What Is Sabre Fencing?

Series Summary

Fencing, or the art of armed combat involving strikes such as cutting and stabbing, is known as the art of swordsmanship. It has developed into a competitive sport and is an official Olympic sport. Protective fencing gear consists of masks, gloves, breeches and plastron. Typically made of tough cotton and nylon and Kevlar, the full-body padding is very protective and cannot usually be punctured. This form of competitive swordsmanship has been in practice for centuries. Today, thanks to modern technology, the fencers wear electronic wires for scoring hits or strikes.

There are different types of swords used in fencing including and Epee, a Foil, and a Sabre. In this series of video clips, you’ll learn more about sabre fencing. An important component of fencing is the footwork and balance. Get informative tips on the choreography of a sword fight from our expert. Learn more about the modern scoring apparatus and other fencing equipment. If you are a novice fencer, you can get more advanced tips and ideas for fencing foil techniques and vaulting and linear footwork.

Video Transcript

"I'm Sharol Pestotnik with Colorado Fencing Academy. I'm Nickolay Logatchov, coach of Colorado Fencing Academy. On behalf of Expert Village, we're here to discuss the rules of Sabre Fencing. Fencing is one of the oldest sports. It's also one of the original sports in the modern day Olympics. This sport is for all ages, from eight to eighty. For boys, for girls, for men, for women. This is a recreational sport and a competitive sport. Today our rules are going to be demonstrated by our fencers. Alex Logatchov, Alex is fifteen, he's a national competitor. By Jonathan Ott, Jonathan is a university student, and competes at the national level, as well as at the NCAAs. I'm a international, national/international fencer having competed in the Veteran's World Championship. Our referee today will be Coach Logatchov."