An Olympic combat sport in which competitors score by touching their opponent with a thin sword on valid target areas.
Origin and rules
Modern fencing developed in 17th- and 18th-century European duelling schools, especially in France and Italy. Competitors face off on a narrow piste with one of three weapons: foil, epee, or sabre.
How it plays
Each weapon has its own target area and rules of priority. Foil hits to the torso; epee strikes anywhere; sabre allows cuts and thrusts above the waist. Electronic scoring registers valid touches. Bouts run to 15 points or three three-minute periods.
Competition
The FIE World Fencing Championships and the Olympic tournament are the leading events. Italy, France, Hungary, Russia, and South Korea are traditional powers. Fencing has been on the Olympic programme since the first modern Games in 1896.
Find more sports by letter
Fencing starts with F and ends with G. Browse other sports along the same letter.
Sports that contain a letter from "Fencing":