A fast-paced battle of wits, most people acknowledge fencing to be a modern form of swordplay. As interesting a sport as it is, many people are put off by its complexity. For being one of the oldest Olympic sports, it doesn’t get nearly enough love as it should. For all those who have tried to understand its multiple disciplines and confusing rules, don’t worry. Here is your guide to the Olympic sport of fencing.
Modern fencing begins with one of three disciplines: épée, foil or sabre, depending on which variation of sword one chooses to participate with. Each discipline comes with slight variations of the rules, including how and where to hit in order to score.
The épée discipline is fought with a heavier sword featuring a blunt end. In this discipline, one can score a point by touching the opponent with the tip of the blade, known as a thrust.
This can be done on any point of the body and this is the only discipline where any touch that is made counts, even if both swordsmen touch at the same time. This leads to a more patient and strategic game as you must defend your whole body.
The foil discipline is fought with a similar blunt-tipped sword, slightly lighter than the épée. In this discipline, a point is scored through a thrust but only on the opponent’s back or torso. This discipline leads to a fighting style with more concentration and focus on foundational techniques.
The sabre discipline is fought with a smaller and even lighter sword than the épée and foil disciplines. What makes this discipline different is that one can make a point either through a thrust, or by touching the opponent with the side of the sabre, known as a cut.
Either type of contact must be made above the waist for it to count. This discipline is the hardest to learn, but is the most fast-paced and requires the quickest reactions.
With the disciplines established, it’s time to talk about the bouts. A typical bout is played in three, three-minute periods with a minute-long break between each. The match goes until one of the players reaches 15 points. This may happen before the third period, cutting the bout short. If at the end of the third period neither swordsman has reached 15 points, whoever has the most points is declared the winner.
The most confusing part of fencing is the “right of way” rule, also known as priority. This is only used in foil and sabre bouts when the two swordsmen touch at the same time. It is used to determine who will get the point of that touch. Let’s break it down.
Priority is considered when two simultaneous touches are made, halting the bout to determine who gets the point. Having priority switches between swordsmen throughout the play and is awarded to whoever initiated the attacking move.
If a swordsman is on the defensive end while their opponent is attacking, they can take back priority through a “parry,” deflecting the sword, followed up by a “riposte,” a counterattack. A swordsman may give up their priority if the referees declare that the swordsman hesitated in their attack.
Ultimately, priority is something that the viewer can understand better as they become more immersed in fencing.
Now that all of the basics are covered, it’s time to go watch a few bouts, pick a favorite swordsman and fall in love with the sport of fencing. Don’t forget to support St. John’s fencing when the season rolls around this winter and spring.
