Fencing is the art of is the art of armed combat involving cutting, thrusting, or bludgeoning weapons directly manipulated by hand.
There are three disciplines of fencing.

• Foil - The foil is a lightweight weapon weighing less than a pound. The blade is rectangular, very flexible, and has an average length of 89centimeters. The foil is a stabbing weapon only (the point scores the touch), and the target are upon which a point may be scored is limited to the torso; both front and back indicated below in blue.

• Epee - The Epee(Pronounced Epp - pay) is a descendent of the dueling sword. It has similar length to a foil, but it is significantly heavier; weighing approximately 27 ounces. This weapon has a larger guard to protect the hand from a valid hit. The blade is much stiffer than its foil counterpart, but just like it touches are scored with the point of the weapon. The major difference in this discipline is the change in target area; the entire body is valid.

• Saber - This weapon is the modern version of the cavalry sword, and it is similar in length and weight to the foil. The major difference is that the saber is a cutting weapon as well as a thrusting weapon. The target area is from the waist up both front and back. This makes sense because that is what you would see of another person on a horse.

The Rules:

Foil - The rules governing a valid touch in foil are very difficult to understand at first, but are very simple to explain. First of all any touch scored is the result of initiating some sort of successful attack against an opponent. To be more specific any attack, successful or not, happens when a fencer threatens the opponent with forward motion of the blade. When a fencer has the attack, he or she is said to have "right-of-way". When one fencer attacks the opposition must gain right-of-way first before attempting to make a touch on the attacker; called the "riposte". This is usually done by a parry or sometimes by a body evasion. If anything, remember that foil is the battle for right-of-way then for the touch.

Epee - This is the easiest weapon to understand. The first person get a touch gets the point. There is no right-of-way in epee. If both fencers hit each other at the same time, then both fencers earn a point; called a double-touch.

Saber - The rules governing saber are almost exactly the same as in foil. However, there are a few minor differences. First, you cannot cross your feet. There are also a few different techniques that can be used to gain right-of-way in saber.

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FAQ's

• How do I wash my uniform?
• Can I come late to practice?

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How do I was my uniform? Your plastron, jacket, knickers, and glove should all be washed cold, but do not use bleach. Do not put into a dryer, simply hang them to air dry. Be careful as your glove may sometimes stain the rest of your uniform if it is colored. Its a good idea to wash it seperate the first few times.

Can I come late to practice? We understand that practice times sometime interfere with classes and other obligations. Feel free to show up to practice at anytime. Be sure to stretch on your own and join in as soon as possible. As a beginner you should be on time because you might miss somthing important.