Fencing 101
The History
The first classification of fencing attacks and parries was made by fencing masters brought to France by King Charles IX. During the 16th century, Italy developed the longer, lighter rapier. Because of its length, fencers had to make quick, controlled lunges and fight at a larger distance. Slashing techniques began to fade away. The rapier wasn't good for defense, so fencers created a sort of shield to parry with their other hand. This is similar to the Ancient Egyptians.
In 17th century France, the "fleuret", or foil, was developed. It was lighter and used as a training weapon. Right-of-way also became generally accepted. It made fencing more calculated, more of a game. This made fencing safer.
The court sword was made in France later. It was meant to go better with the attire of men in those days, but it also proved to be better for the fencers. It was shorter than the rapier and both lighter and stronger. It was good for both defense and offense. The foil became a special version of this court sword, made for practice.
The colichemarde was formed for dueling. It had slightly concave sides to make it lighter without being weaker. The colichemarde would develop into the modern epee sword.
The third of the fencing weapons was made in late 18th century Europe, as an adaption of a Turkish sword used in the Hungarian calvalry. The saber was originally very heavy, but a lighter, less curved version was made in Italy in the late 19th century. The modern fencing weapon is straight, but has one side designated for cutting.
The first evidence of actual fencing occured in Egypt, as far back as 1190 BC. The Egyptians probably developed fencing to celebrate the Pharaoh's victory over the Libyans. He organized a sporting event, of which his men would duel each other with fashioned sticks. The sticks had covered tips and guards that looked surprisingly similar to the modern sabre. The men wore masks that protected their eyes. Their non-sword arm was used for parrying attacks and was shielded in some way. Spectators shouted encouragement, judges were present, and the results were recorded by a scribe on his papyrus.
Throughout history, fencing was basically a way to practice swordfighting skills without getting injured.
Greeks and Romans practiced fencing in the 700s BC. They used light, short swords and educated their warriors in schools called ludi. When the Roman Empire collapsed in 476 AD, however, barbarians brought thicker, heavier swords through the dark ages. The light swords didn't come back until the Renaissance in the 14th century. The rapier especially came back into use.
The use of armor in the Middle Ages marked a decline in swordfighting. Since the swords were used primarily for slashing, not stabbing, armor was very effective against them and they became less favored. However, as firearms came into play in the 15th century, swordfighting emerged again.
During the 15th century the first evidence of modern fencing came about. Spain had the first fencers, it seems, and the first fencing manuals were published there in the 1470s.
Fencing got to the Americas through French and Italian masters immigrating in the 1860s and 1870s. The first American fencing school was founded in 1874. There was some fencing in the colonies, but it wasn't as popular as in Europe. Virginia had fencing most prominently, as plantatian owner carried out their English traditions. Louisiana had fencing as well due to its French heritage around 1803.
After the Civil War, many athletic clubs and colleges adioted fencing as a sport. As a result the U.S. had the first real fencing association. FIE, the International Fencing Federation, was founded in France.
Fencing is one of the only four sports that has been on every modern Olympics program since 1896. The governing body for the rules of fencing is the FIE (for the Olympics as well).