Fencing is a modern Olympic sport based on classical sword fighting. It’s a fast-paced, strategic competition requiring athleticism, timing, and mental focus. Matches are contested using one of three weapons: Foil, Épée, or Sabre.

Physical Fitness: Improves speed, coordination, agility, and endurance

Mental Skills: Sharpens focus, decision-making, and strategic thinking

Character Building: Teaches discipline, respect, resilience, and sportsmanship

Inclusivity: Suitable for all ages and body types; adaptive fencing also available

College Opportunities: Many universities offer fencing scholarships or competitive programs

Foil

• Target Area: Torso only (not arms, neck, or head)

• Touch Type: Tip of blade only

• Right-of-Way: Yes

• Special Gear: Metallic vest (lame), conductive bib on mask (national level and above)

Épée

• Target Area: Entire body

• Touch Type: Tip of blade only

• Right-of-Way: No (simultaneous touches can score)

• Special Gear: No lame required

Sabre

• Target Area: Above the waist (torso, arms, head)

• Touch Type: Edge or tip (slashing and thrusting)

• Right-of-Way: Yes

• Special Gear: Metallic jacket (lame), conductive mask, mask cord

• Clothing: Fencing jacket, underarm protector, glove, pants, knee-high socks

• Weapon-specific Gear: Mask, lame (foil/sabre), body cord, and mask cord (sabre)

• Optional: Chest protector (mandatory for females), fencing bag

FIE-approved blades (made of Maraging steel) are stronger and last longer.

• Required: For international competitions

• Optional: For local and national U.S. events, though often preferred by advanced fencers

• Tournaments are divided by age group, rating, and weapon

• Local competitions are open to all skill levels

• Regional, national, and international events are available for advancing athletes

• Fencers compete in pools followed by direct elimination rounds

• Results can earn athletes a USA Fencing classification (rating)

Fencing is an electric sport. When a fencer lands a valid touch:

• A light flashes on the scoring machine (green or red)

• Foil & Sabre: Right-of-way rules determine who gets the point if both lights flash

• Épée: Both can score if hits land within 40 milliseconds

Match Format:

• Pool Rounds: 5 touches or 3 minutes

• Direct Elimination (DE): 15 touches, up to 3 periods of 3 minutes

• Fencers wear electronic gear connected to a scoring machine