History Of Fencing

4 Pages 1003 Words

Fencing, is the art of attack and defense with a sword or similar weapon. Modern fencing is a recreational and also a competitive sport, but its rules and techniques are derived from those originally developed for real swordplay in dueling
During the Middle Ages the sword was an offensive weapon used for cracking armor, and the shield was used as a defense. After people started using gunpowder, heavy defensive armor became useless, and the sword became a defensive as well as an offensive weapon. In the 16th century the rapier was introduced in Italy, and the art of fencing was rapidly standardized in fencing schools. A dagger in the other hand, and later a folded cloak, replaced the shield. Eventually the non sword arm was left free and held away from the sword arm to make the target area smaller.
The use of the rapier and the Italian fencing technique spread throughout Europe. In France and England, the size and shape of the rapier were constantly changed because its length and weight made it clumsy to carry. During the 18th century the small sword, or épée, was invented and became popular in France. This new weapon resulted in distinct Italian and French styles of fencing. The Italians used the rapier in a bold manner, with pronounced, vigorous gestures. The French used the épée in a more formal manner, with more point control. The French style of fencing became more used. Its rules are the same as those that are used in most modern competition, and the vocabulary of traditional fencing is made up largely of French words.
In the 19th century dueling was generally outlawed, and the fencing schools turned to teaching fencing for purposes of sport. Much of the equipment still used by fencers was developed at this time, including the glove worn on the sword hand, the plastron, and the wire net mask.
Three weapons are used in the modern sport of fencing: foil, épée, and saber. The blades of these weapons are made of tempered ...