Fencing Institute of Texas Student Guidebook

Introduction to Fencing

Fencing is a combat sport that draws an intelligent, individualistic person to its corps. It draws from martial arts, dance, and chess to create a very special entity called a "fencer." Fencers as a whole are a highly educated group - most fencers either learned the sport in college, or are using the sport to get into college. FIT fencers have attended Harvard, Duke, New York University, St. John's University, Ohio State, and the Air Force Academy, just to name a few.

Like fellow Olympic sports archery and javelin, fencing has its roots in ancient combat. Around 1200 BC, the Egyptians began the custom of fencing for sport, as seen by images in decorative reliefs from that period depicting knobs on the end of weapons, earflaps and other protective garb. Sword craftsmanship evolved through the ages, from the short, wide swords favored by the Greeks and Romans to the heavy two-handed broadswords in vogue during the age of chivalry. After the advent of gunpowder and firearms, armor became obsolete and lighter swords gained popularity as the sidearm of choice for European officers and gentlemen. "Introduction to Fencing" by Craig Harkins Read the entire article on fencing.net by clicking here

The Weapons

Foil

The foil is approximately 35 inches in length and weighs less than one pound (16 ounces). 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 from the shoulders to the groin, front and back. The target area does not include the head, neck, arms and legs. Fencers wear a metallic vest called a lamé which covers the valid target area so that a valid touch will register on a scoring machine when fencing in competitions.

Epee

The epee is the descendent of the dueling sword. It weighs approximately 27 ounces, has a larger bell guard to protect the hand and a stiffer blade than the foil. Touches are scored only with the point of the blade; however, the entire body is the target area.

Saber

The saber is the modern version of the slashing cavalry sword and is similar in length and weight to the foil. The saber is a thrusting weapon as well as a cutting weapon; therefore, the tip and the entire blade are used. The target area is from the bend of the hips to the top of the head, front and back, simulating the cavalry rider on a horse. The saber fencer's uniform includes a metallic jacket called a lamé which covers the valid target area so that a valid touch will register on a scoring machine when fencing in competitions.

Choosing a Weapon

Youth beginner students at the Fencing Institute of Texas are initially introduced to the foil because foil skills are the basis of all other techniques. At times, an epee or saber student will be asked to return to the basics of foil to retrain certain skills, especially point control. We recommend beginner youth fencers learn foil for at least the first 6 months of fencing. All beginner youth fencers will fence with "dry," or non-electric, weapons. As students progress, the coach will recommend advancing to competition level at which point the student will begin purchasing their own electric equipment.

All competitive fencers are required to meet the current requirements of the USFA rules and ensure their equipment is in good working order. Instructors in the Intermediate and Advanced Foil classes may introduce students to the epee or saber. Students usually develop an interest in, or preference for, a specific weapon and request classes or lessons for that weapon.

Adult beginner students, or those entering our Fitness Fencing program, are initially taught epee. This is to allow the student to concentrate on technique and strategy without worrying about right-of-way rules (foil and sabre requirements for which fencer is on the attack). However, Fitness Fencers may choose to fence any of the three weapons at any time. Our goal in the Fitness class is to get the adult student up and fencing at a level they can have fun when competing in local competitions.

The Sport that is Fencing

"Fencing, like other martial arts, has evolved away from the violent nature into the competitive sports world. Still, much of the history of fencing remains, and can be seen in the many conventions still in practice today, like saluting your opponent or retrieving their lost weapon." - Anita B. Bersie, Fencing II Final Exam, University of Wisconsin

"Fencing need not involve the egos of participants. Winners and losers of a bout shake hands and often talk about the match and try to learn from each other. Fencers on both sides are always willing to compare tactics. Along these lines, even a losing bout can be fun and helpful in the training process. Losing is not so much a defeat as it is an opportunity to learn. The gentlemanly heritage of modern fencing contributes greatly to the courtesy and manners of fencing. Its history as a cordial activity fosters friendliness among fencers." - Tyr Johanson, Fencing II Exam, University of Wisconsin

"In my opinion, when a fencer chooses to pick up a blade, he/she also takes up the ennobled tradition of his/her ancestors regardless of ethnicity, gender, or religion. Warriorship transcends our superficial distinctions. Thus, the modern day fencer has a choice to respect and to learn fencing's rich and diverse past. For by learning the history and the tradition, a fencer forms a deeper connection - almost a common bond to all of those who have come before him/her." - Patrick Michael Mahoney, Foil Fencing Final Exam, University of Wisconsin

This history is excerpted from a story published: 2004/03/18 19:09:08 GMT on BBC SPORT: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/sport1/hi/olympics_2004/fencing/history/3476577.stm

Constant cut and thrust

Various forms of sword fighting have existed since ancient times but modern fencing is a descendant of 16th century dueling.

