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Fencing Gear Through the Ages

Amazing swordplay and high-action entertainment are not reserved for your favorite pirate epics. Fencing is a sport that offers all the thrills of swordplay from days of yore, without the macabre outcomes. The use of swords in battle goes back to the ancient eras, and by the middle ages, it had become particularly popular among the English gentry. Fencing evolved into a sport of its own, and within a few hundred years, rules emerged to define the sport. fencing equipment evolved right alongside the sport itself.

The Olympic governing body added an event for the foil to the roster of Olympic events in 1896. The foil is the most common type of fencing gear, and is often the choice of beginners in the sport. Initially a training tool for smaller swords, the foil emerged in the 1700s. When going for a target, the foil user is typically aiming for the torso of the body. In later year, the Olympic committed added events to the fencing competition, including the epee and the saber. The epee isn’t much different than the foil, but it does feature a heavier weight and a three-sided, stiffer blade. When engaging with the epee, the target area is not restricted to the torso.

The saber excels at cutting and thrusting, which is one of the reasons that competitors can use the edge of the blade to earn what are considered valid touches in competition. In the case of the foil and the epee, where the point lands determines a valid touch.

Women’s saber fencing was introduced in 2004, and epee prior to that in 1996. Women have been competing in the foil fencing events going all the way back to 1924. Fencing continues into the London 2012 Olympics with some slight rule changes to make the sport more viewer friendly and was broadcast live for 2008 on NBCOlympics Web site.

Fencing gear is not just comprised of the weapons; protective clothing is vital in preventing injury. One should never fence without appropriate gear, since serious injury could otherwise occur. Gear typically used in practice and competition includes chest protector for women, gloves, jacket, mask, under-arm protector, shoes/socks, and pants.

sport fencing is an exciting competitive sport that has a long and storied past. Taking part in the sport of fencing is a unique experience, and one that gives you a taste of a history. You could be a participant in the middle of the action, or you could just be a fascinated observer; in any case, there is so much to enjoy about the exciting sport of fencing.