A Brief History On The Sport Of Fencing

The sport known as fencing has been quite common throughout the world since the Middle Ages in Europe. It was brought to the United States when the British colonists came during the 1600s. It has stayed popular on the east coast of the United States, most likely because that is where it originated in America. The University of Connecticut fence team is well known in the U.S. as one of the best at the sport. The CT fence team is proud to maintain the excellent tradition that has survived through so many centuries. Since it has been an activity for so long, there have been many types to form from all different parts of the globe.

Fencing is a sport that began as soon as stone and metal existed because people used these materials to fight each other. Fencing schools have been documented in Europe since the the 1100s. Wealthy Europeans wrote about their unique or specific techniques and how they learned and taught others. It was popular in countries in the Western part of Europe like Germany, England, France, and Italy. All of these countries seem to have very heavily influenced each other when it comes to developing the art of fencing. Also, during this time it was only the wealthy who had permission to participate in the sport because it was seen as something only the wealthy could or were able to do. Fencing was practiced through a duel in which almost always two men would fight each other, usually to the death over a debt, nobility/honor, or a woman.

By the end of World War I, fencing in Europe and in the United States was no longer just as a duel. Schools began teaching students as a sport, instead of training in case the need to fight in a duel ever became an issue. When the fencing schools opened was when those who were not considered part of the upper class started to participate in the sport. This was also the time when various kinds of fencing began to come about as different schools and teachers taught fencing different ways.

Today, fencing is still completed by just two people. There is a certain “weapon” that is chosen depending on the type of tournament or practicing one is doing. A lot of protection has to be put on when participating in this sport because serious injuries can occur. A mesh and cloth facemask is put on the head, to protect mainly the eyes. Also, both men and women wear chest protection otherwise the tip of the weapon could hurt a little bit. Gloves are also worn not only to protect the hands, but to help with a better grip on the weapon as well. Finally, special shoes are worn on the mats for protection and for grip against the mat that is supposed to be on the ground. The outfit that is worn is just about always white in color.

Fencing has just about always been a part of the modern-era Olympics. Today, there are three different “swords” that could be taken during a match, each with different abilities. The type of fencing that is practiced today comes from 1800’s France, which got some of the special techniques from the Renaissance period in Italy. Fencing is an art form that will most likely to continue to change and evolve in the decades to come. The sport certainly does not seem as though it will go away anytime in the near future.

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