How to Win in Fencing

Fencing is a sport that has existed for centuries. It originated from sword fighting duals before evolving into a non-violent sport. Fencing is a sport which values etiquette and respect for the opponent. It has many rules built in which ensure that the sword fight resembles a back and forth affair, rather than a brawl in which both participants simply charge each other immediately. Learning to follow the rules of the sport enables a fencer to perfect her form, and increases her chances of winning.

Things You'll Need

  • Fencing safety gear
  • Competition fencing sword
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Instructions

    • 1

      Touch your opponent in a legal scoring zone with the tip of your weapon to score a point. The legal scoring zone is the area protected by the safety vest worn by both players, with the area over the wearer's groin excluded.

    • 2

      Register the required number of points in order to win your match. In most lower level competitions, a victory requires five points. Some upper level competitions will have scoring levels higher than five points.

    • 3

      Straighten your arm prior to lunging forward to attempt an attacking move. A player can only score a hit by putting their opponent in a threatening situation, then attacking and scoring. Straightening the arm at your opponent places the opponent in a threatening situation, preventing them from scoring while enabling you to do so.

    • 4

      Parry opposing attacks or retreat out of range so that your opponent is no longer threatening you. Parrying is performed by knocking the opponent's weapon to the side. As you are not allowed to attack while in a threatened situation, a parry is the quickest way to remove yourself from a threatening situation, allowing you the opportunity to attempt a counter attack.

    • 5

      Counter your opponent's attack after you have been removed from the threatening situation. The moment after a failed attack is likely to be your opponent's most vulnerable moment, as they are still on the attack, but no longer threatening you, leaving you with the ability to strike back before they are ready to defend.