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The Sport Of Modern Fencing

By Expert Author: Kyle Bachner | View Article Summary
Word Count: 488 words | Views: 751 view(s)
Kyle Bachner

What are considered the modern Olympics started in 1896, and fencing competitions have been an integral part of every Olympic Games since that time. Fencing will be just one of the great sports featured in the 2008 Summer Olympics when sports teams from around the world meet to compete in Beijing, China.

The term "fencing" originates from the self-defense skill of swordsmanship. The current sport's history traces back all the way to the 12th century, which saw the publication of the first books on swordsmanship. In the 17th century, fencing changed from a crucial self-defense technique to a widely practiced martial art that had fans watching the sport in an arena. Preparing for duels was common, especially in men from the upper economic echelon, till the beginning of the 20th century, when it lost popularity.

Fencing is a sport that requires hand-to-hand combat with two competitors. They use weapons that are held in the hand, not thrown or tossed which would immediately take control of the opponent. This sport also encompasses foil, eppe, and sabre. The fencing gear has it own rules that goes with it in it's class to differentiate between weapons.

Designed for thrusts rather than cuts, the Epee is the heaviest fencing sword. The Sabre is designed for both thrusts and cuts, while the Foil is a light, thrusting weapon. All other hand-held stabbing and cutting weapons of similar design and use, such as knives, are also encompassed by the sport of fencing. But in modern standardized competition, the epee, the sabre, and the foil are the only weapons still used.

Judgment is placed in fencing competition on how many hits you can place in various areas of your competitor's body. In years past, a human judge would take count of how many hits you placed in order to declare a winner, akin to boxing. However, now during bigger competitions scoring is judged by electronic sensors worn alongside the protective fencing gear. Also, there are sensors on the weapons themselves, while a judge will still be on hand in order to look for rules violations.

The strategy and tactics used in fencing are quite similar to those used in hand-to-hand martial arts. The goal of the competitor in fencing is to attempt to simultaneously defend themselves by closing lines of attack while opening lines of attack upon their opponent. Hits can only be scored if they are made by certain parts of the weapon. When thrusting, the tip must be used, and when cutting the fencer must use the blade. The blows must also land only upon certain body areas and strike with at least a minimum level of force.

It is a very quick and exact activity. This is why it is necessary to have electronic scoring aids woven directly into the fencing gear in order to aid with judging. Also, in order to protect each of the competitors from acute blows, the body armor and fencing mask are necessary.
About the Author/Author Bio

For more information on the sport of fencing, visit http://www.fencing.net/ where Kyle reads up on the day's headlines and activities in the sport.

Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/Article/The-Sport-Of-Modern-Fencing/156895

Article Submitted: 2008-07-24 | This Article has been viewed 751 times.

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