How to Fence
The Sport of Fencing
Fencing is a fast paced movement between two fencers performed on a six by
forty foot metal strip. It is a combination of proper footwork and weapon
maneuvering. The touches are scored electrically through a sensor within each
fencer’s suite attached to a chord. The chords are then attached from the fencer’s
suite to a target sensor underneath the stripe and made easy to move along the strip
with.
Objective of Fencing
The purpose of fencing is to play in either a direct elimination bout (DE) or a
preliminary pool play. Direct Elimination consists of three, three-minute periods. A
direct elimination bout is where you must score 15 points on your opponent before
he/she scores that on you. Or in a preliminary pool play to score 5 points on your
opponent before he/she scores that.
Scoring
Every time a fencer hits the sensor/scores a touch, that fencer receives one
point. The scoring board of fencing has two different colored lights, green and red.
Green signals a successful touch and red signals for an off target touch (missed
sensor) touch. Right- of-way was established to distinguish, and effectively score
simultaneous attacks by two fencers. Right-of-way is used only when two green
lights or two red lights go off simultaneously on each sensor scoreboard. The fencer
who began the attack first will receive the point if they hit the sensor on their
opponent’s suite. However, if the fencer being attacked defends himself or herself
properly, they receive the right of way.
Equipment
The fencing uniform consists of a standard mask, glove, chest protector, cotton
jacket, knickers (fencing pants) and fencing sneakers.
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Weapons
The weapons typically used for fencing are foil, saber and epee. The three
weapons vary by grip. The foil blade is very flexible, around 35 inches in length and
square in cross section. It is much lighter in weight than both epee and saber. Epee
is as long as the foil, but the blade is much heavier with a triangular cross section.
Both foil and epee are scored with a thrusting motion. The saber is the only weapon
used to slash and thrust. It is a flat blade with a front striking edge and flat spine.
1. FOOTWORK
Before getting into your fencing gear and picking up your weapon. Fencing will take
a very basic understanding of footwork first. Footwork can be performed in regular
sneakers in relaxed workout clothing across a lengthy walkway or floor.
a. First place your front foot forward pointing straight ahead
b. Place your back foot parallel behind your front foot, as shown in the image
c. Check your posture
d. Now lift your toes upwards gently, move your front leg forward, and move
your back leg to follow
e. Repeat (hundreds of times)
f. Practice your lunge
2. LUNGES
In addition to footwork, the lunge is a very important movement. The fencing lunge
is an essential movement to increase the speed and effectiveness of your attack. It
aids in attacks at your opponent from a distance, and allows for elongation of any
attack you make.
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3. SELECT A WEAPON OF YOUR CHOICE
The three fencing weapons are foil, saber and epee.
4. HOW TO HOLD YOUR FENCING WEAPON
Each weapons grip is shown in the pictures below.
Caution: Weapons should be held facing down when off the strip. Never wave your weapon around.
5. TARGET PRACTICE AND PRIVATE LESSONS
Before getting into your fencing gear and stepping on the strip, basic attacks and
defenses must be taught to you by your instructor with the weapon of your
choosing. Target practice is also heavily enforced for greater accuracy your touches.
Tips: Every private lesson you have teaches you a new attack or further improves attacks you already
know. So have private lessons as often as possible.
6. SUITE UP
Once you learn basic footwork, lunges, target practice and basic attacks for the
weapon of your choosing, you may suite up into your fencing gear. Fencing gear
consists of a standard mask, glove, chest protector, cotton jacket, knickers (fencing
pants) and fencing sneakers.
Caution: Always wear your mask during practice, actual bouts, and drills.
7. FENCE
Perform all tasks learned while without the suite on a fencing stripe. Once on the
strip a combination of basic footwork and weapon maneuvering as well as constant
practice will allow you to become a very skilled and fast fencer.
Tips: The more people you fence the better you get. Every person is different height or has different
set of strengths. So the more variety you are exposed to in terms of technique, the more skilled and
experienced you will be.
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