The first fencing schools were founded in the Middle Ages, and the sport spread systematically throughout Europe. Spanish and Italians schools of the late 16th and early 17th centuries were followed by the arrival of a shorter and lighter rapier made popular in France in the 18th century.

In the 19th century the Italians, Hungarians and French founded famous fencing schools, and the Italian masters developed sabre fencing into a non-fatal sporting/training form with metal weapons.

DID YOU KNOW?

Fencing is one of only four sports to feature in every Olympics

The founder of the Olympics, Baron Pierre de Coubertin, was a keen supporter of fencing and as a result the sport was one of only nine included in the first modern Olympic program in 1896.

Foil and sabre fencing for men were the only disciplines on show, with Frenchman Eugene-Henri Gravelotte and Ioannis Georgiadis, Greece's first Olympic champion, claiming the respective gold medals.

And the sport was well established at the Olympics prior to the International Federation (Fie) being set up in 1913, by which time the competition had been enlarged to include Epee.

A number of technical advances have caused considerable turmoil in the sport, such as electrifying the epee in 1936 and later the introduction of electric judging. Electronic scoring for foil and sabre followed in 1956 and 1992 respectively.

Women's foil was first contested at the 1924 Games, but it was not until 1996 that women's epee followed.

France, Italy and Hungary dominated the event in the Olympics until the 1960s, when the USSR joined the elite nations, followed by West Germany in the 1970 and 1980s.

How to Follow the Action (excerpted from the 1998-99 U.S. Fencing Fact Book)

Focus on one fencer. The fencer being attacked defends himself by use of a "parry," a motion used to deflect the opponent's blade. Whenever a hit is made, the director will stop the bout, describe the actions, and decide whether to award a touch. Fencers seek to maintain a safe distance from each other, the one will try to break this distance to gain the advantage for an attack.

Fencing "Electric" (excerpted from the 1998-99 U.S. Fencing Fact Book)

Red/Green lights mean a point or blade has landed in a valid target area. A point is scored for the fencer who makes the hit, depending on the referee's decision of right-of-way. White light in foil means the point has landed outside of the valid target area. No point is awarded for an off-target hit. One or more lights requires the referee to determine which fencer had right-of-way in foil and saber. In epee, a point is awarded to both fencers.

What do the terms mean? (excerpted from the 1998-99 U.S. Fencing Fact Book)

Advance:

Step forward with a fencer's front leg

Attack:

Movement or series of movements by which a fencer tries to score a point against his opponent.

Beat:

Sharp tap on the opponent's blade to initiate attack or threat of attack.

Counter-parry:

a defensive movement by which the fencer makes a small circle with the tip of the blade, around the opponent's blade and moves the opponent's blade away.

Disengage:

Break of contact between fencers' blades; movement made by passing the blade under the opponent's blade.

Engagement:

Contact of blades.

En garde:

Position taken before a bout begins.

Feint:

A false attack intended to get a reaction from the opposing fencer which will open them up to a genuine attack.

Fleche:

A running attack.

Lunge:

Most common attack in which the fencer closes the distance by moving the front leg forward while the back leg remains stationary and straightens out.

Parry:

Defensive action in which a fencer blocks his opponent's blade.

Recover:

Return to the en garde position after lunging.

Remise:

Attacking again immediately after the opponent's parry of an initial attack.

Riposte:

Defender's counterattack after parrying an attack.

Safety first!

Safety is everyone's responsibility. Although fencing is a combat sport, observance of some simple rules will prevent most injuries.

Never enter the strip area without your mask.
Always wear your mask when bouting or taking lessons.
Always wear your protective equipment (underarm protector, proper clothing, breast protector, etc.)
Examine your weapons and protective equipment prior to bouting.
Make sure your strip surface is clear of all debris, weapons, masks or other items which may cause trips, slips or falls.
No horseplay on strip and never attempt to make contact with someone who is bouting on another strip.
Never enter or exit the fencing area by crossing a strip where bouting is occurring. Always use the walkway, but be aware that fencers may come across this area at any time.
Come physically prepared to fence. Fencing requires vast amounts of energy and uses tremendous stores of body fluids and nutrients. If you have been ill, or are not feeling well, don't fence.
Warm up before bouting or lessons.
Practice good fencing techniques, posture and footwork to prevent bad habits which lead to injuries.
Bout only when a coach or instructor is present, and only under qualified supervision.

