The basics of fencing, as with any other sport, are relatively simple. Concept, form, and practice, practice, practice. The concept is also relatively simple. To quote one of our more recent heroic icons, "Put the pointy end in the other guy." The challenge of fencing seems to be summarized with the addition of '...and keep the pointy end out of yourself.'
A fencing bout consists of two competitors, facing off in an attempt to touch his or her opponent with a qualified part of the blade (I.E. the 'pointy' end) without receiving a touch themselves. The weapons are of course blunted, however the action is not. The only item a fencer is allowed to touch his opponent with is the blade of his weapon. And the only thing the opponent is allowed to defend him or herself with is the blade and guard of his sword, displacement of the target (moving out of the way) and, of course, counter-attacking as allowed by the rules. The bout is held on a 2 meter wide, by 14 meter long, fencing "strip." (See Image: C=Centerline, G=The two On Guard lines, S=The two meter warning lines) This is the only area where combat is allowed. The fencers may move the length of the strip to their wits end, and anywhere side to side within the 2 meter width. Any fencer who leaves this boundary immediately forfeits the point.
Form is a vital part of the success of defense, as well as attack. The fencer must have a solid stance, which minimizes the target area available to his/her opponent, while still allowing for enough freedom for comfortable and quick movement. To accomplish this, the fencer will stand with feet approximately shoulder width apart, forward foot pointing to the opponent and rear foot turned to 90 degrees of the front foot. If the forward foot were pointing north, the rear foot would be pointing west. The fencer will then bend his knees until each knee is directly above the corresponding toes, and turn his/her body as comfortably as possible to the side (toward the west in this case.) Although awkward looking, this stance provides for quick forward and backward movement while slimming the target area facing the opponent.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
