Eric Toomey, age 13, of Rutland, Vt., for his question:
HOW DID FENCING DEVELOP?
Fencing is the art of attack and defense with a sword or similar weapon. Modern fencing is a recreational and competitive sport, but it follows the rules and techniques originally developed for efficient swordplay in dueling.
During the Middle Ages the sword was an offensive weapon used for cracking armor, and the shield was used as a defense. After gunpowder came into general use, heavy defensive armor became obsolete and the sword became a defensive as well as offensive weapon.
In the 18th Century the rapier was introduced in Italy and the art of fencing was rapidly systematized in fencing schools as a method of attacking with and parrying the thrusts of this deadly weapon. A dagger in the left hand, and later a folded cloak, replaced the shield. Eventually the left arm was left free.
The rapier and the Italian fencing technique became very popular in Europe, particularly in France and England. In these countries, however, the size and shape of the rapier were constantly modified because its length and weight made it somewhat unwieldy.
During the 18th Century the small sword, or epee, was invented and popularized in France. The new weapon resulted in distinct Italian and French styles of fencing. The French style became by far the more prominent. Its rules govern most modern competition and the vocabulary of traditional fencing is composed largely of French words.
In the 19th Century dueling was generally outlawed and the fencing school turned to teaching fencing for purposes of sport.
Fencing has been one of the events in the Olympic Games since 1896 and epee fencing is one of the five events in the modern pentathlon.
In the United States, the U.S. Fencing Association, founded in 1891 as the Amateur Fencers League of America, organizes fencing competitions on a local, regional and national basis.
Three weapons are used in modern fencing: foil, epee and saber. Made of tempered steel, each has a maximum blade length of about 35 inches. The maximum weight of foil and saber is about 17 ounces and that of the epee about 27 ounces.
Developed originally as a practice and sporting weapon, the foil is considered the basic weapon and is generally taught to all beginning fencers. It is a light, flexible weapon used to score touches by thrusting with the blunted point. The blade is rectangular in cross section.
The modern epee is descended from the French small sword. Like the foil it is a thrusting weapon, but has a larger bell, or hand guard, and is heavier and more rigid in construction.
Handles, or grips, for foil and epee vary and are chosen according to individual preference. They include the French grip, slightly curved and with a pommel at the end; the Italian grip, having a crossbar and used with a wrist strap; and various prolonged handles gripped much like a pistol.