Fencing is an Olympic sport contested with epee, foil, and saber, which aims to touch the opponent with one of these bladed weapons, depending on the type of competition, without there being any physical contact.
Its origins date back to prehistoric times, as the art of hunting provides clues to what would later become sporting practices.
Fencing began to be contested in the Olympics in 1896, in Athens, in the first edition of the Olympic Games of the modern era.
HISTORY OF FENCING
Historical records suggest that fencing emerged as a sport in Europe in the 16th century. However, its practice is very ancient, as humanity used it as a means of survival for hunting, fighting, and defending itself from enemies.
The history of fencing's evolution is intertwined with the evolution of weapons and combat methods. A piece of wood was once a weapon, but this was replaced by pieces of metal, giving rise to horse archers, and then men on horseback armed with swords and firearms.
During the feudal era, warfare began to change, and with it, swords underwent changes, becoming stronger and thinner at the tips, which became more widely used. Although fencing began in Italy, the first fencing schools were French.
Over time, the equipment used in fencing has evolved, with vests, gloves and masks being added.
In the 18th century, modern fencing began, and masks covered the eyes to protect them. Thus, fencing became a sport, offering mental and physical benefits to its practitioners, including increased visual, auditory, and tactile acuity, agility, concentration, reflex development, and increased self-confidence.
In 1913, the International Fencing Federation was founded, responsible for organizing the practice and management of the sport at an international level.
In Brazil, fencing dates back to the imperial period, thanks to Dom Pedro II. The troops used it, which is why it was introduced into the Military School's courses in 1858.
After that, in 1906, the Gymnastics Training Course was created, and with the creation of the Military Physical Education Center, the French master of arms Lucien de Merignac was encouraged to come to Brazil.
Master Gauthier was another Frenchman hired by the Brazilian army to teach fencing to its soldiers. With the support of the Army and Navy, the Brazilian Fencing Union was founded in 1927. Brazil's first fencing participation in the Olympic Games occurred in 1936.
FENCING EQUIPMENT
Sword: At 0.90 m and 770 g, it is the heaviest weapon. In épée fencing, the sword can touch any part of the body, and unlike other disciplines, simultaneous touches by opponents are permitted. It was the weapon used between the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Foil: Weighing 0.90 and 500g, it's a blunt weapon, considered the most difficult in fencing. Light, it requires elegant movements. With the foil, only the trunk can be touched with the tip of the sword. It was the weapon used in the 18th century.
Saber: At 0.88 and 500g, it is the smallest weapon used in fencing. With it, it is permitted to touch the opponent with the tip or side of the blade; the épée and foil touch only with the tip. In fencing sabre, the weapon can touch the head, torso, shoulders, arms, and forearms.
THE RULES OF FENCING
Fencing is contested on a 14 x 2 meter piste with two phases: qualifying and elimination. In the qualifying round, all athletes compete until someone scores five points. In the next phase, the competition consists of three three-minute jumps. After each jump, there is a one-minute break. The winner is the fencer with the most points, a total of 15. Points are tallied electronically.
This happens because fencers' clothing has sensors. Before this design was adopted, the weapons bore traces of chalk that marked the opponent's clothing, making it difficult for judges to vote. The goal is to hit the opposing fencer's torso with the tip of the foil. In the case of the épée, its tip can hit any part of the body. Meanwhile, the tip of the saber, and another third of the weapon measured from the tip, can hit the waist or the area around it.