Fencing

Fencing is a sport that uses thin, light swords. It comes from real sword fighting that happened hundreds of years ago. Today it is a safe sport played with special gear. Fencers need quick feet and fast hands to win.

Safety Gear

Fencers wear white jackets and a helmet with a wire mesh over the face. This helmet is called a mask. They also wear thick gloves to protect their hands. The gear keeps them safe from the sword points.

An old drawing of students learning to fence with long swords.
An old drawing of students learning to fence with long swords. (Jan van 't Woudt (Johannes Woudanus) (1550-1615) / Wikimedia Commons)

Three Weapons

Fencers use three different kinds of swords. These are the foil, the epee, and the saber. Each sword has its own rules for scoring points. Players score by touching the other person with the tip of the sword.

Fun Facts

  • Fencing has been in every modern Olympic Games since 1896.
  • A fencing match is called a bout.
  • Fencers yell out when they score a point.

Did You Know?

Modern fencing swords have sensors that light up when they touch an opponent.