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Fencing
Fencing originated as the practice of swordsmanship to prepare men for duels and warfare. Fencing as an exercise based on speed and skill began when the longer, lighter rapier was developed in Italy during the 16th century. Because of the rapier’s length, opponents had to fight at a distance. Quick but controlled lunges, attacking the enemy with the point of the sword replaced cruder hacking techniques. But the rapier was not a good defensive weapon, so the fencer often had to use his gauntleted left hand to parry his opponent’s thrusts. Under Louis XIV in France, a change in fashion led to a new kind of sword. The rapier simply didn’t go well with brocaded jackets, breeches and silk stockings. So the French courtiers began wearing shorter swords. The court sword, as it was known, turned out to be an excellent weapon for fencing because it was both lighter and stronger than the rapier and could also be used for both defense and offense. As a result, the modern one-handed fencing technique was developed, with the left hand and arm used primarily for balance.
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