Fencing is a sport that combines the physical and mental strengths of each participant. Strength, speed, and coordination all matter in a fencing bout, but scoring a touch also requires precision, planning, and a keen sense of timing and distance.
There are three different weapons, each with their own rules and unique style.
In epee, points are scored with the tip of the blade, and the entire body is target area. Whoever hits their opponent first scores, and if fencers hit simultaneously they both receive a point. Epee requires the most patience of the three weapons due to the amount of preparation required to score a point, and sometimes up to a minute of fencing can go by before one explosive action seals a point.
In foil, touches are scored with the tip of the blade. The target area is the torso, marked by a silver vest (called a lamé) that registers when a touch is scored. Foil observes a set of rules called “right of way,” which determine who is awarded a point should the fencers hit at the same time. Foil typically strikes a middle ground in speed of play and requires great precision to hit target area.
In saber, the entire blade may be used to score, and the target area extends from the waist up. Saber also follows right of way, and fencers wear a long-sleeved lamé to register touches. Saber is considered the fastest of the three weapons, with the greatest emphasis placed on quickly seizing the initiative to score. Saber is not all speed though, requiring precise control of distance to score and avoid hits.
