Index > Hobbies > Fencing
I
started fencing in the late 80's, when a friend
of mine introduced me to the game and to what
was going to be the main sport in my life. I
currently fence regularly at the "M.L.S."
Fencing club in Ain Saade. I have participated
in a number of international competitions in
the arab world last of which was in Jordan in
2002.
I have also attended training sessions for coaches
given by the
French Fencing Federation and
by the
International Olympic committee.
The Olympic sport of fencing
is comprised of three weapons: foil, epee, and
sabre.
All are fenced on a long rectangular
strip, and electronic scoring aids are normally
used to assist in the detection of touches.
The rules governing these three weapons are
International Fencing Federation.
Briefly, the FIE weapons are described
as follows:
Foil: Descended
from the 18th century small sword, the foil
has a thin, flexible blade with a square cross-section
and a small
bell guard. Touches are scored with the point
on the torso of the opponent, including the
groin and back. Foil technique
emphasizes strong defense and the killing attack
to the body.
Epee: Similar to the dueling
swords of the mid-19th century, epees have stiff
blades with a triangular cross section,
and large bell guards. Touches are scored with
the point, anywhere on the opponent's body.
Unlike foil and sabre, there
no rules of right-of-way to decide which attacks
have precedence, and double hits are possible.
Epee technique emphasizes timing, point control,
and a good counter-attack.
Sabre: Descended from naval
and cavalry swords of the late 19th century,
sabres have a light, flat blade and a knuckle
guard.
Touches can be scored with either the point
or the edge of the blade, anywhere above the
opponent's waist. Sabre technique
emphasizes speed, feints, and strong offense.
Which is the best weapon?
Such a question is an open invitation to religious
warfare.
Everybody loves to participate, but nothing
is ever settled.
If the question means "what kind of fencing
is the most fun?" then the answer is: it
depends what aspects of fencing you enjoy the
most.
If you are fascinated by technique, blade work,
and tactics, you will probably get a lot of
satisfaction from foil fencing. More visceral
fencers who want to experience the adrenaline
rush of a fast, aggressive sword fight will
want to try some sabre. Most epee fencers consider
themselves practical, no-nonsense sword fighters
who rely on as few artificial rules as possible.
On the other hand, if the question means "which
weapon is the most deadly?" the answer
will depend on a lot of factors, not the least
of which are the skill of the combatants, the
presence of armour, the military and cultural
context, and the rules of the fight (ie. is
this a street fight, a gentlemen's duel, or
open field warfare?).
Most swords are highly optimized for performance
in a specific environment, and will not perform
well outside it. Comparing two swords from completely
different historical contexts is therefore extremely
difficult, if not downright silly.
Then again, perhaps the question means "which
style of fencing is the most realistic?"
It must be said that questions of realism have
little relevance to an activity that has almost
no practical application in the modern world
other than sport and fitness.
Historically, however, epees have the closest
resemblance (among FIE weapons) to real dueling
swords, and the rules closely parallel those
of actual duels (sometimes being fought to only
a single point).
