Unlocking the mystery of fencing's misunderstood lingo

By DARREN STEELE
Collegian Staff Writer

For many, the words epee, foil and sabre are shrouded in mystery.

Some may think an epee is that thing you boil fondue in. Foil is what frozen food is commonly wrapped in. The only sabre some are familiar with is the professional hockey team in Buffalo, N.Y.

What only a few understand, however, is that these are common words used in the often-overlooked, commonly misunderstood sport of fencing.

As a sport, sword fighting has existed for centuries. Historians will argue it evolved from rapier combat in the 16th century, and some believe the Germans developed fencing as a sport in the 14th century.

Civilians used rapier combat for dueling and self-defense. Rapiers did have an edge, but the main means of attack were through a thrusting motion.

Rapier fencing spread into countries such as Spain, France and Italy, and it was here that masters of the sport started to develop the uses of these weapons into geometrical-like theories that required time and effort to master.

As the weapons developed through time they became lighter and shorter. They still had a sharp edge in the 18th century, but it was there only to discourage an opponent from grabbing the weapon.

The attitude or usage of the weapons also changed. The 19th century was a time when you could not kill someone with a sword anymore and claim it as self-defense. It became widely excepted to try and defeat your opponent without killing him.

This was done with the epee de terrain, otherwise known as the epee. The epee was a version of the small sword without the sharp edge. This variant of fighting is the basis of the modern day epee fencer.

The epee is the same length as a sabre and a foil, but the blade is thick and fluted. It has large hand guards (or bell guards) and a triangular cross guard. The epee weights a little more than 1.5 pounds.

The target area for a fencer using one of these is anywhere on the body. Points are scored only when the spring-loaded tip of the blade strikes the opponent with a thrusting action. In order to score you must be the first to strike your opponent. If both combatants strike within 1/5 of a second, they both will score a point.

The epee was a dueling weapon and therefore the rules of combat are derived from the actions of the duel.

Penn State's master of the epee may be Charlotte Walker. Walker is a 1998 All-American and was the 1998 NCAA epee champion.

"I started off with the foil," said Walker. "I changed because foil involves more speed. I like epee because your whole body area is a target. It's whoever hits who first. This allows you to beat them mentally, I really enjoy being able to do that."

Until recently, only men could use the epee in competition. Women now use epees and foils as weapons. They will soon be able to use the sabre as well.

The foil traditionally was used as a practice weapon. The foil is much lighter than the epee. The only way to score is by striking your opponent in the torso area. Foil bouts are very similar to an epee bout, the major exception being that you must earn the right to attack your opponent.

The referee determines earning the right to attack. When an opponent's tip strikes the other participant it causes the scoring pole to light up. The referee stops the bout and then determines who hit first and if the hit was a valid one. If both fencers hit at the same time, the referee must decide who had the right of way.

The attacker has the right of way until the defender blocks the attack. The defender then gains the right of way by returning the favor and taking a swipe at his or her opponent.

The Navy and cavalry soldiers originally used the sabre in the late 19th century. The sabre was once very heavy, but is now lighter -- slightly more than a pound. The blade itself is very flat and straight and also has a large knuckle guard.

Touches are scored when the opponent strikes with a cutting motion with the tip or the edge of the blade. The strike can land anywhere above the waist. Every time an opponent strikes he must do so from the bend of the hip up.

In order to be a successful sabre-handler, it's necessary to have a strong offense with emphasizes on speed.

So which is the best weapon? There is no real answer. Each weapon is different, and requires a unique strategy.