British Fencing Association’s website has a wealth of information about fencing, including getting started and a fencing club directory.
Want to experience an exciting, fast and athletic sport?
Fencing is an all-year round sport. And despite its history and appearance, modern protective equipment and refereeing mean modern fencing is very safe.
Modern fencing has evolved from sword-fighting and dueling. The main types of competitive fencing are Olympic fencing and Wheelchair fencing. Fencing is also practised as a martial art, and for historical re-enactment. Olympic fencing (or simply “fencing") refers to the fencing seen in most competitions, including the Olympic Games and the world cup.
Competitions are conducted according to the rules of the Fédération Internationale d’Escrime, fencing’s governing body. These rules evolved in Europe between mid 17th and early 20th. Basically, points are scored by hits (‘touches’) on your opponent with the blunt tip of your weapon. In competitions, touches are counted by electronic scorers, to avoid error and bias in refereeing.
The three weapons used in Olympic fencing are foil, épée, and sabre:
take part? small group
where? inside
energy/fitness level? you’ll sweat a bit | full on
sociability? too full on!
disability access*? limited
can be played? competitively
contact sport? some collisions
try it cost? low
play it cost? moderate
* Individual circumstances vary hugely, and this affects participation in any sport. This guide is necessarily general in nature and may not suit your situation.
Great! Trying fencing is easy and not expensive.
Most fencing clubs run beginners courses, and the cost includes use of the essential protective equipment, refereeing and coaching. The next step is to find a fencing club near you.
Check out your local council’s website, and the local paper for beginners classes at schools, YMCA, YWCA etc. Also follow the links in ‘More Information’ on the right and on the getting started page.
Then you might like: