Fencing originated in ancient Egypt and Rome, where people used short swords and light spears. The sport developed over centuries with the introduction of new weapons like the rapier in the 14th century and epee in the 18th century. Key rules of fencing include gaining the right of way by threatening an opponent, allowing counterattacks after parries, and prohibiting leaving the fencing area to avoid being hit. Women's fencing became an Olympic sport in 1994.

1. Fencing
By: Christine
Yin

2. History
• Fencing started in Ancient Egypt and Rome
• Greek and Romans fenced with short swords and
light spears
• Heavy weapons were brought back when the
barbarians invaded
• The light rapier wasn’t used until the 14th century, at
the start of The Renaissance
• The Queen of France had Italian Fencing masters
come to France to develop fencing

3. Epee
History, cont.
• A new weapon was introduced in the 18th century
called the Épeé which was a heavier weapon
• Fencing came to America in the 1860’s to 1870’s
through French and Italian immigrants
• In 1780, the fencing mask was introduced which
made fencing much safer
• Fencing died out after World War 1
• Women’s fencing joined the Olympics in 1994 and
1996

4. Rules of the Game
• The fencer gains the right of way by threatening the
other fencer with a blade
• Do not fence without the required and proper
equipment
• Check the area and equipment for hazards and unsafe
conditions
• Right of way ends when an attack misses, falls short, is
broken off, or is deflected
• After the defender deflects an attack (parry), he (or she)
may counter attack (riposte) before the opponent
recovers

5. Rules of the Game, cont.
• Refrain from horseplay in practice/competitive areas
• If both players launch attacks at the same time, there
is no right of way
• If a players leaves the fencing area to avoid being hit,
it is a foul
• Physical contact is allowed
• Practice and compete only under qualified
supervision

6. Websites Used
• http://www.fencingphotos.com/
• http://library.thinkquest.org/15340/history.htm
• http://smarterselfdefense.wordpress.com/2012/04/09/bruce-lees-counter-time-
a-cousin-of-the-interception/
• http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2008/08/womens_olympic_fencing.html
• http://www.medieval-weaponry.co.uk/acatalog/renaissance-style-fencing-
rapier.html
• http://www.fencingphotos.com/
• http://technorati.com/sports/olympics/article/fencing-world-championships-to-
start-in/
• http://www.pentafencingclub.com/Fencing.html
• http://www.andrew.cmu.edu/user/fencing/
• http://ticketfencing.blogspot.com/