- The concept of dueling with a sword has evolved from early Egyptian times to modern times. Prior to the use of guns, knives and swords served as primary weapons. The sword evolved from a broadsword to the more familiar rapier.
- Dueling once served as a way to resolve conflicts. Laws, though, made it less attractive as a means of conflict resolution. After all, winners risked a jail sentence. Thus, enemies began to face off in sporting duels where winners needed only to prove superiority. The duels evolved into modern fencing.
- Fencing as a sport also evolved. In the 1800s, fencing had no concrete set of rules. Disputes over rules and regulations led to many countries boycotting the sport when it was introduced at the 1896 Olympic games. In 1913, however, the International Fencing Federation solidified the rules, and more participants began to compete.
- Fencing falls into three categories: the foil, the epee and the saber. Each type has distinct rules and regulations.
- The foil is a light thrusting weapon. In foiling, you must restrict hits to your opponent's back, shoulders, chest and torso. The epee, a heavier thrusting weapon, can contact all parts of an opponent's body. The saber, a light cutting and thrusting weapon, may strike anywhere above an opponent's waist so long as it is within vertical lines from the shoulders to the hips. Essentially, you are not allowed to strike an opponent's arms or hands.
- The foil and epee blade measures 90 cm in length. The saber's blade is shorter, measuring 88 cm.
