What is, and was, fencing?
Fencing is an art form which has transcended the ages by holding the interest of kings and paupers alike in the form of self defense, exercise, discipline and, most recently, Olympic competition. The roots of fencing date back literally as far as the first time one caveman used his walking stick to deflect the blow of the other. Modern fencing, as we know it, comes predominantly from Europe, when gentlemen brandished fine weapons as they traveled about their daily business as a symbol of status and a statement of their right, and ability, to defend themselves from unwanted molestation. This sword, although deadly, was generally not the weight and size of one which might be carried onto the battle field, but was a lighter weight version easily carried from day to day.
In the earlier periods of history, this sword was the rapier. Sharpened from tip to bell, this weapon was agile and dangerous enough to ward off the most deadly attacker as well as settle "debts of honor." As history progressed into "more civilized" periods the rapier was replaced by the epee' which is, in many ways, very similar to the competitive epee' used today. As the need for daily protection was reduced by more reliable police forces and a lowering of crime, the epee' was left mainly in the courts where gentlemen could settle disputes through arms which could not be otherwise resolved.
Although, there have been many variations throughout history, modern fencing has boiled down to three forms, or weapons. Foil, a thin and lightweight blade developed from the training weapon designed to teach the basics of gentlemanly self defense. The foil was a thrusting weapon only (as "hacking" was considered sloppy and uncouth) and the target area on an opponent consisted of only the trunk of the body, front and back, to teach the student appropriate style and form. As only a fool would attack through his enemy's thrust without first defending himself, foil developed "Right of Way" rules. These rules required an individual to defend (or otherwise nullify) an opponents attack before earning the "right of way" to continue with his own attack. This has made foil a very fast, precise and disciplined weapon.
Sabre' was derived from the cavalry's blade. In accordance with the rules of chivalry and capture, the sabre' can only score a point on the opponent from the waist up, front and back, including the head, arms and hands (as to not injure the horse.) Although, traditionally, battles between men on horseback consisted predominantly of charging one another, sabre' fencing encourages the blade work of more conventional swordplay. Again, the rules of right of way are enforced. Any initial attack not nullified is considered valid even if the defending fencer lands his counter attack first. Only a fool would die in order to kill his opponent is the reigning logic.
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