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Fencing 101

Fencing is a combat sport that involves two fencers using swords to attack and defend themselves within a set of rules and movements.  Whether you're 8 or 80, fencing is accessible for all. The sport has been a part of the Olympics since 1896 and is based on traditional swordsmanship skills. Fencing requires quickness, reflexes, anticipation, and mental strength.

Epee, foil and saber are the three weapons used in the sport of fencing. While it is not unusual for fencers to compete in all three events, an athlete typically chooses to hone their skills in one weapon as they progress through their fencing lessons.

Epee — Freestyle Fencing

The epee (pronounced "EPP‐pay"), the descendant of the dueling sword, is similar in length to the foil, but is heavier, weighing approximately 27 ounces, with a larger guard (to protect the hand from a valid hit) and a much stiffer blade. Touches are scored only with the point of the blade, and the entire body, head‐to‐toe, is the valid target area, imitating an actual duel.

A full‐body target makes epee a competition of careful strategy and patience — wild, rash attacks are quickly punished with solid counter‐attacks.

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Foil — The Sport of Royalty

The foil is a descendant of the light court sword used by nobility to train for duels. The foil has a flexible rectangular blade, approximately 35 inches in length and weighs less than one pound. Points are scored with the tip of the blade and must land within the torso of the body. The valid target area in foil is the torso and does not include the arms, neck, head and legs.

The flexible nature of the foil blade permits the modern elite foil fencer to attack an opponent from seemingly impossible angles.

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Saber — The Hack and Slash

The saber is the modern version of the slashing cavalry sword, and it's similar in length and weight to the foil. The major difference is the use of the blade. Saberists can score with the edge of their blade as well as their point. The target area is from the bend of the hips (both front and back), to the top of the head. This simulates the cavalry rider on a horse.

Saber is a fast, aggressive game, with fencers rushing their opponent from the moment the referee gives the instruction to fence.

Learn to Fence

Unleash Your Inner Fencer! Trust us when we say that fencing is a sport you have to experience to truly understand. The rush of landing the perfect touch against your opponent, the chess-like strategy of each bout and the community of supportive athletes can't be captured on a website.

That's why we're thrilled to invite you to join our vibrant USA Fencing family by joining us at Nevada County Fencing Club.

Our sport knows no age limits. Whether you're five or 85, a complete novice or an Olympic/Paralympic hopeful, there's a perfect fit for you. Dreaming of collegiate competition or representing Team USA on the global stage? We've got pathways for that. And we love seeing multi-generational fencers — parents, kids and grandparents facing off in practice bouts at their club.

Why Kids and Families Love Fencing

  • It's fun for kids in an active and social setting

  • All sizes, body types, backgrounds, abilities and skill levels are welcome

  • It's considered one of the safest sports around — safer than basketball, football, soccer, baseball and cheerleading

  • Fencing develops important physical skills such as speed, strategy, coordination and agility

  • Fencers learn from professional coaches

  • The sport offers both recreational and competitive opportunities, with some of our best athletes getting to travel to tournaments around the world

  • Fencers join a community of more than 40,000 members with hundreds of clubs throughout the country

  • Fencing builds character and develops life lessons such as discipline, respect, maturity and sportsmanship

  • Fencing provides both individual and team competition opportunities

  • It's a lifelong sport, with competitors ranging from age eight to 80-plus

  • Fencing continues in college, with fencing a proven way for many young people to a leg up in the application process

  • Fencing is a sport with a long history of inclusion and belonging

Click for Fencing Spectator Guide PDF

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