FIT Safety Policy for Children under the age of 10 and Unattended Children:

No one under the age of 10 shall be allowed to participate in Competitive Team practices without written permission from a FIT Fencing Master. Written permission shall only be granted in cases where the safety of the fencer and the safety of other participants will not be compromised, and the fencer has passed stringent tests of skill and attention span abilities.
No children under the age of 10 may be unattended in the salle. Parents or siblings who are participating in classes, private lessons, or bouting are not considered "in attendance."
Attended children must be confined to the front area by the tables and couch. They must be escorted to the rest room area and may not be allowed to play in the hallway or bathroom, or allowed outdoors unattended.
All drink and food items are to be confined at the table area. All trash pertaining to these food items must be removed and deposited in appropriate trash receptacles, and the area cleaned prior to leaving the club (this includes under the table area, also).

Can I Fence?

"The novice may possess great aptitude - he may even possess some extraordinary, God-given gifts. But any suggestion of instinctive fencing ability is sheer nonsense. Therefore, the fundamental importance of good mechanics cannot be overemphasized. You will never become a fencer until you have mastered them. Yet, fencing is so perfect an art that once you have accomplished this, your skill as a fighter will depend primarily upon your individual genius. You will get out of fencing exactly what you put into it. Make no mistake about that." Aldo Nadi, On Fencing

The staff and instructors of Fencing Institute of Texas believe that anyone who has the desire to learn should have the opportunity to fence. Even those with health problems or physical limitation have the opportunity to learn fencing. Our coaching staff will assist you in developing a program around any limitation you may have.

Parents, Children and FIT

Many students use fencing for Off-Campus Physical Education credit. All FIT Fencing Masters have the equivalent of a bachelor's degree in physical education with emphasis on fencing. We also have a program for home schooled athletes; however, students must register in advance for the home school programs.

Fencing is a sport and it is supposed to be fun. We recommend that the young fencer establish his/her own fencing goals. The amount of effort from your child is up to her/him. The staff and Board of Directors at FIT try to support children in their attempts to achieve rather than to be victorious over someone else. Athletic achievement can have a significantly positive impact on the growth of the young fencer as she/he learns analogously from handling the obstacles presented in sport. The instructional staff and management at FIT are constantly attempting to mold a program that realistically stimulates and challenges your children. We ask that the parents refrain from "pushing" so that the fencing does not take on the overtones of "homework."

The Board of Directors of FIT is part of a team of educators which includes you, the parent, the school teachers, and the fencing instructors. The Board of Directors has established the following guidelines for the success of our school age fencers.

We believe:

We can help your child be successful in school by forming a partnership with parents and teachers.
If your child is having difficulty in a subject, let their Coach or a Board member know. We can provide extra encouragement and, perhaps together, help your child be successful in school.
A positive reinforcement system works better than negative attention. At no time will a child be embarrassed by public display of poor grades (either through posting or announcement). We would like to know of your child's achievements either scholastically or through their community activities. We try to create a positive environment, one in which we brag about our successes and ignore those little stumbles. If your child has made the honor roll or done an outstanding job in their work, let us know. We would like to showcase successes on the "Wall of Fame" and in our newsletter.
We believe that children perform up to the standards expected of them.

We hope that this will encourage commitment and initiative in our children to achieve success. Success in school is more important than success in fencing. If your student needs a little extra time for homework, they are welcome to bring their books to the fencing center and complete the work in the student lounge. Older students and parents often provide guidance and assistance in a variety of subjects.

Pride in the academy and pride in themselves will help your child be successful in fencing and life. Your children may be asked to assist the staff members in emptying trash cans, sweeping floors or other housekeeping items. This is not used as a punishment task, but to give students a sense of ownership, pride and belonging in the fencing academy.

We expect our team members to have clean uniforms and practice good personal hygiene. Fencing uniforms, and especially fencing bags, can get rather smelly. Your fencer may be asked to take their things to the laundromat before returning to the salle. (No fencing clothes should be left in lockers after Saturday.)

We want you and your child to be happy and feel comfortable at the FIT academy. If there is a problem of any kind, please let a Board member know.

We attempt to guide students to the instructor most suited to their weapon, fencing style and personality; however, should your child want to switch to a different instructor, this is not a problem. Talk to us and we'll be pleased to accommodate your family.

Why Your Child Should Fence (excerpted from an article of the same name written by Richard Cherry for the USFA magazine, "American Fencing."

