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