FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
If you are familiar with fencing already, you know that the sport has 3 distinct weapons, each with different rules, equipment, and corresponding circuits starting from the local level all the way up to the Olympic games. The three weapons in fencing are epee, foil, and saber. There is no one best weapon in fencing and the choice of weapon is primarily based on the individual fencer’s preference with input given by their coach. At Alliance the majority of our fencers have chosen epee and we are primarily an epee club, however, our coaches are skilled in all weapons and can provide you with lessons in foil and saber on request.
Epee is a type of sword used in modern fencing and epee fencing denotes all fencing done using an epee and following the specific rules associated with the use of that weapon. Compared to foil and saber, epee weapons are slightly larger and sturdier. Epee is considered the most democratic weapon, with very simple rules and less equipment required than the other weapons. In epee, you can hit anywhere on the body, from the toe to the head, and if two fencers hit within 1/5th of a second (registered by electronic scoring), both points are counted. By contrast, foil and saber have more limited target areas and double touches are not allowed. For foil and saber, in cases where both fencers score at the same time, the referee will make a determination of which fencer initiated their attack first to determine who has earned the ‘right of way’ for the touch. Unfortunately, this scoring practice is somewhat subjective depending on the referee. One of the major advantages of epee is that this level of referee interpretation is absent, making epee fencing the most objective and fair of all three weapons.
Fencing is one of the safest modern sports and is often said to be less dangerous than golf. Wearing proper fencing equipment at all times is the number one way to reduce risk of injury. At Alliance, our students’ well being is our top priority and we strictly enforce proper safety habits, such as wearing masks, socks, under arm protectors at all times when on the fencing piste. For our students new to fencing, we will provide the necessary equipment to learn the sport safely and efficiently.
Although executed with appreciable energy, a good, clean fencing attack hurts no more than a tap on the shoulder, with the force of the blow usually absorbed by the flex of the blade. That being said, painful blows do occasionally occur. Like with all martial arts, you should expect minor bruises and welts every now and again. These are rarely if ever intentional.
It’s often said that in fencing, the goal is to hit without being hit. Scoring in modern fencing is registered electronically, through a circuit. In order to score a point in modern epee fencing, you must hit your opponent with the blunt tip of your blade (which contains a spring on the inside) with enough force to exert 800g of pressure on the tip, pushing the spring downward. The spring then sends an electrical signal down a very slim wire embedded in the epee blade, which eventually makes it back to the scoring box, registering a light.
There is a saying that it takes two lifetimes to master fencing. By the time anyone has come close to “mastering” the sport, they are long past their athletic prime. Some may feel that this is a drawback to the sport, but most fencers see it as a great strength: fencing never becomes dull or routine; there are always new skills to master and new grounds to conquer. Novice-level competition is feasible within 3-6 months. Competition at this point should be viewed as a learning aid, not as a dedicated effort to win. More serious competitive attempts will be possible after 2-3 years, when basic skills have been sufficiently mastered the mind is free to consider strategy. A moderate level of skill can take a few years of regular practice and competition. Penetration of the elite ranks demands three to five days per week of practice and competition and usually at least 3-5 years of experience. Progress can be faster or slower, depending on the fencer’s aptitude, dedication, quality of instruction and the age at which they begin.
All of them. On the athletic side, speed and cardiovascular fitness are two of the most important. Other traits that can be exploited are strength (for explosive power, not heavy handedness), manual dexterity, and flexibility. Quick reaction time is extremely important. On the mental side, a fencer must be adaptable and observant, and have a good mind for strategy and tactics. Psychologically, he or she must be able to maintain focus, concentration, and emotional level-headedness under intense conditions of combat. As far as body type goes, it is always possible to adapt your style to take advantage of your natural traits. It should be noted that left handers seem to enjoy a slight advantage, especially against less experienced fencers. This may account for the fact that lefties make up 15% of novice fencers but close to half of FIE world champions. Finally, we have noticed over the years that the fencers who have the greatest success are those who are passionate about the sport and work closely with their coaches to bring their individual personality into their fencing styles.
It is very easy to acquire bad habits and poor technique if you do not have the guidance of a knowledgeable fencing master, coach, or fellow fencer. If you are serious about improving your fencing, quality coaching is always your best investment.
The USFA (United States Fencing Association) is the national governing body of fencing in the United States. You must be a current member of USFA to be eligible to compete in official USFA local, regional, and national tournaments. If you are at least list 18 years of age, you will also have voting privileges to elect officers in your Division.
You can find more information on our website:
www.alliance-fencing-academy.com/tournaments
Also visit: www.askfred.net
A classification is a letter from A to E (with A being the highest) that is earned in local, regional, or national competition and reflects the skill level of a fencer. Classifications are not the same as regional or national rankings, but are used as a way to reflect a fencers skill primarily at the local and regional level. A classification includes the letter assigned as well as the year in which it was last earned, for example “A-2011″. Classifications are valid for four years, at which point they revert to the next lowest letter, or unclassified, “U,” if the classification has not been re-earned within the four year period.
You can earn a classification at most USFA sanctioned national, regional, or local tournaments. USFA sanctioned means that the tournament meets the USFA guidelines and criteria for safety and attendance.
