The martial art of each of the types of sword has developed a set of traditions, styles and techniques. This article is a very brief listing of the weapons that have become the center for various styles of martial arts based around these long metal weapons. Future articles will address more particulars about the various arts.
Fencing
A generic term used to refer to the three different blades commonly used in Europe for centuries. The three prominent styles included as part of the Olympics are foil, epee and saber.
The foil is the weapon of choice for the swashbuckling musketeer or Zorro. It is a very flexible four sided blade designed for pin point accuracy, the tip being the only valid surface of the weapon. In competition the valid target area is the chest back and groin, the head and arms not being scoring points.
The saber is based on the cavalry saber and the naval cutlass. In addition to the point being a stabbing weapon, the blade is heavier and designed to slash. Valid target areas are anything above the waist. Priority or initiative is critical.
The Epee is a trianglar bladed weapon where the point is the primary danger. It was developed for use in duels where first blood indicated the winner. The valid target area is the entire opponent and first to touch gets the point.
Most universities have a fencing club of some sort and it continues to be a part of the military school curriculum. The weapons used in competition today are light and flexible. The competition is heavily computerized to indicate touches, but still relies on judges to determine who had the initiative and therefore who gets the point on simultaneous hits.
Broadswords
English Broadsword, the type carried by the knights, was heavy and difficult to maneuver. It had the distinct advantage of crushing anything it might hit, therefore armor was made heavier to withstand such weapons. When pitted against the scimitars of the Muslims in the Crusades, it was found to be slow and easily evaded by the lightly clad knights of the desert.
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