|
New to Fencing?
Introduction |
History |
Weapons |
Equipment |
Suppliers |
FAQ
The Weapons
Epee |
Foil |
Sabre
Epee
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.
As the new weapon caught on, duelling became a popular, if illegal, pastime among the noblemen, particularly when honour needed to be defended.
The Ireland Information Guide has a comprehensive history of duelling and you can read an account of duelling in Ireland on the Chapters on Dublin
History website and even learn about duelling clubs and rules. The threat of arrest and imprisonment, along with the very real danger to life and
limb meant that it was necessary to practise and become as efficient and skilled as possible. This gave rise to the development of the foil.
[ Top ]
Foil
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.
[ Top ]
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.
[ Top ]
|
