What is Fencing?
The art of attack and defense using a sword.
It is a graceful, fast-moving, exciting sport, and a great workout for both body and mind.
It develops agility, concentration, speed, and timing.
Why Fencing?
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It’s a mental sports “Chess with swords”
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Teaches discipline (physical and mental)
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Stamina, strength, and coordination
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Timing, tempo, measure, and velocity
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Great sports for both boys and girls
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Physical attributes such as height, weight, and build are much less important. Success is depending on the amount of training, discipline, and focus
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Fencing looks great on college applications! Colleges see a fencer as someone who is not only athletic, but also mentally tough and a strategic thinker. It's unique.
Types of Fencing
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Foil
A flexible rectangular blade, approximately 3 inches in length, weighing less than one pound
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Epee
Similar in length to the foil, but is heavier, weighing approximately 27 ounces, with a larger guard (to protect the hand from a valid hit) and a much stiffer blade
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Sabre
Similar in length and weight to the foil. The major difference is that the saber is a thrusting weapon as well as a cutting weapon (use of the blade).
Is Fencing Dangerous?
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“No.” Fencing is one of the safest sports you can choose for your child
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The blade is not sharp.
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The contacts are partially absorbed by the flexibility of the blade.
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The point of the weapon is flat with a small spring inside the point.
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Fencers wear protective equipment particularly designed for the sport.
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Distinctively gentle on the body. No direct contact between competitors or with objects
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One of the lowest injury ratings. Table Tennis is more dangerous than fencing!!
Fencing at the 1896 Olympic Games
Fun Facts about Fencing
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Did You Know Ballet Originated from Fencing? Ballet originated in 15th century Italy, as a dance interpretation of fencing
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One of the original modern Olympic sports
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Only combat sport without weight categories
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General Geroge Patton started fencing team at U.S. Military Academy at West Point
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A fencer can continue to an old age