What is Fencing?

Fencing is in essence the martial skills taught and refined in Europe to use and duel with European swords. Its direct origins can be traced to medieval trial combat, but fencing has changed over hundreds of years as the weapons of Europe have changed and improved. The training and practice of this eventually developed into the sport we have today, which is both highly tactical and athletic.

Unlike most eastern martial arts, the expertise of fencing has continued to develop to this day, with new moves, parries and tactics being developed that are added to the decades of pre-existing knowledge. Put simply, you learn what works best in sword fights, not only what was done 300 years ago.

There are three types of weapons used in modern fencing, each with its own subtle variation on swordplay, Foil, Épée and Sabre. Follow the links below to find out more about each of them: