Fencing Weapons

Fencing is one of the oldest modern Olympic Sports with a long The sport of fencing is divided into three disciplines or “weapons,” based on the training sword. Each weapon is different and requires different technique and scoring rules.

Foil - Was the training weapon for duels. The target area is the torso and points can only be scored by hitting with the tip of the foil. Referees determine if points are scored based on “right of way” or if the hit is “off target” — hitting the leg or arm, or other non-target area.

Epee - The largest and heaviest weapon. The target area is the entire body (including the foot!) but you can only hit with the tip of the epee. There is no “right of way” in epee so double touches can be scored. For this reason, the epee fencer must be patient and wait for an advantageous attack.

Sabre - Is based on cavalry swords so the target area is above the waist, including the arms and head (to protect the horse). You can hit your opponent with the tip of the sabre or use cutting and slashing motions (don’t worry, the “weapons” are not sharp!) There is “right of way” in sabre, so if both fencers hit a referee will determine who started the action to award the point.

Fencing Safety

In a study of all Olympic sports (Winter and Summer), Fencing was found to be among the SAFEST. Fencing had a less injuries than Table Tennis and Curling! It is also one of the safest High School sports with a low concussion risk, according to a 2019 study by Kerr et al (fencing has less concussion risk than SWIMMING!!). Fencing is incredibly safe for two main reasons: protective equipment and controlled movement with little physical contact with opponents.

Fencing Equipment

Fencing blades (foil, epee and sabre) are NOT sharp. Fencers wear a protective mask, as well as a heavy fabric or Kevlar jacket and pants (called “knickers”) that prevent the possibility of a broken blade causing injury.

Fencing Movements

Most serious sports injuries are caused by twisting/turning motions (knee injury, twisted ankle) or hard body contact (concussions, broken bones). In Fencing, the athletes move in one plane of motion (forward and backward), in fact they do not cross their feet, which significantly lowers the risk of twisting a knee or ankle. Although fencers will “touch” their opponent with their blade, there is NO body to body or hard contact. In fact, the referee will call “Halt” and stop the bout if the fencers touch each other with their bodies. This makes fencing an active, physical sport with very low incidence of injuries.

The Durkan Program

Our program is designed to prevent injury by providing the safest fencing flooring and by preparing the athletes for each and every practice and competition. Our gym has a nine layer custom sports floor to absorb the impact of dynamic fencing movements. Fencing on rigid surfaces or thin rubber mats over concrete/hard surfaces has been shown to cause long term knee and hig damage. Each practice, our coaches guide a complete warm-up and stretching routine that 1) prepares the body for movement, 2) increases muscle/joint health and 3) develops neuromuscular connections. (If you think you can’t “walk and chew gum” — give our program one month and you will see marked improvement in your coordination)!

Fencing Equipment