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

July

Week 1:

6- 10

Week 2:

13-17

August

Week 3:

17-21

Week 4:

24-28

Our summer camp is designed to help fencers build a strong foundation while developing competitive skills through a variety of activities and games.

• Fundamentals: footwork and blade work

• Technical development: tactical training, strategy sessions, scenario based learning, bout review and video analysis

• Conditioning and games

Each day of the week builds upon the last to culminate in a Friday Competition.

Mondays: Footwork and blade work basics, partner drills, cool down and review

Tuesdays: Point control and blade actions, distance and timing exercises, controlled bouts, feedback

Wednesday: Reaction drills, attack, defense and counterattack concepts, tactical decision making, situation sparring, video review and discussion

Thursday: Agility work, strategy sessions, scenario based learning, bout planning and strip management, practice bouts and coaching feedback

Friday: Competition day, skill review, team games, mock competition bouts, bout analysis and weekly wrap up and goal setting

Welcome to fencing. It can be overwhelming trying to figure out all the pieces, but we are here for you. We can help figure out which equipment your child needs. We can help figure out competitions and how to attend them. We can help figure out whether your child wants to be a casual fencer or an elite Olympian. All you need to do is ask. See Cari or Aqsa in the office or send an email to us: info@artdufencing.com