Fencing is a sport that requires a lot of focus and discipline. It also requires a lot of practice to improve. If you want to learn to fence, it is important to find the right coach and school. There are three different weapons in modern competitive fencing. Each weapon has its own rules and prioritizes different attributes.
Epee
With a total length of 110cm and a blade that is 90cm long, the Epee is the most rigid of the three weapons used in fencing. Its weight is less than 500g. The weapon was introduced in the late 1800s for sportive fencing, replacing the rapier and making its Olympic debut in 1900. Its most unique characteristic is its ability to score with any part of the opponent’s body, including the hand, but only if it depresses their point with enough force.
A body cord with a set of three prongs plugs into the weapon (foil and sabre only) and connects to a wire that leads to an electrical scoring device, or “box.” This box is located on the piste beneath the combatants and is grounded to prevent hits to the floor from being recorded as touches. The box also signals with lights to determine who scores. A fencer can also use the ground to their advantage by evading their opponents blade via moves such as In Quartata and Passata-sotto.
Sword
A katana is the most popular sword for beginners as it is relatively inexpensive and easy to maintain. The blade is made from spring steel and while it is not as tough or durable as stainless it will hold a sharp edge longer than many other types of swords.
The sabre is the most powerful of the fencing sword types and can be used for both cutting and thrusting. It has the smallest target area and points are awarded via a system of right-of-way that allows fencers to beat an opponent’s blade to gain the advantage before striking with their own.
To draw the sword, grab the scabbard from below with your left hand and grasp its handle (tsuka) in your right hand. With a piece of clean tissue or sword paper, gently wipe the back of the blade from the tip to the nakago, taking care not to apply too much pressure and always wiping in one direction.
Foil
Foil is a type of metal that’s as thin as paper. It’s often used to wrap food in, or it can be poured over it. The word “foil” also means to prevent someone from doing something. For example, a brave police chief foiled an armed robbery by grabbing the raider’s shotgun.
The foil is the quickest weapon in fencing and has a rectangular blade that goes to a blunt point. It is made from a low carbon steel that flexes on impact. This is the main reason why fencing has very few injuries.
Like épée, foil fencing is governed by a set of rules that determine who scores the touch. These rules are called “right of way” or “priority”. They were designed to enforce aggressive fencing Waipu with good form from both competitors. These rules are a major contributor to the popularity of the sport. They also help prevent misunderstandings between the two opponents and keep everyone safe.
Kata
Kata is a detailed choreographed pattern of martial arts movements that are practiced alone in order to learn and perfect them. It is a method of learning that makes it easier to remember a fighting system over time, much like songs and sagas were used in ancient times.
Fukyugata Ichi and Fukyugata Ni are the first katas that we study in karate, and they help us to develop our basic technique, balance and coordination. The ability to demonstrate these katas correctly is one of the requirements for passing each grading.
Sanseru kata is characterized by complex sequences of hand techniques and powerful stances. It enhances coordination, endurance and balance.