Fencing: An Exciting Sport for All Ages
Amazing swordplay and high-action entertainment are not reserved for your favorite pirate epics. The sport of fencing has all the excitement of swordplay, without the messy results! The use of swords in battle goes back to the ancient eras, and by the middle ages, it had become particularly popular among the English gentry. Fencing grew out of brute swordplay into a sport, and by the middle ages, rules began to govern the sport. fencing equipment evolved right alongside the sport itself.
Fencing made its Olympic debut in 1896 when the governing body added to its roster of events one for the foil. The foil is the most common type of fencing gear, and is often the choice of beginners in the sport. The foil began as a training tool in the 1700s, something beginners used before taking up a small sword. The torso of the body is the typical target for one using a foil. Later in the 1900s, the Olympic committee expanded their fencing events to include the epee and the saber. The epee isn’t much different than the foil, but it does feature a heavier weight and a three-sided, stiffer blade. When engaging with the epee, the target area is not restricted to the torso.
The saber excels at cutting and thrusting, which is one of the reasons that competitors can use the edge of the blade to earn what are considered valid touches in competition. In the case of the foil and the epee, where the point lands determines a valid touch.
Women’s saber fencing was introduced in 2004, and epee prior to that in 1996. One goes back to 1924 to find the first women’s foil fencing showcased as an event. Individual and team events comprise the competition. Fencing continues into the London 2012 Olympics with some slight rule changes to make the sport more viewer friendly and was broadcast live for 2008 on NBCOlympics Web site.
Fencing gear is not just comprised of the weapons; protective clothing is vital in preventing injury. This is vital in the sport of fencing, where a lack of such could lead to serious bodily harm. Gear used includes a chest protector for women, gloves, jacket, mask, under-arm protector, shoes/socks, and pants.
The story of competitive fencing goes back for many years. By participating in this sport, you get a taste of history and tradition. You could be a participant in the middle of the action, or you could just be a fascinated observer; in any case, there is so much to enjoy about the exciting sport of fencing.