Coach Cherry served as the Junior Olympic Chair for the Oregon Division and coaches young fencers.)

"Fencing is a skill sport. It requires a special kind of athlete who can satisfy the physical and psychological challenges of head to head combat. Fencing is one of the few sports where boys and girls compete against each other on equal terms, no special concessions granted.
Fencing demands self-discipline. Win or lose, the fencer alone is ultimately responsible.
Fencers forge friendships with their opponents off the strip. After all, they frequently train together.
Fencers learn to accept authority. Referees (directors) are always "correct," even when a "bad call" eliminates an athlete from a tournament. At the same time, fencers learn to respectfully question authority.
Fencers acting as referees (directors) learn to make decisions with confidence. They learn to explain their decisions intelligently and control the action on and off the strip, all the while under the critical eye of their peers and an audience.
Fencers learn to share. They share equipment and knowledge. A winning fencer will often share what went wrong with the losing fencer's game. More experienced fencers will share previous successful strategies against specific fencers, even though this knowledge may lessen their chances for victory.
Fencers develop the ability to establish long-term goals. In fencing, an athlete doesn't have to win to be successful. Many young fencers know they don't have the knowledge or the experience to beat a particular opponent or win a tournament; but they learn to set personal goals for themselves, one touch against each opponent for example.
Fencers can, and do, learn to be winners before they ever get a medal at a tournament. "

Team Trips and Competitions

One of the goals of the Fencing Institute of Texas is the development of world-class and Olympic competitive fencers. Only a handful of fencers ever make it to this level; however, there are numerous competitions locally, in the North Texas Division, and in the Southwest Section for all fencers to compete, beginner to Olympian. The FIT Team travels to competitions in Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, and throughout Texas during the fencing year. All of our fencers are encouraged to join these team trips, but there is no requirement to attend any of them.

Special tournaments are held for children (Rising Stars for Youth 10 - 14; Regional Youth Circuit for Youth 12 - 16) and adults (Veteran's tournaments). Fencers should sign-up for trips at least 2 weeks in advance.

Coaches are assigned to the team trip if 5 or more fencers commit. The fencers attending the trip pay "coaches fees." These fees reimburse the coach for lodging, meals and travel expenses, and are collected from all fencers attending the trip. The more fencers attending, the less the expenses to the individual. Fencers are welcome to travel and lodge with the team or with their parent, this has no effect on coaches' fees. Other staff and team representatives may be sent on various trips to act as coordinators for the team. These people will be identified prior to the trip announcement and may consist of parent volunteers, FIT staff, or other interested parties who are going to the tournament anyway and will not usually receive reimbursement. If a very large team is going to a tournament, one or two of the adults who are planning on attending may be asked to act as team chaperones and may receive reimbursement for their lodging. (Team chaperones usually are asked to share a room with 2-3 youth/junior fencers.)

What does it cost to compete?

Fencing is a relatively inexpensive sport, until you begin traveling to other states to compete at the national level, but there are initial costs to consider for even local tournaments. FIT has a long standing relationship with Blue Gauntlet from New Jersey to supply our fencers with complete weapon sets at a considerable discount. FIT Armourer, Ovy Waddoups will help you with your order and equipment needs. FIT Armourer, Gary Spruill, maintains a small inventory of equipment for purchase from him.

USFA Membership -

Membership in the United States Fencing Association is a requirement for anyone competing in local or national tournaments. Fencers who desire to compete only at the local level may join as "Fence for Fun" members. Fence for Fun members may not compete in the Division or Sectional qualifying tournaments. Membership forms are always available at the club. Fees are $50 for one year (August-July).

Electric weapons -

Competing at the national level, a fencer must have at least two working weapons when they report to the strip. Electric weapons run from $65 to $150. For novice competitors, the less expensive weapons are just as good as the expensive ones. We recommend bayonet connectors on the weapons simply because more fencers use this type of connector and it is easier to borrow equipment in an emergency on strip. Many vendors offer an electric beginner set (blade, body cord, etc.) for around $100-150. Currently, we have an agreement with Blue Gauntlet to supply our fencers with an 8-piece electric foil set for approximately $185 (bag, body cord, jacket, lamé, underarm protector, foil, glove, and mask). Electric epee sets are less expensive because there is no lamé; saber sets are a little more expensive. Women must add an additional $25 or so for a breast protector.

Body cords -

A body cord connects the fencer's blade to the scoring equipment. The body cords are not interchangeable between foil and epee; you will need a foil and an epee body cord to compete with both weapons. Body cords are $15 - 35.

