How to Fence - Competitive Fencing

Fencing is the sport of combat with a hand-held weapon, whether practiced as a martial art in form only, or put to the test in a duel. Most commonly known to incorporate the foil and the saber, modern fencing is largely practiced as a competitive sport, relying on a well-developed hand-eye coordination and a grasp of tactical strategy similarly needed for the game of chess. Fencing carries with it an air of nobility, left over from its 18th and 19th century roots as a gentleman s pursuit. Some classical enthusiasts consider true fencing to be the art of defense for an actual sword fight. Nevertheless, the sport today enjoys a large popularity in universities worldwide as a holistic method of study, training both the body and the mind. Competitive fencing involves a variety of moves, stances, and sword techniques needed not only to defend from an opponent s attack, but to counterattack in an instant, scoring a point known as a touch. While the swords used are usually blunted and capped, there is still a real danger of injury, and fencers use safety clothing and equipment to cover their entire body. In this free video introduction to fencing, learn some of the basic attack and defense moves needed to become an accomplished duelist. Lessons include using the fencing equipment, scoring points, the parry and the lunge, the flash attack, the beat attack, and a primer on saber fencing.Credit: http://www.expertvillage.com/interviews/learn-how-to-fence-guide-for-beginners.htm

Author: Expert Village