Fencing was one of the sports at the very first modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896, and it's one one of the safest Olympic sports... Read more here.
It has evolved into a modern competitive sport involving one or more of three weapons: Foil, Epee, and Sabre. These weapons are lightweight, flexible and without sharp points or edges.
The sport of fencing has kept its romantic image while evolving and continuing to challenge its participants. It improves overall fitness while developing coordination of mind and body.
It is a sport which relies on the use of tactics and strategy as well as speed and skill while facing your opponent. The need to think quickly and adapt to constantly changing situations is key. In fact, the modern sport of fencing has been described as trying to play chess while running the 100 meter dash!
RESOURCES
A guide to how to watch a fencing bout can be found here: How to Watch a Bout
A guide to the various pieces of equipment and parts can be found here: Glossary of Parts and Equipment
Top: Foil Middle: Epee Bottom: Sabre