Boo’s Blades – What’s fencing?

Fencing is an art with a long and fascinating history and with its roots in the traditions of chivalry.

Most people are first attracted to the sport by its romantic appeal, but they soon realise that it provides concentrated physical exercise while developing coordination of mind and body in the highest degree. Brute strength (surprisingly enough) does not give the fencer an advantage, but rather control of movement and quickness of thought is required to excel on the piste.

To put it simply: ‘Fencing is like playing chess while running a 100m sprint.’

Modern fencing is practiced with three weapons: the Foil, Épée, and Sabre.

The foil is a light weapon with a decreasing square cross section and a small bell shaped guard. Derived from the short court sword of the 17^th and 18^th centuries, it is the basic weapon of fencing. While some people say that the foil was not a duelling sword, others claim that its use derives from duels to the death as the chest and torso are the valid target areas and that a trust to these areas would most probably have hit a vital organ.

The épée is the traditional duelling sword and was developed in the 19^th century to train people for actual duels. The épée is stiffer and heavier than the foil, with a triangular cross section and large bell guard. Épée duelling stems from bouts to first blood and hits can be landed on any part of the body. It is the only weapon for which simultaneous hits can be recorded.

The sabre is descended from the cavalry sabre, and is a cut-and-thrust weapon. It has a flattened ‘V-shaped’ blade with a blunt cutting edge and the point folded over to form the button. It has a half-circular guard to prevent cuts to the sword-hand. Valid target area for the sabre consists of everything above the waist.

The basic equipment needed for fencing (other than the sword) comprises of the following:

listed in order from head-to-feet

Mask: both foil and épée disciplines use the same type of mask, while the sabre requires a special mask that is capable of registering hits to the head. There is also available a mask with a Plexiglas window across the eyes to allow for clearer vision (only for foil and épée).

Plastron: this is worn under the jacket on the sword-arm side, and provides protection beneath the seam of the jacket. It protects against blades piercing the jacket and then the body (lungs). The plastron is an absolute must for fencers to practice or compete in competitions.

Jacket: the jackets are designed specifically for right- or left-handed fencers, as extra padding is placed on the sword-arm side, and zippers/buttons attached on the unarmed side. Female fencers are required to wear breast-protectors under the jacket.

Lamé: the lame (or electric jacket) is used in foil and sabre bouts to register hits. All hits not landing on the lame are considered ‘off-target’. Épée fencers do not wear a lamé as the entire body is the target area.

Body-wire: this runs along the arm underneath the jacket to the sword. The body-wire connects the sword to the reel (which is connected to the scoring box). In foil and sabre, the body-wire is also connected to the lame.

Glove: the glove is a very important piece of equipment. Not only does it protect the hand from opposing hits, its also allows for better grip of the blade (very important for intricate bladework).

Breeches: these are half-length trousers, with padding on the forward leg to protect against off-target hits (on-target in épée). They normally have suspenders to keep them in place whilst moving up and down the piste. Men are required to wear groin guards while fencing.

Socks: knee-high socks are worn to protect the shins from hits. Although the socks were traditionally white in colour, fencers now wear socks showing their club colours.

Shoes: although proper fencing shoes are available, most fencers wear a suitable non-marking shoe such as a squash shoe.

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Updated: 20/08/01 Webmaster: Jude Govender