We Fence, that's what we do. Fencing teaches tactics under pressure, speed, agility, strategy, tactics (we like tactics so we mentioned it twice). It combines the best of many sports and is something that parents can do with their kids.

WATCH SOME OF THESE INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS ON FENCING

What is Fencing?

Fencing is a fast and athletic competition evolved out of historical swordsmanship and military training. It is a sport with all the safety and technology of the present day, but preserving the honor and customs of its heritage. Today's top fencers train long and hard to be the best they can be, both physically and mentally. The following excerpt from the US Fencing Association gives some description of the sport of fencing. 

Object

The main object of a fencing bout (what an individual "game" is called) is to effectively score 15 points (in direct elimination play) or 5 points (in preliminary pool play) on your opponent before he scores that number on you. Each time a fencer scores a touch, she receives a point. Direct elimination matches consist of three three-minute periods. 

The Weapons

Foil, épée and sabre are the three weapons used in the sport of fencing. While it is not unusual for fencers to compete in all three events, they generally choose to develop their skills in one weapon. Foil and épée are point-thrusting weapons. Sabre is a point-thrusting as well as a cutting weapon. The target areas differ for the three weapons, though all three are scored electrically.

Foil

The foil has a flexible rectangular blade, approximately 35 inches in length, weighing less than one pound. Points are scored with the tip of the blade and must land within the torso of the body. The valid target area in foil is the torso, from the shoulders to the groin, front and back. It does not include the arms, neck, head and legs. The foil fencer's uniform includes a metallic vest (called a lamé) which covers the valid target area, so that a valid touch will register on the scoring machine. A small, spring-loaded tip is attached to the point of the foil and is connected to a wire inside the blade. The fencer wears a body cord inside his uniform which connects the foil to a reel wire, connected to the scoring machine. There are two scoring lights on the machine. One shows a green light when a fencer is hit, and one shows a red light when her opponent is hit. A touch landing outside the valid target area (that which is not covered by the lamé) is indicated by a white light. These "off target" hits do not count in the scoring, but they do stop the fencing action temporarily.

Sabre

The sabre is the modern version of the slashing cavalry sword, and is similar in length and weight to the foil. The major difference is that the sabre is a thrusting weapon as well as a cutting weapon (use of the blade). The target area is from the bend of the hips (both front and back), to the top of the head, simulating the cavalry rider on a horse. The sabre fencer's uniform includes a metallic jacket (lamé), which covers the target area to register a valid touch on the scoring machine. The mask is different from foil and épée, with a metallic covering since the head is valid target area. Just as in foil, there are two scoring lights on the machine. One shows a green light when a fencer is hit, and one shows a red light when the opponent his hit. Off-target hits do not register on the machine. 

Right-Of-Way

One of the most difficult concepts to visualize in foil and sabre fencing is the rule of right-of-way. This rule was established to eliminate apparently simultaneous attacks by two fencers. In essence, right-of-way is the differentiation of offense and defense, made by the referee. The difference is important only when both the red and green lights go on at the same time in foil and sabre. When this happens, the winner of the point is the one who the referee determined was on offense at the time the lights went on. Épée does not use the right-of-way in keeping with its dueling origin - he who first gains the touch earns the point. Or, if both fencers hit within 1/25th of a second of each other, both earn a point. However, it is equally important to have a sound defense for épée, since the entire body must be protected from a touch. 

How to Follow the Action

For those new to fencing, it is difficult to follow the lightning speed of the fencers' actions. To become more comfortable in watching a fencing bout, focus on one fencer. The fencer being attacked defends himself by use of a parry, a motion used to deflect the opponent's blade, after which the defender can make a riposte, an answering attack. Thus, the two adversaries keep changing between offense and defense. Whenever a hit is made, the referee will stop the bout, describe the actions, and decide whether or not to award a touch. Fencers seek to maintain a safe distance from each other, that is, out of range of the other's attack. Then, one will try to break this distance to gain the advantage for an attack. At times, a fencer will make a false attack to gauge the types of reactions by the opponent that can be deceived in the real attack. As you become accustomed to the speed of the game, the tactics and strategies become more apparent, and you will gain a better understanding for the finesse and fascination of fencing!

We offer free group lessons, free private lessons or no lessons whatsoever! Club members are free to come and go as they please and fence or learn at your own pace. Fence for leisure, fence for competition or just fence for exercise!

The Pennsylvania area has more fencing clubs than most states and the Pittsburg area has some of the finest. Close by is the D.C. metropolitan area with additional clubs. Fencing is popular with youth and adults alike and is one of the few sports where parents can actually let their kids run around with pointed weapons - all while wearing the proper protection of course!

Glossary

Advance
To move forward on the piste.

Allez
The French word for "Go." This is the command for fencers to begin fencing.

Attack
A movement or series of movements by which a fencer tries to score a point against his opponent.

Balestra
A short jump toward the opponent, often combined with a lunge or fleche.

Beat
A sharp tap on the opponent's blade to initiate attack or threat of attack.

Blade
The steel part of the weapon extending from the guard.

Bout
Combat between two fencers in competition. When score is not kept, friendly combat between two fencers is referred to as an assault.

Counter-parry
A defensive movement by which the fencer goes around the opponent's blade and moves the opponent's blade away.

Counter-riposte
Offensive action made by a fencer who has parried a riposte.

Disengagement
A break of contact between fencers' blades made by passing the blade under the opponent's.

Engagement
Contact of the weapon blades.

En garde
The position taken before a bout begins, or after a break in action.

Feint
A false attack intended to get a reaction from the opposing fencer which will open her up to a genuine attack.

FIE
The acronym for fencing's international governing body (Federation Internationale d'Escrime, in French).

Fleche
A short running attack towards the opponent.

Guard
A part of the weapon between the blade and handle which protects the hand.

In-line position
A specific position in which the fencer's sword arm is kept straight and the point of the weapon continually threatens the opponent's valid target.

Lunge
A common fencing attack in which a competitor advances on the opponent by moving his/her front leg forward, while the back leg remains stationary and straightens out.

Match
The aggregate of the bouts fought between the fencers of two different teams is called a match. (Note: In French, the word for this is "rencontre," which means "encounter." The French use the word "match" as "bout" is used in English.)

Parry
A defensive action in which a fencer blocks the opponent's blade.

Piste
The French term for the field of play on which bouts are contested. Also called the "strip," it is made of metallic mesh and measures 14 meters long (46 feet) by 1.5 meters wide (4 feet, 10 inches).

Prete
The French word for "Ready," precedes "Allez" as the command to fence.

Recover
To return to the en garde position following a lunge.

Redoublement
A new action made against an opponent who has parried without a riposte or who has merely avoided the first action by retreating or dodging.

Remise
Attacking again immediately after the opponent parries an initial attack.

Riposte
A defender's counterattack after parrying.

Reprise
Recovery into the en garde position followed by an attack.

Thrust
The quick extension of the sword blade without foot movement.

USFA
United States Fencing Association, the official governing body for amateur fencing activities in the United States, recognized by the FIE and the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC).