The Different Types of Fencing

By fencing, we have come to mean not simply fighting for hits, but a strictly regulated game. Its traditions have been transmitted through generations and make fencing a truly educational sport. Despite the evolution of fencing from combat to sport, certain conventions have remained intact - judges do not distinguish between accidental and strategically thought out hits. Competitions are presently held in three weapons: Foil, Épée, and Sabre .

Epee

In modern épée, the blade is triangular in cross-section and lacks any cutting edges. It has the ability to flex upward and downward, but not to the sides. An electric point at the tip is used for recording hits. Unlike foil, the épée target area includes the whole of the fencer's body. There is no area of the opponent's body which is considered off-target .    

Foil

The modern foil is a light weapon. Its blade is rectangular and tapers from a relatively thick and inflexible section at the guard to a more slim and flexible section at the end. The tip is flattened into a small button-like end for a practice foil or fitted with an electric point for official competition. In foil fencing, the target area is confined to the trunk and excludes the arms, legs and mask. Valid hits are those which reach this target area. Hits outside this region are invalid and are not counted .  

Sabre

The modern sabre is both a thrusting and a cutting weapon. In the past, sabre fencing has been exclusively non-electric, this meant that all bouts required a referee and side judges. Recently an electrical scoring apparatus has been invented and is now in use in all major competitions. In sabre, the target is comprised of all parts of the body above a horizontal line between the top of the folds formed by the thighs and the trunk of the fencer when in the on guard position.