The Art, Sport & World of Fencing
Fencing as a sport was established in 17th century Europe and evolved from training for dueling and armed conflict. Today fencing is one of the fiercest, fastest, but also safest competitive sports featured in the Olympic Games.
We here at Davis Fencing Academy love fencing; from its colorful culture, to its healthy physicality, and especially its fiery competitive scene. Fencing offers all these things and more to those who take up the sword.
There is so much to learn about fencing, it cannot be dealt justice by a single webpage. But it can be useful when deciding if fencing is right for you! So read on if you want to learn the basics, and don't worry. If you still have questions (and you probably will!), we'll be happy to answer them whenever you choose to stop by.
The Weapons: Foil, Epée, And Sabre
Fencing is divided into three disciplines, each with their own rules and techniques. Davis Fencing Academy currently offers training in two of the three disciplines: Foil and Epée, while our Saber program is currently under development. Fencers typically choose a single weapon to be their area of focus and dedicate their training toward mastering it. However, all fencers regardless of weapon share three pillars of training: Athleticism, Technique, & Strategy. Each weapon emphasizes one of these pillars as its most important, so choosing the right weapon for you is a measure of what pillar you enjoy the most.
Foil
Foil evolved from training to win honorable duels to the death. This is reflected in the weapon's rules and techniques. It is elegant and sophisticated, emphasizing Technique to synergize beautiful bladework and masterful precision. Foilists are often those who enjoy mastering the sword and defeating through the superiority of their bladework.
Epee
Epee evolved from recreational dueling to first blood. Consequently, the weapon has the simplest rule set. However, Epee is considered by many to be the most Strategic thanks to the threat of being struck anywhere, at any moment. Epeeists often see their opponent as a puzzle to solve, thinking their way through the problem by understanding both themselves, and their opponent.
The Training: Entering the World of Fencing
Beginner
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1 Month of Training
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1 - 2 Hours a Week
Intermediate
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2 Month - 6 Months of Training
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2 - 3 Hours a Week
Advanced
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6 Months - 2 Years of Training
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4 - 6 Hours a Week
Elite
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2+ Years of Competitive Training
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7 - 10 Hours a Week
Every fencer whose every been great started here. During this time new fencers learn the basics of footwork, bladework, and fencing culture. It also gives us a chance to get to know you and discover your fencing identity.
Those with an understanding of the fundamentals and basic rules belong here. In this space your focus is on developing a fencer's physique, polishing your basics, and getting comfortable with your weapon. Most fencers spend between 3 - 6 months here, but so long as you are improving, its a good place to be.
Fencers in this category have found their passion and set personal goals for their training. For some it is personal development while others seek competitive achievement. They have chosen their preferred weapon, own their equipment, and are taking private lessons to evolve their fencing identity.
These fencers have committed to the competitive world of fencing with passion and determination. They have a strong personal style and lofty goals for their fencing career; such as college applications or olympic runs.
Competition & Culture
Fencing is fundamentally about competition. Whether for accolades or personal development, all fencers challenge each other in a professional environment to test their skills and learn from their opponents. This makes for an exciting and high-energy sport, with many of our fencers participating in regional competitions and beyond. At its core, fencing culture and competition has these key elements:
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Respect & Safety. While our swords are not sharp, fencing can be intense. This is a sport about getting in a fight and defeating your opponent. As a result, fencing has extremely high standards when it comes to sportsmanlike conduct and safety. The equipment is well designed and the standards of etiquette strictly enforced.
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Casual & Official Competitiveness. Integral to the fencing experience is challenging others. In training and outside official competitions fencers hone their techniques and make friends with clubmates through bouts. Aspiring fencers take their skills to official competitions in search of ratings and medals. Success in this arena can result in college scholarships or high-profile tournaments such as Nationals, World Cups, and the Olympic Games.
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Fencing Mindset & Identity. Successful fencers must cultivate their minds as much as their bodies. The longer one competes and trains, the stronger one establishes a sense of effective personal style. With that comes a powerful mindset that allows a fencer to perform in incredibly intense situations. Discipline, dedication, and fearlessness are essential tools that each fencer must earn in order to succeed.