Fencing Gear Through the Ages

November 13th, 2009 | by admin | Tags: Brute, Conventions, English Gentry, Eras, excersice, Excitement, fencing, Fencing Equipment, Fencing Gear, Fencing Sword, fitness, Governing Body, Middle Ages, Olympic Debut, Pirate, Silver Screen, Sport Equipment, Sport Fencing, Swordplay, Swords, Target, Torso, Training Tool, weight loss

Jaw-dropping swordplay and charged up entertainment are not just found in the latest pirate epic on the silver screen. 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 along with the rules and conventions of fencing.

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 fencing sword used most commonly in the sport, both by experienced and beginners alike. 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 is similar to the foil in that you score with the point of the weapon, though it is heavier with a three-sided, stiffer blade. When engaging with the epee, the target area is not restricted to the torso. In fact, hits to the arm are the norm and a hit to the foot is quite dramatic.

The saber is a cutting and thrusting tool, and thus, the user can use the edge of the blade to earn valid touches while competing. In the case of the foil and the epee, where the point lands determines a valid touch.

The epee was introduced for women’s competition in 1996, and the saber in 2004. Women have been competing in the foil fencing events going all the way back to 1924.

Fencing gear is not just comprised of the weapons; protective clothing is vital in preventing injury. One should never fence without appropriate gear, since serious injury could otherwise occur. Gear typically used in practice and competition includes chest protector for women, gloves, jacket, mask, under-arm protector, fencing 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.