What is fencing?

The word fencing originates from the word ‘fence’ which was used as a short term for middle English word ‘defens’. Fencing is a sport which is quite different from stage and academic fencing. It is an armed fight which involves the technique of cutting, bludgeoning weapons and stabbing directly by hand. Weapons like knives swords, batons, pikes, clubs and many more of such kind. It is a very contemporary sport in European schools and in Olympic sports also.

Weapons used for Olympic fencing

There are three commonly used weapons in fencing. The first is the light thrusting Foil and is mean to target at the torso. However, double touches are not permitted for the use of this weapon. The second is the Epee which is for heavy thrusting and is valid to target the entire body. Use of this weapon allows double touching. The third in the series is the light cutting Sabre which is too used as a thrusting weapon. Excluding the hands and the back of the head almost everything above the waist can be targeted. 

Other details about fencing

There is competitive fencing, and fencing is also considered as a western martial art. The Chicago Athletic Association Fencers club, Chicago is good to learning fencing.