Fencing is chess at lightning speed. ~ Fencing Proverb
Until researching this topic, I knew precious little about fencing. My knowledge of chess was slightly better, since I wrote on that topic in a prior post. This is making me sound like I know nothing without writing about it, and that may not be far off-course. Since researching fencing, I realized that athletic prowess is but one component that leads to mastery and that there are similarities to chess. Down the rabbit hole I went.
Way Back to the Bronze Age
Our current generation is an arrogant lot. We think we are on the cutting edge and superior to those who came before. No doubt we have technological advantages, but much of what we enjoy has its roots firmly entrenched in the days before Jesus walked the earth. Fencing is one of those things. I will say from the get-go that opinions vary on the origin. I’m going with what I’ve read in an article from Lilov Fencing Academy, as it aligns with a few other sources. Feel free to browse theories. Here’s mine–and Lilov’s.
Once again, we head to Egypt, where evidence of swordplay is carved into a temple built circa 1190 BC. No, it wasn’t fencing just yet, certainly not as we know it. At that point, swords were weapons, but used primarily in efforts to slash opponents. It was a few short centuries later that Vegetius (a fourth-century Roman writer) mentioned the advantages of thrusting a sword rather than using it to cut/slash. While swordsmanship was a valuable skill and taught in schools by the 12th century, fencing did not come into fashion for another two hundred years, give or take a few, and that fad blew up 2,000 miles away–in Europe.
Rapiers
Sword (plus a knight)
And Fencing Became a Sport ....When?
The short answer is: when the aristocracy picked it as a sign of skill and status. The middle class jumped in as they had the economic ability to do so, and by the 18th century, standardized rules were established. Note that though fencing skills were developed for defensive purposes, such as physical protection and to settle quarrels through dueling, they evolved. In 1896, fencing was included in the Olympic Games, and any reputational soil inflicted by association with dueling was gradually replaced by admiration for its athletic skill and strategic sophistication.
Before I move forward with the required skill set, I must mention the rapier. People who aren’t familiar with this type of sword may not realize the difference in a rapier and any other sword. That is, every rapier is a sword, but not every sword is a rapier. The latter is designed for defense with a thrusting movement, rather than cutting. It’s much thinner, and the hand guard is different, as you can see in the images. On a related note, fencing swords are flexible and have blunt tips. Well, Red Bull says that’s the case, and why would an energy drink company lie about something like that? Seriously, I read that elsewhere as well, but I’m hitting a deadline, and that’s what I laid my hands on.
What you may have missed while watching competitive fencing
- Fencing suits are traditionally white, as “touching” used to be marked with an ink spot delivered by cotton on the end of the weapon.
- Many ballet positions originated from fencing positions.
- There are only four sports featured in every modern Olympics; fencing is one of the four.
- There are three competitive fencing categories in the Olympics: Foil, Épée, and Sabre. Each weaon is designed to target specific parts of the body.
Courtesy Adirondack Camp
And a Little Personal Feedback
No, not from me. I don’t even handle darts–too dangerous for the people around me. I’ve read enough to know that fencing requires agility, balance, strength, and a brain that accommodates strategic thinking. Again, I’ve only read that, but as it happens, I have a bevy of talented friends who can offer insight. One of them, Cindy Ruble, participates in fencing for both exercise and entertainment. She was kind enough to share her thoughts about this sport. You might want to take notes, as fencing may be on your bucket list.
Favorite aspects
Yeah, but ...
- The ritualistic aspect and the etiquette required by the sport: the formal salute before the bout (or match) and the removal of the mask and the handshake with the non-weapon hand. It’s a show of respect to each other that is lacking in other sports (and life, in general).
- The gracefulness of the sport. It’s like dancing because movements depends on how the opponent moves.
- Fencing requires strategy, physical and mental quickness, and agility. Participants must be able to read or anticipate what their opponents are going to do based on their footwork and adjust movements on the fly. For the strategy part, it is necessary to learn opponents’ patterns as much as possible and build a strategy – kind of like playing chess. Thinking two to three moves ahead is a must.
- The physical challenge is the most difficult. Warming up for about 20 minutes before practicing involves a lot of cardio exercises: running around the gym several times, running forwards and backwards, hopping, skipping, jumping, and a lot of moving and forward and backward in the “en garde” stance. And squats and lunging! This hobby can wear you out before you get started. Not everyone is a fan of cardio (Cindy isn’t–well, me either) and it’s hard on knee joints when you’re north of 30.
- Opponents are not matched up by weight or height. Participants can be competing with someone taller, who has longer arms, can lunge farther, and has better reach when attacking. They have a great advantage over anyone shorter. Quickness and agility can overcome that challenge.
Biggest lessons from research on fencing?
Highlights were:
- The fact that fencing swords have tips. I assume you could lose an eye from a misplaced thrust, but disemboweling would be unlikely.
- Competition cares not a whit about the relative sizes of the opponents. Reaction is king.
- Similarity to chess–fencing demands constant anticipation and strategic thinking.
My last point may be a disappointment to those of you who know of my obsession with words, but I have to be honest. Although I understood the phrase “rapier wit,” I had never realized that the metaphor derives from a weapon famed for its piercing ability. Yes, I’m disappointed in myself, too. In any case, my oversight is not the lesson; it’s this. The older I get, the more I realize that while I have gained wisdom, the world remains immeasurably larger than my understanding. Learning is a lifelong journey for those willing to remain teachable.
I’m down for that.
I learned something about the history of this sport that I love and hate at the same time (cardio, ugh!), so thank you for this blog. I laughed at the title, “Fencing is an Elegant Sport,” of the YouTube video you shared. I don’t feel very elegant when I’m sweating in the suit and my glasses fog up as I struggle to breathe inside my mask.😂
I’m sure the perspective is completely different when you’re a participant. From the observer’s viewpoint, though, it looks like an elaborate orchestration.