SPORTS
From Issue #23
A Battle of Swords: Fencing
With files from Shenieka Russell-Metcalf,
17
Do you ever wonder what’s
going on in the gym when you see people in head-to-toe white
suits with wire face masks and wielding swords? No, they’re
not filming a martial arts movie, they’re engaging in a traditional sport called fencing. As much
an art form as a sport, fencing blends sword fighting with patience,
determination, discipline and grace.
The History
The earliest evidence of fencing comes from Egyptian carvings
dating back to 1200 BC. By the fifteenth century, fencing was
sweeping through Europe. Fencing started off as a dangerous
duel with a high death toll, but over time, rules were established
and protective gear became common. By the nineteenth century,
fencing had largely become the sport as we now know it. European
immigrants brought the tradition of fencing with them when they
came to Canada, and the first fencing school opened in Montreal,
Quebec, in 1816. Fencing has been an official Olympic
sport since 1896.
How It's Played
Fencers stand en garde facing each other and begin to duel once
the referee gives the go-ahead. Using only their sword hand,
fencers must score “hits” by touching their opponents
with the tip of their sword within the valid body zone. (Zones
differ depending on the sword used.) A match or “bout”
lasts five or 15 points, depending on the type of match. The
fencer who gets there first wins!
The
Gear
Fencers wear head-to-toe protective clothing:
• A uniform made of Kevlar (bulletproof vests are
made of the same material)
• A steel mesh mask with ballistic padding
• Protective socks and shoes |
The
Speak
Foil: modern version of the original dueling
sword
Epee: modern version of historical dueling
sword
Sabre: modern version of cavalry sword
Assaults and bouts: Friendly combat between
two fencers is called an assault. When score is being kept,
it is called a bout.
Match: the aggregate of the bouts
Parry: the defensive move made with the
weapon to block an offensive attack
Counter attack: an offensive action made
during the offensive action of the opponent |
Canada’s
leader Alberta-born Sherraine Mackay is not only the top Canadian
women’s fencer, but also the top women’s fencer
in the world!
Sherraine became a member of the Women’s National Epee
Team in 1994. Since then, she has put Canadian fencing on the
map. In 2005, Sherraine placed third at the Leipzig World Championships,
making history as the first Canadian fencer ever to get a medal.
She is a four-time medalist at the Pan American Games, has won
eight World Cups, and just recently took the gold at the 2006
Saint Maur World Cup Grand Prix. Hot off the press, Sherraine
is also author of Running with Swords.
In her words: “Fencing is a game where you outsmart and
manipulate your opponent, kind of like tactical tag with sticks. It’s all about brains and body language.”
Her advice for young athletes: “Don’t take [sports]
too seriously—have fun.”
