The sport of fencing is fast and athletic. It demands physical fitness great agility and speed. It is like chess at lightening fast speed.

The Weapons

Foil, epee and sabre are the three weapons used in the sport of fencing. While it is not unusual for fencers to compete in all three events, they generally choose to develop their skills in one weapon.

Foil and epee are point-thrusting weapons. Sabre is a point-thrusting as well as a cutting weapon. The target areas differ for the three weapons, though all three are scored electrically.

Object

The main object of a fencing bout (what an individual "game" is called) is to effectively score 15 points (in direct elimination play) or five points (in preliminary pool play) on your opponent before he scores that number on you. Each time a fencer scores a touch, she receives a point. Direct elimination matches consist of three three-minute periods.

Foil

The foil has a flexible rectangular blade, approximately 35 inches in length, 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) which 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.

Epee

The epee, the descendant of the dueling sword, is similar in length to the foil, but is heavier, weighing approximately 27 ounces, with a larger guard (to protect the hand from a valid hit) and a much stiffer blade. Touches are scored only with the point of the blade. The entire body is the valid target area.

The blade is wired with a spring-loaded tip at the end that completes an electrical circuit when it is depressed beyond a pressure of 750 grams. This causes the colored bulb on the scoring machine to light. Because the entire body is a valid target area, the epee fencer's uniform does not include a lamé. Off-target hits do not register on the machine.

Sabre

The sabre is the modern version of the slashing cavalry sword, and is similar in length and weight to the foil. The major difference is that the sabre is a thrusting weapon as well as a cutting weapon (use of the blade). The target area is from the bend of the hips (both front and back), to the top of the head, simulating the cavalry rider on a horse. The sabre fencer's uniform includes a metallic jacket (lamé), which covers the target area to register a valid touch on the scoring machine. The mask is different from foil and epee, with a metallic covering since the head is valid target area.

Just as in foil, 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 the opponent has hit. Off-target hits do not register on the machine.

Fencing Equipment

What`s a fencer without a sword?! Having your own fencing gear is a more comfortable, safe and hygienic option than the beginner`s range you might use at the club – with it you`ll enjoy fencing more! It will also allow you to fence when ever you feel like it: at home with friends, visiting other venues or even other countries! And of course your gear will play a crucial role if you decide to enter a competition.

Simple rules:

1.Fencing gear lasts long. The jacket you buy today will be with you in 10 years time. Therefore buy good quality – and enjoy it!

2.If you are confused with the variety of (blades, grips, gloves) offered by a supplier – phone them and ask for details. No one else knows their range as well as themselves. People who run fencing shops are usually enthusiasts who`ll be happy to guide you!

3.Do not buy your fencing gear on ebay unless as collectibles! Things found on ebay are often too old and do not comply with today`s safety standards. (Not to mention other unforeseeable details: one student bought on ebay a sabre with an epee blade!).

What you`ll need:

Basics. Every fencer will need: Mask , Jacket, Glove, Breeches (ideally with knee high socks), Chest-protector (obligatory for women) and the Weapon (see below). Underarm protector or Plastron which goes under the main jacket is also advisable. You`ll probably also want a bag which would hold your tools of trade.
Weapons. Adults fence with size 5 weapons while children might require size 3 or less depending on the age. French and pistol grips are available in foil and epee – please check with your coach what`s the best for you.
Electrics. If you fence using electric scoring you will also need the electric version of your weapon and the body wire. Plus for Foil you`ll need a foil lame jacket (the armless conductive jacket which goes over the normal one).
Shoes. Dedicated fencing shoes offer extra protection to the heel and to the inside of the foot. They can be substituted with cross trainers of other type light weight shoes.
If you compete… You`ll need at least two working weapons and body wires plus, if you`re taking part in an official international tournament, your equipment should answer the standards of the FIE (Federation Internatsionale D`Escrime) and your name and country must be written in big impressive letters on your back!

Got your kit already? Check it regularly!

Masks and particularly the electric versions of weapons, suffer from tear and wear. The better you fence, the higher become the speeds and the more impact is made on and by your weapon. Every fencer should pay attention to the weapons and protective gear they use and check them regularly. This will ensure that the tip of your sword does not come off suddenly in the middle of the bout and that the mesh of your mask does not weaken under the stress of the repeated friendly blows.

Learning how to deal with the faults in electrical weapons is a good idea if you ever want to compete and there is a wealth of advice on the internet. Leon Paul Equipment offers an excellent armourer`s section:
http://www.leonpaul.com/armoury/armoury_home.htm or check out the fault finding and repair manual from the Greenwich University:
http://www.greenwitch.u-net.com/fencing/armour.htm#arm1.2

Fencing Safety Rules:

The following safety rules are followed by this club:

1. Never cross blades, for any reason, without first putting on your mask. This rule has no exceptions!
2. Most fencing injuries are from muscle, ligament and tendon trauma. Always warm up before fencing.
3. Don't wear clothing with holes. A trapped blade in your clothing could cause a serious accident.
4. Novices may use practice jackets but advanced fencers must wear jackets and underarm protectors.
5. Men must wear athletic supporters with a protective shield. Women must wear breast protectors.
6. Legs must be protected with sweat pants, trousers or knickers.
7. Be aware of your surroundings. Don't step out onto the active floor without looking to be sure it's safe.
9. When fencing, do not drive your opponent into the wall or a hazard in your eagerness to win a touch.
10. Inspect your weapon periodically; see that the blade's curve is uniform and that the button is secure.
11. Be mindful of your fencing distance; don't fence too close!
12. If you are repeatedly colliding with your opponent, stop fencing until you can correct the error.
13. Aggressive fencing is OK; violent uncontrolled fencing is not. Nothing you do should ever cause pain or harm.
14. When hit, don't point at the area, but quickly acknowledge the touch in a loud, clear voice.
15. First, Last and ALWAYS, Never cross blades, for ANY reason, without first putting on your mask!

Aknowlegment

Please Note: Fencing is amongst safest of all sports, and there is a little chance of any injury. But fencing is an active sport and does include getting hit with Epees. Hits can occasionally lead to bruises/scrapes and you must be aware of this fact prior to starting the course. If you do have any medical concerns regarding starting fencing, please consult your doctor before applying to the course. If during the course you do have an injury/condition that will affect your fencing, please inform the coach prior to the session commencing.

Coaches are trained to provide fencing instruction. They are not experts in examining or treating medical conditions of any kind. Participation in any fencing activity may result in accident injury, disability or death.

Student and members attending Pembroke Fencing Club undertake that they are fit to carry out all training which can include heavy physical exercise and exertion. No responsibility can be accepted by the members of the club for any injury or property damage whether 3rd party, personal or other. Students, members or other fencers undertake that they carry out all fencing or related activities under their own risk and if required carry their own personal risk insurance.