History of fencing

The first book about fencing came in 12th century by De Serpente brothers, and by Fiore de liberi, was published in Italy. By 16th century Germans made it into sportive technique.
By late 17th and 19th century it evolved into European duelling sword. It came out with several forms like cutting style and thrusting style. It included manipulation of weapons by hands. Metallurgical advances also affected the form of the sport. Fencing is a quite a dangerous sport, students have lost their lives due to injuries in the lungs, causing difficulty in breathing. After 1750’s a new weapon for cut fencing was developed.

From 1800 to 1918

Cut fencing and thrust fencing was practised in Germany in early years of the 19th century. Thrust fencing was very much popular in Jena, Erlangen, Wurzburg. The last thrust that took place was in 1860 at Wurzburg. Classical fencing is best described by 19th and the 20th century fencing schools. Four judges determined the scores. Judges used to sit behind and sideways of the opponents. Then the judging method was revolutionised by electrical machine.

Fencing since 1918

After World War 1 duelling declined and went to Europe after World War 2. Then fencing became a form of sport with the tournaments and champions taking place. Many people would consider themselves trained even by undertaking little training lessons. With the electrical scoring machine replacing the judges, and sound and lights replacing the director to determine if the touch was made; thus fencing got revolutionised completely. The reduced scoring box allowed more accurate scoring techniques. Lighter touches were possible; also touches to the back were possible.