Fencing is not a very televisual sport, for several reasons. Firstly, the fencers wear masks which not only makes it difficult to know who’s who, but completely disconnects the viewer from the competitors. This is one reason why, for every hit claimed, the fencers rip their masks off for a burst of emotional shouting. Just …
Fencing is very much an individual sport and over the years we have seen time and again the fencing attracts many of those children who turn away from the main stream team sports, those who can’t run, throw, catch or kick, those who aren’t natural athletes in group environments. Give them a sword, however, and …
In foil and sabre, the priority or ‘right of way’ is one of the most difficult concepts in fencing to understand. For these two weapons, there is no such thing as a double hit; only one fencer can score at any moment in the bout. If only one light comes up for one side or …
When you watch a fencing bout, what exactly are you looking at? Newcomers to competition, including parents, partners and even some of the new fencers may find it confusing to watch and, more importantly, understand fencing. It is a fast sport fought in short bouts (fights) according to strict technical rules with little time to …
“It’s okay to not be okay. You’re allowed to change your mind, to take a break or leave a situation you don’t feel comfortable in. There’s no need to blame yourself for any of those things just like there’s no need to feel bad about… feeling bad. We should all be allowed to fall apart sometimes …
In a previous post, we looked at the priority weapons, foil and sabre, attempting to untangle the issues of fencing time and what constitutes priority over oncoming traffic. In short, priority (or right-of-way as it is also known) is the set of rules used to determine who is awarded the point when there is a …
I have no idea how to pronounce Akademia Szermierzy, but what matters is the showcase video the Polish crew have put out on their YouTube channel – The Light of Life: fencing with epee, sabre, rapier and longsword.
According to Article t.7 (old 10) of the FIE Rules of Competition, “the parry is the defensive action made with the weapon to prevent the offensive action from arriving”. Prevent is the key word. A successful parry deflects the threatening blade away from the target. Most referees are listening for the contact, giving the benefit …
‘The devil of hell does not dare attempt that which the wanton monk dares, and the old woman full of wiles.’ The manuscript I.33 (the Royal Armouries catalogue number) is the oldest known manuscript depicting European fighting arts. It is dated to approximately 1295. It shows a Priest teaching a student or Scholar how to …
