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Fencing

Explorer · ages 7 and underAdapted from Wikipedia
Two épée fencers face off during the final of the Trophée Monal in Paris in 2012. Fabian Kauter (right) attacks with a swooping move called the flèche, while Diego Confalonieri (left) responds with a counter-attack.

What is fencing?

Fencing is a combat sport where people use swords. It is a sport full of skill and care.

There are three main types of fencing: foil, épée, and sabre. Each type has its own blade and its own rules. Most fencers choose just one type to practice.

Where it began

Fencing grew out of old sword skills from Europe. The modern sport became popular near the end of the 1800s. The Italian school and the French school helped shape the sport we know today.

Some people say fencing is like "high-speed chess." Each match starts and ends with a salute. Good sportsmanship and honor are taught to every fencer.

Fencing and the Olympics

Fencing has been part of the Olympic Games for a very long time. It was one of the first sports in the Olympics. It has been part of every modern Olympics, along with athletics, cycling, swimming, and gymnastics.

Fencing is run by the Fédération Internationale d'Escrime. It is based in Lausanne, Switzerland. Young students can even try fencing with soft foam and plastic swords.

Quiz time!

3 questions about Fencing

Question 1 of 3

What is fencing?

Pictures

An engraving of the fencing school at Leiden University in 1610, showing students learning the art of swordsmanship in the early 1600s.
A fencing print from 1763 by Angelo Domenico Malevolti, showing sword-fighting techniques from the 18th century.
A women's fencing uniform jacket, the protective clothing worn during the sport of fencing.
A fencing glove, worn by fencers on their sword hand to protect it during matches.
A fencing plastron, a padded protector worn under the fencer's sword arm to guard the body during matches.
White breeches worn by women when fencing, a sport where two people duel with thin swords.
A fencing mask, which protects a fencer's face during matches.
A chest protector worn by women fencers to keep them safe during matches.
A fencing handle, shown as a piece of sports equipment.
A fencing sword handle, known as a Belgian grip, which fencers hold while competing.
A Russian grip, a way of holding a fencing sword by wrapping the fingers around the handle.
A Hungarian grip, a style of fencing sword handle that a fencer holds in a particular way.
A body cord used in sabre fencing, which connects the fencer's sabre to the scoring machine.
A lamé jacket, a special metallic-threaded vest worn in fencing so that electronic scoring can detect when a fencer lands a hit.
Valid foil targets
Valid épée targets
Valid sabre targets

Keep exploring

Europe
Olympic Games
Athletics at the Summer Olympics
Swimming at the Summer Olympics
Gymnastics at the Summer Olympics

This article is a child-friendly adaptation of the Wikipedia article on Fencing, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

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