| Thrilling battles between swordsmen do not | | | | touches. However, one major rule that |
| always happen in swashbuckling pirate movies! | | | | distinguishes saber fencing from foil and epee |
| The sport of fencing provides all of the thrills of | | | | competitions is that one can use the edge of the |
| sword fighting-without the outcome being a | | | | blade (rather than merely its point) to earn valid |
| matter of life or death. Historical evidence reveals | | | | touches. |
| that sword battles have existed since ancient | | | | Since appearing at the 1896 Olympics, fencing has |
| times. By the 1300s, the everyday life of | | | | become one of a limited number of sports, in |
| European gentlemen had begun to include | | | | which athletes have competed in each of the |
| swordplay. Within time, secret fencing moves | | | | modern Olympics. In 1924, the Olympics launched |
| became standards in the sport. By the 1600s, | | | | women's foil fencing as an event. Then in 1996, |
| several principles and rules existed for fencing | | | | womens epee events appeared at the Olympics. |
| competitions. | | | | Most recently, women's saber fencing events |
| Fencing became an Olympic sport in 1896, when | | | | became part of the Olympics, in 2004. In addition |
| the international competition added an event for | | | | to individual events, both men and women also |
| the foil. The foil is the most common weapon | | | | compete in team events. |
| used in fencing competitions and beginner's fencing | | | | In addition to the swords themselves, fencing |
| classes as well. This sword has the appearance of | | | | gear includes a variety of protective clothing, such |
| a training tool that gentlemen used in the 1700s, | | | | as: |
| to train for the small-sword. The torso is the | | | | - chest protector (females) |
| "favored target" of the foil, as the victors in duels | | | | - glove |
| of that period were the gentlemen who remained | | | | - jacket |
| alive. | | | | - mask |
| Then in the 1900s, Olympic officials added two | | | | - pants |
| new fencing events based on two different | | | | - shoes |
| swords: the epee and the saber. The epee | | | | - socks (high) |
| weapon is somewhat similar to a foil. However, | | | | - under-arm protector |
| the difference includes: | | | | The 2008 Olympics in Beijing included geared-up |
| - greater weight | | | | athletes who competed in 10 fencing events (five |
| - larger bell guard | | | | for men and five for women). Regarding gold |
| - stiffer blade | | | | metals earned, no country was dominant. The top |
| - blade with three sides | | | | performing countries were France, Italy, and |
| Furthermore, in epee competitions the entire | | | | Germany-which each won two gold medals. |
| region of the body serves as a legitimate target | | | | Since 1896, fencing has been thrilling Olympics |
| area. | | | | spectators at each of the modern games. |
| Meanwhile, the saber is a lightweight weapon used | | | | Olympic officials have added new events and |
| for cutting and thrusting. Its valid target areas | | | | rules throughout the years. However, fencing has |
| include nearly all areas above the waist, except | | | | remained one of the most exciting competitive |
| for the back of the opponent's hands and the | | | | sports on Earth, with the victor fortunately |
| back of the head). As with foil competitions, the | | | | winning via points rather than a kill! |
| "right-of-way" method determines who earns | | | | |