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.
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