer than nearly every other sport currently offered. All of the new coaches in this class are pretty squared away and easy-going. That’s nice. I’ve decided to be a sponge and absorb as much as I can from everybody else’s experiences, past and present. It’s amazing how much collective information we have between us. I’m also finding out I know more about teaching than I thought I did. Some of them are having a difficult time playing the role of instructor.

The Olympic Training Center consists of Gymnasiums, Classrooms, Weight lifting rooms, Shooting Center, Swimming Center, Gift Shop, Dorms and various administrative buildings. The center of the social scene is the cafeteria/lounge. Although athletes in training are encouraged to eat a healthy training diet there is unlimited access to the cafeteria from 7 am to 7 pm. They are expected to make the right choices in diet selection. Sport nutrition is a featured segment of the coaches training. The lounge area features several large screen televisions situated conveniently around the vaulted atrium, usually tuned to ESPN. Many of the coaches in training will use the generous 1 1/2 hour lunch and dinner breaks to study for the many written and practical exams. There are no TVs in the dorms.

If you decide to participate in the USFA Coaches College, be prepared for total immersion in the sport of fencing. Everything is geared toward making you a better coach/teacher with the expectation that you will deliver your skills to the students you currently work with. You may become a better fencer as the result of this experience (a happy byproduct), but not the main goal of the effort. There’s a lot of young talent out there that needs the help of a decent coach to excel. Coaches College will give you the tools to help them achieve their goals, what ever they may be.

I was cornered by a couple of the instructors to see how I was coping with the heat and altitude. I told them it was different but I was working on keeping hydrated and staying out of the sun. I was holding up o.k. Then they wanted to get a critique of the instruction so far. I told them that sometimes I felt like I was surfing a tidal wave that was looming dangerously overhead. The amount of information being packed into my head was almost overwhelming; not quite! But almost. I feel like I’m being stretched nearly to the limit of my ability to absorb information. But then there’s a little reprieve while I digest it and then we move on. I couldn’t (and probably wouldn’t) have designed the course any better as far as timing and quantity of info. Just when I thought I wasn’t getting it, I’d realize that some of the rest of us were struggling too and we could ask our peers or the instructors and then it all came together and we went on to the next concept or drill. The phrase “total immersion” keeps coming to mind and it is exactly the way I feel. When you love this game as much as I do it is such a high to be able to commit 100% of your time to it and to get so much back from your investment.

Testing. The end of your week is the climax. Test day. You will have the opportunity to be tested by a jury of Fencing Masters on your ability to execute footwork and bladework. You will receive an honest critique of your ability as an instructor. It can be a tense moment if you let it. Just remember, they want you to be a better coach. Pay attention and practice the skills as taught and you will do well. (Sounds like the kind of thing we tell our students, doesn’t it!)

The Olympics are in Athens in 2004, how are the teams chosen for the fencing competition?

Athens Olympics Logo

Over the last 100 years, the number of sports represented in the Olympic games has mushroomed and the IOC took action to attempt to keep the total number of athletes participating in the games to a reasonable level so that the host nations will have a chance at running a decent games.

The mandated levels of athlete participation has led to changes in the selection process for the Games. Each nation is no longer guaranteed an athlete in each sport – now nations and athletes have to compete against not only their countrymen, but against others in their region or continent for an Olympic slot.

The addition of Women’s Sabre as an event in fencing has led to even more changes for 2004. In the 2004 Olympic Games all of the men’s events (epee, foil, and saber) will have both team and individual competitions, but Women’s Sabre and Women’s Foil will only hold an individual tournament with Women’s Epee the only women’s event to include a team competition.

Who gets to go?

Athletes are competing for slots based on their nation’s standing in the world (for team events) and based on individual world rankings (for the individual event.) Total participation is limited to 200 athletes over 6 events. Here’s a breakdown of what it will take for an aspiring swordsman (or swordswoman) to get a ticket to Athens:

Weapons with Team Events (Men’s events, Women’s Epee):

Team Events are comprised of teams of 3 fencers with 1 alternate. A total of 8 teams can compete in each team event. The top 4 teams in the world standings will qualify directly to the Olympics. The remaining 4 teams are chosen based on regional qualification. The top team from each region (Americas/Canada, Asia, Europe, Africa) that is not already qualified will earn a regional berth.

The individual event is a tournament with a field of 36 fencers. For the individual competition, the 24 fencers that competed in the team event qualify. After the first 24 fencers are chosen, the top 7 in the World standings qualify with a maximum of fencers from each region. Europe, Asia-Oceana, the Americas all get 2 fencers and Africa sends 1. The remaining 5 slots are determined by a continental qualifying competition with 2 from Europe and 1 from each of the remaining regions.

What about Women’s Foil and Women’s Sabre?

