RIFAC : Rhode Island Fencing Academy & Club
Fencing enjoys a unique history.
While other sports have been developed for recreation, fencing was developed as a training exercise for the very serious business of the duel. And while modern fencers do not consider themselves as swordsmen and swordswomen like the kind seen in the movies, they do understand that they are part of a long tradition of sword combat, of which modern sport fencing is the most recent evolution.
A complete history of the sword and all of its implications would exceed the boundaries of space in this website. We can provide a shorter version of fencing's transition from a cold-blooded, sometimes clumsy and brutal encounter, into a graceful, agile, life-enriching, non-lethal sport of etiquette that it is today.
Fencing or personal armed combat has been around for as long as humankind. There is no doubt that making and using weapons was one of the first concerns of our early ancestors, and that some techniques were developed that were more effective than others.
The first recorded evidence we have of what seems to be formalized sport-fencing is a bout or competition featured in an ancient Egyptian carving. In it, competitors are shown wearing masks and using swords that have been modified to be non-lethal. Just like a modern fencing competition, officials and spectators are also depicted.
The sword has undergone much evolution. Early versions, such as the shorter styles used by Greeks and Romans, gave way to the shape of the longer weapons we are more familiar with today.
The discovery of new materials and advancements in metalworking coincided with advances in sword-fighting techniques. In some cases, the demands of fashion dictated new styles.
Before 1500, swords were used primarily for cutting or slashing. As it was discovered that the sword could be used more effectively by thrusting, thinner and lighter swords came into play.
Guilds of fencing masters began to be created in Europe, each school having its own carefully guarded techniques. New techniques emerged, such as the lunge and the riposte.
During the 16th and 17th centuries, dueling was exceedingly popular, and swords became even lighter and smaller to aid in quickness of the actions. By now, both offense and defense were being made with the sword alone; the small shields or bucklers, daggers and cloaks that had been used with the rapier for defense were no longer popular. Attempts were made to outlaw dueling, but courts were notoriously lenient when the heroic details of the duel were recounted during trial.
Historically, two types of duel were fought: one as a way of settling legal disputes; and one as a way of resolving matters of honor. It was commonly believed that God would protect the just or honorable swordsman, so trial by combat was considered a fair way of determining guilt or innocence between litigants.
By the 16th and 17th centuries, the duel of honor was the norm. Fighting in a duel, and especially displaying a dueling scar afterward, was considered fashionable, cultured and intellectual. The foil emerged in the mid-17th century and was used as a training weapon for the duel.
International competitions were organized in Europe, particularly between France and Italy, two great rivals in fencing, and countries with different approaches to swordsmanship. Fencing masters from these countries immigrated to other parts of Europe and brought their knowledge of fencing with them.
As the sword fell out of general use, the sport of fencing continued to evolve. Countries developed governing bodies for the sport, and eventually an international governing body of fencing was established to make the rules universally agreeable. In 1896, the first of the modern Olympic Games featured fencing competition.
Sword history continues to this day. Many people don't realize just how many aspects of modern life can trace their roots to the sword. Military schools still practice the ritual of bestowing the sword upon successful graduates. In a modern world where missiles come equipped with video cameras, it's difficult to understand why the sword is still such a potent symbol. The history of the sword, however, is the history of the spread of civilization, the history of the power over life and death.
Fencing has also influenced fashion. Men's shirt buttons leave the right hand free to draw a sword, while the left hand undoes the buttons. When men and women walk arm-in-arm, the woman traditionally takes the man's left arm to leave his right arm free to draw the sword.
We still hear movies about swords, swordfighters and pirates called 'swashbucklers.' The word 'swashbuckler' comes from two words: the English term for a cutting blow, "the swash"; and the small shield that had been popularly used for defense "the buckler."
And the next time you're out on a formal occasion look on the back of a modern tuxedo: you'll still find the buttons which were originally used to hold the sword belt, but are now used for decoration. And, later in the evening, when you're joking around with friends, see if any particularly witty rebuke causes the target to say, 'Touché!; These common customs, along with others, have their roots in sword history.
With modern fencing, you have the opportunity to join a noble tradition. Who knows what your contribution will be?
