Fencing has a rich and varied tradition. To many, the art of swordplay conjures up romantic visions of knights in shining armour and brave musketeers. Like fellow Olympic sports, archery and javelin, fencing has its roots in ancient combat.

Fencing was never regarded simply as a means of protection. As early as 1200BC, the Egyptians began fencing for sport, as seen in decorative reliefs of the period which depict knobs on the ends of weapons and characters wearing earflaps and other protective garb.

Both sword craftsmanship and athletic expertise evolved over the next centuries, from the short, wide swords and stabbing motions favoured by the Greeks and the Romans, to heavy two handed broadswords in vogue during the age of chivalry.

With the advent of gunpowder and firearms, lighter swords gained popularity as the sidearm of choice for officers and gentlemen. It is from this period that modern weapons derive, with the Epee being the descendant of the dueling sword and Sabre becoming the weapon of choice of the cavalry troops.

Fencers today still employ an interesting combination of archaic and modern customs. Combatants still salute before a match and wear the traditional white uniforms and masks but scoring is now determined by ‘electronic padding’ worn by the combatants, registering when a hit takes place with flashing colour-coded lights.