Modern Fencing: Olympic Martial Art
The athletic contest called fencing has been a part of each summer Olympics going back to the first modern Olympic games in 1896. The sport of fencing will be one of the dramatic contests on display at the coming 2008 Summer Olympic games in Beijing, China, with teams representing nations around the globe competing.
The word ‘fencing’ means defending one’s self by the use of swordsmanship. The roots of fencing go back as far as the 12th century. This is when swordsmanship books were first published. Fencing became a popular martial art in the 17th century, enjoyed by sports enthusiasts in an arena. Before this it was a necessary personal defense. Duel training was popular amongst men of wealthier classes, until early in the 1900′s, when it lost its appeal.
The contest called fencing by definition includes man-to-man fighting between opponents utilizing hand-held weaponry rather than weapons that are hurled or in any manner are removed from the bearer’s control. So fencing includes the smaller categories of sabre, epee, and foil. Every one of these categories of offensive “fencing gear” possesses its own customized regulations made to fit the variations among the weaponry.
Designed for thrusts rather than cuts, the Epee is the heaviest fencing sword. The Sabre is designed for both thrusts and cuts, while the Foil is a light, thrusting weapon. All other hand-held stabbing and cutting weapons of similar design and use, such as knives, are also encompassed by the sport of fencing. But in modern standardized competition, the epee, the sabre, and the foil are the only weapons still used.
Fencing competitors are judged on the number of hits accurately placed in various areas of the competitor’s bodies. In the past, human judges tallied hits in order to declare a winner, much like in boxing. Now, scoring during larger competitions is mainly performed by electronic sensors worn by the competitors along with protective fencing gear, in addition to sensors on the weapons, while a human referee watches for rules violations.
Fencing strategy and tactics is very similar to those employed in the hand-to-hand martial arts, such as karate. A fencer seeks to open lines of attack upon a competitor while simultaneously defending themselves by closing lines of attack from a competitor. A hit may only be scored by particular regions o
1000
f the weapon, such as the tip for thrusting, or the blade for cutting, upon certain areas of the competitor, and with at least a minimum of force.
Since the movement is so quick and exact, there are usually electronic scoring devices attached to the fencing gear to help with judging. The fencing mask and body protection gear also contributes to the protection of the participants.
By: Kyle Bachner
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
For more information on the sport of fencing, visit www.fencing.net/ where Kyle reads up on the day’s headlines and activities in the sport.
Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Fitness Equipment Articles Via RSS!
Additional Articles From – Home | Health & Fitness | Fitness Equipment
Hypnosis for smoking cessation puts the newly smoke free person into state of deep relaxation.
Hypnosis and the myths related to it
Tips Buying Home Gyms Online
Top Elliptical Training Machines Review
What to Consider when Buying a Treadmill
Multi Station Home Gym
Exhaust Extraction By Fumex: Making Your Workplace A Better Place
Alfalfa Provides Great Vitamin and Minerals
Shed Your Sedentary Lifestyle with Vibration Fitness Machines
Pools That Rule
Mail this post