Since the women’s foil and saber events don’t have a team competition, a different set of criteria is used to pick the 24 fencers who will compete in the tournaments. The top 8 in the World rankings get their tickets punched (but only 2 can go from the same country from this set.) After the first 8 are chosen, the next 8 in are picked by region based on adjusted world rankings. (There are 3 slots for Europe, 2 for Asia, 2 for the Americas, and 1 for Africa.) The last 8 qualify based on continental competitions where countries that haven’t qualified any fencers on the first 2 rounds. In the last round, the allocation of slots remains at 3 Europe, 2 Asia and Americas, and 1 for Africa.

Outlook for the United States

Will the US earn a medal in 2004?

The United States has a very good chance at qualifying teams in all of the men’s events and will need to beat Canada in the 2003-2004 season to get a regional berth in Women’s Epee. The US boasts 3 fencers in the top 21 in women’s saber, but is much weaker in women’s foil (the top US fencer is 43rd in the world). The US should send at least one women’s foilist from the continental competition.

Once the 2003 World Championships conclude in October we’ll take another look at the standings and preview the 2003-2004 season.

Swordfighting as sport has existed since ancient Egypt, and has been practiced in many forms in various cultures since then. Although jousting and tournament combat was a popular sport in the European middle ages, modern fencing owes more to unarmoured dueling forms that evolved from 16th century rapier combat. Rapiers evolved from cut-and-thrust military swords, but were most popular amongst civilians who used it for self-defence and dueling. Rapiers were edged, but the primary means of attack was the thrust. Rapier fencing spread from Spain and Italy to northwest Europe, in spite of the objections of masters such as George Silver who preferred traditional cutting weapons such the English broad sword.

The Spanish school, under masters such as Narvaez and Thibault, became a complicated and mystical affair whose geometrical theories required much practice to master. Italian masters like Agrippa and Capo Ferro developed a more pragmatic school in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, introducing innovations such as linear fencing and the lunge.

By the 18th century, the rapier had evolved to a simpler, shorter, and lighter design that was popularized in France as the small sword. Although the small sword often had an edge, it was only to discourage the opponent from grabbing the blade, and the weapon was used exclusively for thrusting. The light weight made a more complex and defensive style possible, and the French masters developed a school based on defence with the sword, subtlety of movement, and complex attacks. When buttoned with a leather safety tip that resembled a flower bud, the small sword was known as le fleuret, and was identical in use to the modern foil (still known as le fleuret in French). Indeed, the French small sword school forms the basis of most of modern fencing theory.

By the mid-19th century, dueling was in decline as a means of settling disputes, partially because victory could lead to a jail term for assault or manslaughter. Emphasis shifted to defeating the opponent without necessarily killing him, and less fatal dueling forms evolved using the dueling sword, or epee de terrain, an unedged variant of the small sword. Later duels often ended with crippling thrusts to the arm or leg, and fewer legal difficulties for the participants. This is the basis of modern epee fencing.

Cutting swords had been used in bloodsports such as backsword prizefights at least as far back as the 17th century. Broadswords, sabres, and cutlasses were used extensively in military circles, especially by cavalry and naval personell, and saw some dueling application in these circles as well. Training was performed with wooden weapons, and stick fighting remained popular until Italian masters formalized sabre fencing into a non-fatal sporting/training form with metal weapons in the late 19th century. Early sport sabres were significantly heavier than the modern sport sabre and necessitated a strong style with the use of moulinets and other bold movements. As with thrusting swords, the sabre evolved to lighter, less fatal dueling forms such as the Italian sciabola di terro and the German schlager. Hungarian masters developed a new school of sabre fencing that emphasized finger control over arm strength, and they dominated sabre fencing for most of the 20th century.

Dueling faded away after the First World War. A couple of noteworthy duels were fought over disputes that arose during Olympic games in the 1920s, and there have been rare reports of sword duels since then. In October 1997, the Mayor of Calabria, Italy, publicly challenged certain Mafiosos to a duel. German fraternity dueling (mensur) still occurs with some frequency.

The first modern Olympic games featured foil and sabre fencing for men only. Epee was introduced in 1900. Single stick was featured in the 1904 games. Epee was electrified in the 1936 games, foil in 1956, and sabre in 1988. Early Olympic games featured events for Masters, and until recently fencing was the only Olympic sport that has included professionals. Disruptions in prevailing styles have accompanied the introduction of electric judging, most recently transforming sabre fencing. Foil fencing experienced similar upheavals for a decade or two following the introduction of electric judging, which was further complicated by the new, aggressive, athletic style coming out of eastern Europe at the time.

Women’s foil was first contested in the 1924 Olympic games, and Women’s epee was only contested for the first time in 1996, although it has been part of the World Championships since 1989. Women’s sabre made its first appearance in the 1998 World Championships as a demonstration sport. More recently, women’s sabre is slated to make its first appearance as an Olympic medal sport in the 2004 Athens Games.