A Brief A Brief Introduction to Introduction to

FencingFencing

What is What is fencing fencing ??

Fencing is…Fencing is… A sport based on the ancient activity A sport based on the ancient activity

of “dueling”of “dueling” You must defend yourself against You must defend yourself against

attacks and try to attack your attacks and try to attack your opponent to get a “touch”opponent to get a “touch”

The fencer scoring the most touches The fencer scoring the most touches winswins

Fencing is Physical Fencing is Physical ChessChess It is a sport of strategy (the mind)It is a sport of strategy (the mind)

you must try to out-smart your opponent you must try to out-smart your opponent through many different moves through many different moves

this creates your opportunity for an this creates your opportunity for an attackattack

It’s a sport of fast action (the body)It’s a sport of fast action (the body)

Is it Safe?

SafetySafety Fencing is very safe as long as the Fencing is very safe as long as the

appropriate procedures and rules are appropriate procedures and rules are followedfollowed

Fencing gives rise to very few injuries Fencing gives rise to very few injuries compared to other popular sports such compared to other popular sports such as Football or Basketballas Football or Basketball

The protective equipment is the key to The protective equipment is the key to making sure you can fence and not get making sure you can fence and not get hurthurt

Protective EquipmentProtective Equipment

The MaskThe Mask

Protective EquipmentProtective Equipment

The JacketThe Jacket

Protective EquipmentProtective Equipment

Under-Arm Under-Arm ProtectorProtector

Protective EquipmentProtective Equipment

KnickersKnickers

Protective EquipmentProtective Equipment

GloveGlove

Protective EquipmentProtective Equipment

ShoesShoes

So that’s all I need?

No! You need a weapon

WeaponsWeapons

There are three There are three different different weaponsweapons

FoilFoilEpeeEpeeSaberSaber

FoilFoil Valid target is only the torsoValid target is only the torso Fencer must establish priority for a Fencer must establish priority for a

valid touchvalid touch A touch is scored by hitting with the A touch is scored by hitting with the

pointpoint

EpeeEpee Valid target is the whole bodyValid target is the whole body There is no priority There is no priority A touch is scored by hitting with the A touch is scored by hitting with the

pointpoint

SaberSaber Valid target is anywhere above the Valid target is anywhere above the

waistwaist Fencer must establish priority for a Fencer must establish priority for a

valid touchvalid touch Touch can be made with any part of Touch can be made with any part of

the bladethe blade

Dry FencingDry Fencing

Electric fencingElectric fencing Target areas are electrically Target areas are electrically

conductingconducting The weapons are wiredThe weapons are wired

FOIL LAME SABER LAME

The Scoring BoxThe Scoring Box The weapons are connected to the The weapons are connected to the

scoring box via self winding cable scoring box via self winding cable reelsreels

The score box illuminates to indicate The score box illuminates to indicate touch (red or green light) or off-touch (red or green light) or off-target (white light)target (white light)

So why should I fence?

Reasons for Fencing..Reasons for Fencing..

Presents a mental and physical Presents a mental and physical challengechallenge

Make many friendsMake many friends Promotes discipline and etiquettePromotes discipline and etiquette Promotes mutual respect amongst Promotes mutual respect amongst

peerspeers Cardio-vascular activityCardio-vascular activity May be a fencing scholarship to May be a fencing scholarship to

CollegeCollege

It’s a Fun Sport!!It’s a Fun Sport!!

It’s a Fun Sport!!It’s a Fun Sport!!

It’s a sport that is gaining It’s a sport that is gaining recognition….recognition….

USA wins first USA wins first Fencing Gold Medal Fencing Gold Medal in 100 yearsin 100 years

Gold winner was Gold winner was Mariel ZagunisMariel Zagunis

She was the first She was the first American Woman to American Woman to get a Gold Fencing get a Gold Fencing medal evermedal ever

It’ a sport that is gaining It’ a sport that is gaining popularity…popularity…

Come join us for Come join us for some fun and some fun and

action!action!