MA South Shore SaEF Fencing Clubs

About Fencing

When most Americans think of swordplay, the images that come to mind are either of the lumbering power of armor-clad knights battling with broadswords, or of the swashbuckling flair of Errol Flynn and other screen duelers of the '30s and '40s. In what it requires and how it is conducted, Olympic fencing resembles these two clichés about as much as the Olympic Opening Ceremonies resemble the ritual sacrifice of animals that once signalled the start of competition. The articles in this section are designed to give you some basic information about this sport. From articles about fencing for new fencers as well as more detail on fencing rules, equipment repair, and more from experts in the field.

Fencing "weapons":   There are three fencing tools, so called "weapons", in the European Fencing armoury:  the Sabre, the Epee, and the Foil.  The Sabre is best known for scoring points by touching with the long side of the blade in addition to the point.  Epee and Foil "touches" are only with the point. The Epee has simpler rules than Foil, but is somewhat heavier.   Each weapon features its own rules.  Nonetheless, many rules and bouting techniques are common to two or more weapon types.  It is quite common for an educated fencer to know all three, yet be best at only one.   To attain Beginners' status, about ten hours of instruction are usually required.  To gain a minimal degree of some skill for enjoyment with a peer at same level, an additional 10-20 hours of skill building are necessary.  At SaEF Fencing, a formal exam confers 1st stripe before entering the next stage.   Beyond beginner's, an Advanced Beginners' (Foil 2) level follows the same system:  a 10 hour course, followed by 10-20 hours of skill building.  Passing the SaEF exam confers a 2nd stripe.   The Intermediate level follows the same system.  A third stripe is awarded.  At this stage students may consider going for Competitions, for training purposes only!  Expect to be trounced!   The Advanced level follows suit in the same manner, earning the 4th stripe.  Expect to win some points at Competitions.   All USFA competitions are judged by one Judge assisted by an electrical scoring board.  The board is controlled by what the fencers actually do, and displays information of use to the judge.   For Rules and Regulations, please visit www.USFencing.org and download the wealth of information.  Please don't be overwhelmed - with a small investment of time in the sport, it will all become quite second nature.   At South Shore SaEF Fencing Clubs we also teach SabreK, a simplified version of Sabre, about which a separate article was written, and appears on this website.   Additionally, SabreM can be taught, which is a two person exercise teachnique based upon Sabre, performed by either slow bouts, or preferably by known and cadenced choreographed moves.