ABOUT FENCING

Fencing encompasses three different swords; épee, foil and sabre. Fencers can only fight another fencer who is using the same type of weapon, and each sword has different rules governing the target area and how points are scored. Most fencers specialize in one weapon due to the sheer differences in approach to each, although some are able to perform well in more than one.

The Épée was developed from traditional dueling swords like the rapier and the English small-sword, and as such can be considered the 'purest' form of sword fighting. In part due to this, this is the sword with the most popularity in the UK. Matches are generally longest in this weapon, with periods of intense tactical preparation and misdirection finishing with bursts of speed. Points are scored by hitting any part of the opponents body with the tip of the sword and if both fencers hit simultaneously, both will score a point.

Foil was developed as a training weapon for duellists, and works on the principle that most of the vital organs are in the torso, making that the sole valid target. The head is not a target as attacks to the face were seen as 'ungentlemanly'. Foilists wear a metal jacket over their target area, and hits are only awarded when this is struck by the tip of the opponents sword. Only single hits can be scored in foil, and a 'right of way' system is applied when both fencers score at the same time. Consideration of who holds the right of way at any point during a match makes up much of a foilist's tactical game.

Sabre was developed as a means to train cavalry officers in sword-fighting, and as such is the most fast-paced of the weapons. Any part of the blade can be used to score a point, and everything above the waist is a target. If both fencers hit simultaneously, the hit is again awarded based on right of way. Sabre points are often won after only a few seconds of intense swordplay where each fencer attempts to gain right of way and overcome their opponent.