Hi! This website's topic is a personal favorite of hobby of mine: Fencing. In particular, on this website,
you have access to 3 virtual pages: a quick overview of the sport w/ added video provisions that will go much more in detail should you
be interested, a form you can fill out if you are interested in the Sport of Fencing, and finally, a Photo Gallery in which there are some of
my personal favorite moments I have captured during my time in the Recreational Fencing Club here at Temple University. I hope you enjoy the website
and find the topic interesting!
The Sport of Fencing
If you have seen any form of Fencing on Television, for example, during the Olympics, you may be under the impression that the rules are very
simple, one opponent hits the other with the pointy end of a blade and that equals a touch ("touche"), or a point. Furthermore, you have probably
heard of something called a "foil". While this isn't exactly false, Fencing can be a bit more complex, as, in actuality, there are three "weapons",
each with their own specific rules catering to various forms of swordplay: The Epee, The Foil, and The Sabre.
The Epee
My personal favorite fencing weapon, the Epee is arguably the easiest to understand what's happening while you watch it.
The epee, out of all 3 weapons, is generally the heaviest of the three in terms of weight, and values precision above all else
The rules are as follows:
Target Area: Everywhere on the body of your opponent Scoring/Right Of Way:
No Right of Way, both opponents can touch each other at same time and receive point each Footwork:
Allowed to cross legs forward and back
.....and that's pretty much it (besides the obvious "don't drop kick your opponent all MMA style"...etc.)
The "Fédération Internationale d'Escrime" (FIE for short)'s Official Video On Epee
The Foil
The classic weapon pretty much everyone has heard of in some form or fashion, Foil is a great beginner's weapon, as it involves both Right of Way and Precision
in your swordplay. However, this admittedly makes it difficult to watch casually, as you have to really pay attention to who has the attack
or defense when judging touches.
The general rules are as follows:
Target Area: Your opponent's upper torso to the lower neck Scoring/Right Of Way:
Right of Way applies - Individual w/ attack RoW is rewarded point if they touch, opponent has to parry or make use of failed attack to receive
RoW Footwork:
Allowed to cross legs to retreat, crossing legs forward forfeits attack as "preparation"
The "Fédération Internationale d'Escrime" (FIE for short)'s Official Video On Foil
The Sabre
The first weapon I personally tried for, but couldn't really excel at, the Sabre is for those who are extremely aggressive and fast acting.
But what honestly makes sabre stand out among the 3 is that you can touch with the entire blade, not just the tip.
As with Foil, Right of Way applies here, which, combined with the sheer speed at which individuals clash, makes analyzing bouts even more difficult.
The general rules are as follows:
Target Area: Your opponent's entire upper body Scoring/Right Of Way:
Right of Way applies - Individual w/ attack RoW is rewarded point if they touch, opponent has to parry or make use of failed attack to receive
RoW Footwork:
No crossing of legs allowed whatsoever
The "Fédération Internationale d'Escrime" (FIE for short)'s Official Video On Foil
Fencing Form
Here are some Photos that have been taken the last 3 years I've been in the Temple University Fencing Club
I hope these give you an idea of the atmosphere at various bouts and the like!!
