The Weapons
Epee - Foil - Sabre
Epee
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The rapier was developed in Italy during
the 16th century, and is still used in the sport today, though now
known by a different name - the epee. Its evolution to the modern
day weapon arises out of the adaptations required to improve its offensive
and defensive capabilities. Originally it was a very light long blade,
which could inflict injury using both the point and edge. It required
athleticism and expert technique to be wielded effectively. The modern
epee, in spite of many improvements, remains the closest to its roots
of the three weapons used today. “First blood” has given rise to
the “one-hit” competition seen in Modern
Pentathlon. Because simultaneous hits are allowed in this discipline,
the action can often be slower and more measured than for foil or
sabre, and is consequently easier for a new spectator to follow the
progress of a match. Epee F ootage from Men's Pentathlon, 1956 Olympics from Getty Images |
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The foil was a training weapon for duellists and
training was carried out wearing protective padding and using a
walnut on the tip of the foil to prevent injury. In this weapon
the emphasis was put on attacking the vital organ areas, specifically
the torso. It gradually developed its own unique rules and styles.
As duelling became less commonplace, foil took over as a major competitive
sport with a distinct difference - "right of way". This
was a rule whereby the referee decided who “had the attack” in any
particular “phrase” of combat by observing the actions of the combatants.
Basically, the person who makes a clear attack by moving forward
with a straight arm (fencer “A”) “has the attack” until the opponent
(Fencer “B”) makes a parry and riposte, at which point possession
of the attack moves to fencer “B”. A fencing “phrase” is the series
of actions between the first attack through the resulting parries
and ripostes, leading to the moment when a hit is made and the president
(or referee) is required to make a decision as to whether the hit
is valid or not. Foil fencing action is fast, punctuated by halts
as the president makes the decision to award a point. |
Foil
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Sabre |
The sabre came to the sport from the 18th
century Hungarian cavalry and the modern weapon is descended from
the Turkish scimitar. It is a simulation of horseback battle as
the target area for the weapon is above the waist. This allowed
combatants to "spare the horse and not the man" at a time
when good cavalry horses were difficult to come by, especially on
the battlefield. Sabre style is also subject to the “right of
way” rule. The play is fast and furious, and like foil, is punctuated
by halts from the president. |