Fencing - "The art or sport of swordplay" For many centuries fighting a duel with swords was a common way of settling an argument. Many men were killed in such duels. About 600 years ago, to better defend themselves in duels, men began practising the use of the sword with skilled fencing masters. The game of fencing grew out of such practising. In fencing, the ends of the swords are blunted and the players are masked. A touch is counted as a wound. Three kinds of swords are used. The swords are for different types of fencing. The foil is a slender, flexible and pointed sword. The touch must be made with the point on the trunk of the body. The epee, or duelling sword, is stiffer. The touch must be with the point but it can be made anywhere on the opponent. The sabre has a heavier blade. Touches are scored with the point or edge on any part of the opponent except the legs. |
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