The Sport of Fencing
Modern fencing is a sport of passion and daring, strategy and action. One of only four sports to be included in each of the modern Olympic Games, fencing continues to fascinate each new generation with its romance, style, history and excitement.
Unlike its predecessor "dueling with sharp swords" modern fencing is safe and fun.
Imagine the thrill of facing an opponent who stands before you, weapon in hand, each of you determined to outsmart the other.
Feel the rush of adrenaline as you weave the point of your weapon through the web of your opponent's defense, and finally land it on target, triumphant! Touché!
The spectacle of fencing is a blend of history and the most modern technology. Adversaries face one another on a raised platform or strip (a long, narrow playing field) wired to electrical scoring devices. Salutes are made to the opponent, to the referee, and to the audience and in this moment we are transported back in time 200 years.
A hush falls over the audience as the athletes come on guard in a deep crouch, masks down and weapons raised.
On the referee's cry of 'Fence!' the athletes begin to implement well-practiced strategies, relying on hard-trained speed and deftness of feet, hands and mind.
At the conclusion of the bout, one fencer pulls off the mask, hands thrust into the air, or perhaps drops to the strip in celebration of the moment of victory. The other, perhaps momentarily dejected, is already planning new tactics, knowing that this opponent will be met again in the future. And then once again we go back in time, for each fencing encounter ends with a traditional salute and a shaking of hands, as it has for centuries.