Forms of Fencing

• Fencing currently embraces three distinct forms, differentiated by the type of blade. Foil fencing uses a lightweight blade; it grew out of traditional hand-to-hand combat. As a result, it only counts touches against the "vital areas" of the torso and trunk. Epee fighting employs a rapier, which has a sharper edge than a foil; it evolved out of duels of honor (where the first cut meant victory) and as such the entire body is open to attack. Saber fighting uses a heavier, flatter blade originally used for mounted combat; legal targets include any area above the waist.
  
  

Blade Work

• Fencing involves a combination of blade work and footwork, used to defend oneself against the opponent while simultaneously striking at his own defenses. Seven basic techniques constitute the blade work in fencing. An attack is an initial thrust at the opponent. A parry is a defensive move designed to block an attack. A riposte is an attack launched immediately after a successful defense. A riposte-parry is a defensive move designed to block a riposte. A counter riposte is a third form of attack, launched after successfully blocking a riposte. A counterattack is an attack launched while the opponent himself is attacking. Finally, a counter-time is an attack that occurs in response to an opponent's counterattack.
  
  

Footwork

• Footwork keeps the fencer balanced, allows him to maneuver forward and backward and provides the leverage to launch an attack or a parry. It begins with the on-guard position, which both fencers assume at the start of the match. Basic advances and retreats entail rapid placement of the feet (front foot first for an advance, back foot first for a retreat), moving toe to heel or heel to toe, depending upon the direction of the move. Lunges are used to strike forward suddenly and unexpectedly, while crossover movements aim to cover a lot of ground very quickly while maintaining the fencer's sense of balance. Finally, check steps are used as a kind of bluff, making the opponent believe a specific movement is coming, only to confound his expectations.