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If
you think fencing is an elitist, Eurocentric
sport, here’s an enlightening bit of trivia
for you: the first evidence of a fencing
bout is to be found in Egypt and dates from
1 200 BC.
Fencing is based on the ancient art of sword
fighting and there are three main
disciplines in its modern incarnation:
epee
evolved from the duelling sword of the
nineteenth century. Thus, in modern epée
fencing, the whole body is a valid target
area and the rule of engagement is that the
first to hit his or her opponent has scored.
Foil was the weapon used to practice for
duels. Modern foil therefore has a limited
target area (the torso) and rules that limit
the responses that a fencer can make to an
attack. Thus, when attacked, a fencer must
block the attack (parry) before
counter-attacking. If this does not happen,
then the counter attack will not count and
the attacker will score. In epée and foil,
you can only score with the point of the
foil.
Sabre is a cutting and thrusting weapon. The
target area is the body from the waist up —
including the head — and like foil, you must
parry before you counter-attack.
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