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 the other, no one has to worry about priority. The priority rule determines who is the attacker and who is the defender when lights for both fencers come up on the scoring box. …
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 analyse or find explanations.
For this non-fencer and newcomer, this is, in summary, how fencing ‘works’. …
As part of Okehampton Sports and Fitness Festival, we present Sword School: Foundation Skills in Medieval long sword. Three 20-minute taster sessions (non-contact) with West Devon Swords: 6.30-7.30pm, Thursday 19 July, Pavilion in the Park. …
From Pirates of the Caribbean, to Star Wars and even Transformers, it seems every other movie poster features a character with a sword; there’s been a slew of TV and online ads featuring Olympic fencers in action, TV shows such as Arrow and the Musketeers keep the skill and the romance of the sword alive. It’s no wonder even the smallest children want to give it a try. …
Modern fencing is a martial art derived from older forms of duelling with swords. The objective is to hit your opponent without being hit yourself. Modern fencing is a competitive form that emulates a duel – the weapons are blunt and a secondary objective after winning the bout is not to injure anyone. Read more…
Before you even walk into any fencing club or tournament, you’ll hear the bright sound of clashing steel. This is both combat martial art and sport.
The modern sport of fencing has three different events: foil, epée and sabre, each with its own history, target area and rules. The goal in all three weapons is to hit the opponent on the valid target area without being hit yourself… Read more…
Not if done properly. Although executed at speed, a good, clean fencing attack hurts no more than a tap on the shoulder. The force of the blow is normally absorbed by the flex of the blade. Reckless and overly aggressive fencers can occasionally deliver painful blows, however. Fencing *is* a martial art, so you should expect minor bruises and welts every now and again. They are rarely intentional. The most painful blows tend to come from inexperienced fencers who have not yet acquired the feel of the weapon. Read more…
Fencing is a safe sport. Regulation equipment conforming to safety standards and common sense fencing helps to maintain our good safety record. Read more…
Where next?
If that has piqued your interest, try the following posts:
West Devon Swords holds beginners’ courses through the year as well as other displays and demonstrations
Our typical six-week beginners course in épée or sabre is held in a local sports centre or community hall and usually costs: £30 for Juniors (up to 16 years and registered students) and and £36 for Adults.