Fencing has enjoyed resurgence in the past year, as fans of the fencing competitions in the London Summer Olympics show a continued interest in the sport. With NCAA Fencing wrapping up, many people are wondering how to get started in such a unique sport. It’s not the type of sport where you find many betting offers; it’s something different and quite special.
There are fencing clubs all over the country. You needn’t worry that you are too old to start- beginner classes include teenagers and adults. Classes and competitions are grouped by skill, so it’s not unusual for 13 year olds to compete against adult novices. You should be in decent shape to begin training, but you don’t need to be a sports athlete.
Not everyone is interested in taking part in fencing competitions. That’s why many sports centers offer recreational fencing, where you fence for enjoyment with other fencers with the same interest.
Getting Started
Weapons
Most people are attracted to the weapons. There are three weapons commonly used.
- Foil- The foil is very light. It is also the most flexible of the weapons. You are only allowed to target the opponent’s trunk- that means no hits to the arms, legs, or head. The trunk is defined as collar to crotch in the front and collar to hipbones in the back. You must hit with the tip of the foil or it won’t count.
- Sabre- The sabre is large and heavy. The hand guard is curved. It is meant to resemble fencing from the days on horseback. Therefore, your target is anywhere on your opponent above the waste. Unlike the foil, you can use both the tip and the edge of the sabre.
- Epee- The epee is heavier than the foil but not as heavy as the sabre. The blade is in the shape of a triangle. The blade guard is also large. You can hit your opponent anywhere on their body with the epee, but you may only use the tip.
Gear
You also need special gear when fencing- to protect you from hits. Protective clothing is made of tough nylon or cotton, as well as Kevlar. There are a few key pieces that you need to get started in this sport:
- Jacket- The jacket is made with a croissard, which covers the groin area. (Not all participants have jackets with croissards when sabre fencing.) The participant’s neck is protected by a gorget of folded fabric.
- Plastron- This is a sleeve that goes under the jacket on the arm that will hold the sword. It protects the underarm and must be seamless.
- Chest protector- All women must use a chest protector, while men have the option. They are made of plastic and used primarily in foil fighting.
- Lamee- This is only used in foil (sleeveless) and sabre (sleeves) fencing. They are made of a material that can conduct electricity. Participants wear them to make it easier to tell the difference between on target and off target hits, which is why they aren’t needed in epee, where the entire body is the target. There is an attached body cord used for scoring.
- Glove- The glove is worn on the arm which holds the weapon. There is a gauntlet attached for protection.
- Breeches- These short pants go to right below the knee. They must overlap with the jacket by 10 cm.
- Knee Socks- They must cover the knees and thighs.
- Shoes- The shoes must have a flat sole. They must be reinforced in the heel of the forward foot and the inside of the back foot because of the wear and tear from lunging.
- Mask- Masks must have a bib to protect the neck. The bib must be able to withstand 360 lbs. while the mask must withstand 55 lbs.
If you are interested in fencing, you can check out local sports recreational centers online or do a search for classes in your area.
Author Bio: Liam is a sports journalist who’s interested in all sorts of sporting activities. He writes his own sports blog and enjoys talking about betting offers as he likes a small flutter on any game or match that takes his interest.
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