Fencing: Ancient Art and Modern Olympic Sport
Friday, February 3rd, 2012Olympic fencing is a specific type of competitive fencing governed by rules that have been developed by the FIE (Federation Internationale d’Escrime). These rules are by necessity more strict than those used in conventional fencing, but they are similar — in foil fencing utilizing what are called the rules of “right of way”.
In Olympic fencing, the epee, saber, or foil may be used. The foil is an extremely long, flexible sword which evolved from the blunt swords used by people who were learning the art of using the short sword. It was blunt in order to protect the novice sword user. The epee blade comes from similar origins; however, its blade is stiffer, heavier, and less flexible. The saber is also stiffer than a foil, but not as stiff as an epee.
As in many formal competitions, Olympic fencing utilizes electric weapons. These special blades have a “button” on the end that registers whether or not a score has been made (i.e., whether or not pressure has been applied). These electric blades are necessary in Olympic fencing because they make scoring simple and non-subjective.
In foil, you can have hits that register as “on” or “off” target. Therefore, fencing gear includes special conductive jackets. Sabre fencers also wear special conductive masks and cuffs (with sabre, head and arm areas are acceptable hits). Fencers are also attached by a cord to their weapon and to the scoring box. The cords are necessary to create conduction. These cords are retractable so as to minimize annoyance to competitors.
Men and women have separate competitions at the Olympics.Along with individual competitions, there are also team competitions.Fencing has been featured in every Olympic Games in the modern era.
In team competition, twelve countries each enter three competitors. The winning team is the first to achieve 45 hits. As in individual competition, fencing in the Olympics takes place on a surface called a Piste. This is an area made of a metal mesh. Lines are drawn on the mesh to indicate legal play areas and “en Garde” lines.