About Fencing
Fencing is an Olympic sport derived from the art of sword fighting. A fencer may choose between three different weapons to specialize in: Foil, Epee, and Sabre. Each weapon in itself is its own sport, and thus has a different set of rules to follow.
FOIL
Foil origins from 18th century European sword practice weapons. The aim of foil is to strike the torso of an opponent with the tip of the weapon, also taking into consideration of rules of "right of way". This is fencing at its most basic roots, thus the ideal weapon for both beginners (and elite) alike.
EPEE
Epee has it's origins in mid 18th century dueling swords. Unlike foil, the entire body is legal target area, and the first to hit will nearly always gain the point (no "right of way"). If both fencers hit at the same time, both receive a point.
SABRE
Epee has it's origins in late 19th century cavalry swords. Legal target area consists of anywhere above the waist, and the rules of "right of way" must be observed. Unlike foil and epee, you may hit with either the tip or the edge of the sabre to score a point.
Fencing is a relatively safe sport, and should not hurt if proper equipment is worn and attacks are kept clean. It's fantastic for cardiovascular exercise, as there is much emphasis is put into footwork as well as blade movement. Fencers also see improvement in hand-eye coordination, speed, balance, and reaction time.
sources: rec.sport.fencing FAQ (Morgan Burke)
About Fencing Club
We meet Mondays and Wednesdays from 7-9:30PM in Skibo Gym's Fencing Room/Arena Room. The organization has been around
for awhile now (10+ years?), and expects to last for years to come (funding willing).