Underarm protector or plastron -

Every fencer must have an underarm protector (plastron) to compete. There is a wide variety of materials and quality involved with these, but you are looking for a piece of clothing that will cushion a blow to the soft armpit. Underarm protectors range from $16 to $100. Chest protectors for women are available at the club for use. Women must have protectors during competition. These are available as a solid plastic sheet or as protective discs that fit into pockets in the jacket, and range $16-30. Young boys may choose to wear a solid plastic chest protector when first learning. All men should wear athletic cups.

Glove -

Gloves come in a variety of material from cotton to the Uhlman washable leather, and range $10-45. Look at some of the gloves the other competitive fencers wear and ask questions about their choice.

Lame -

The lame is an outer conducting garment which defines the target area in foil and saber. Foil lames will run $40-135; saber lames, $85-255.

Mask -

A good competition mask for foil and epee will run around $50. Three weapon masks, and the stronger FIE masks, will range from $95 to $275. It has been our experience that a little extra invested in a stronger test mask is worth it. Novice competitors may use FIT masks.

Jacket -

Jackets, $50-230, may be borrowed from FIT by the novice competitors. We recommend women to sew a piece of heavy cotton material (like blue jeans material) on the inside arm of the lead arm of the jacket to give a little extra protection. Women's skin is physiologically thinner because of and has a tendency to bruise easier than men's skin.

Knickers -

knickers may be purchased for $50-230. However, growing youth should consider wearing baseball pants for competition instead of purchasing the more expensive knickers. Again, women should sew a piece of heavy cotton material on the inside pant of the lead leg.

Shoes and socks -

The fencer's legs must be completely covered. Long soccer socks, preferably white, under baseball pants or knickers are perfect ($10-15). Fencing shoes may be purchased for $45-190.00, Adidas high-tops being the most expensive. Any flat soled deck shoe (Keds) with a light or white flexible sole will work. There is a lot of heel-to-toe movement in fencing and thinner soles work best for giving the fencer a sense of where the floor is.

Saber gauntlet -

This is a special conducting glove required for saber fencers, $30-55. **No longer required**

Fencing bags -

Used to carry weapons and equipment, bags run $25-300 for single weapon bags to wheeled bags. Many fencers purchase PVC tubing to put their blades in while transporting.

Tournament fees -

Local fees average $20.00 per event (a tournament is comprised of several events). National tournaments can cost $60 and up per event. Other costs for tournaments may include travel, meal and lodging expenses and coaches fees. Coaches fees are used to offset expenses incurred by the FIT coaching staff when traveling as the team representative.

No discrimination, no harassment

The Board of Directors shall not tolerate any discriminatory act or act of harassment, sexual or otherwise, from staff members, other fencers, or observers. If you are uncomfortable at anytime, for any reason, please notify a member of the Board of Directors immediately for a private consultation. We want your fencing experience to be rewarding and positive.

Click here to download the USFencing Parent Guide for Parents and Fencers written by Catherine Marchand and Linda Merritt, co-chairs USFA Parent's Committee written in October 2002; file is in Adobe pdf format. Excerpt from the introduction is below:

This guide was prepared by the Co-Chairs of USFA Parent Committee to provide clarity and current information. Our combined "fencing life" of over thirty years reflects an array of experiences in the sport. We started driving our children to lessons when they were young, accompanied them to local and national tournaments as they grew, and volunteered in a variety of areas within fencing. This guide was created to help parents navigate the competitive aspects of fencing, whether local, regional or national and try to avoid pitfalls. The basics remain constant...... The data in this handbook is advisory. The Parent Committee is an information committee; it does not make policy.

For a more comprehensive book on fencing, we recommend The Big Book of Fencing by Dr. Rudy Volkmann, available from www.fencing.net. Rudy is a great friend of FIT and you will see him at many National tournaments as an armorer. The review of the 3rd revision by fencing.net is excerpted here:

"Youcan't learn to fence from a book, but you can learn significant things about fencing. ...this 271-page text has gotten "must buy" reviews from the British and Dutch fencing federations as well as by [the] current president of the American Fencing Coaches Association.... The main part of the text is a highly illustrated encyclopedia of all the moves used in foil fencing, which includes the theories behind the moves and positions, and detailed explanations of what goes wrong when trying to learn them. Just the section on stance, advance, retreat, lunge, and recovery types take over thirty detailed pages. Included are sections on history, pedagogy, tactics, directing, repair...."