Fencing 101

What IS fencing?

Fencing is an Olympic sport which derived from the ancient practice of combat with swords
Now, it is one of the safest sports in the world
Modern fencing is further divided into three different weapons which each have unique rules and weapons: saber, foil, and epee
Fencing provides many physical and mental benefits to those who practice for competition or recreation. You can watch this video for more information on the benefits of fencing. (we do not own the rights to any of the videos posted on this page)
At Miami Fencing Club, we practice the epee.

What are the three weapons of Olympic fencing?

Saber: a "slashing" weapon where a point is scored by hitting the opponent over the target area (waist, arms, and head) with the side of the blade and awards points using "right of way" rules
Foil: a "thrusting" weapon where a point is scored by hitting the opponent over the target area (trunk) with the tip of the weapon and awards points using "right of way" rules
Epee: a "thrusting" weapon where a point is scored by hitting the opponent anywhere on the body with the tip of the weapon
You can watch this video by the International Fencing Federation (FIE) with more detailed information about each weapon
Our club currently specializes in saber and foil training

Ok, but... how does saber work?

A saber bout is very fast and can be confusing when you first see it.
Saber uses rules called "right of way" which determine which athlete is awarded a point when both hit their target at the same time. (We won't get into right of way rules, here. You can visit this page for a more detailed description of how it works. If you keep coming to practice and watching the fencers and coaches, you will eventually understand it.)
You can also watch one of our favorite explanatory videos about saber by Sydney Saber Center. (Hi, Sydney! *waves at fellow saberists*)

Wheelchair fencing

Wheelchair fencing was first introduced as a sport by physician, Sir Ludwig Guttmann, the founder of the Paralaympic Games.
Parafencing has been a part of the Paralympic Games since the first games were held in Rome in 1960.
Many of the rules are the same as those for fencing without wheelchairs, save for a few modifications.
You can learn more and watch an introduction to Para-fencing here.
Another great resource for anyone interested in learning more about this rapidly growing sport is the International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports Federation (IWAS).

The Equipment

For practice

Fencing activities in practice may include warmups, footwork, solo drills with or without a weapon, paired drills with weapons, private lessons with a coach, and bouting on the fencing strip. For these activities you will need:

Solo drill with a weapon: glove, weapon

Private lesson with the coach: glove, weapon, chest protector, underarm protector, mask

Paired drills: glove, weapon, chest protector, underarm protector, mask, jacket, knickers (fencing pants), long socks

Bouting on strip: glove, electric weapon, chest protector, underarm protector, mask, jacket, knickers (fencing pants), long socks, body cord, mask cord, lame (electric jacket)

Athletes must arrive fully equipped for each class, wearing the complete uniform, including jacket, mask, gloves, and proper footwear for fencing practice.