Fencing

Rio Olympic 2016 | Watch Olympics Fencing Live 2016

Rio Olympic 2016 | Watch Olympics Fencing

Fencing is one of five sports that have always been present in the Olympic Games of the modern era. The sport program consists of three types of tests, saber, foil and epee. 

For the scoring system electronic devices are used to indicate when a shooter to achieve target on the contrary. The International Fencing Federation (FIE) allows the participation of 200 athletes in both individual events, male, female, as per team. 

The Fencing is the art of defense and attack with a sword, foil or similar weapon. Modern fencing is a sport of entertainment and competition, but follow the rules and techniques originally developed for efficient swordplay in dueling.

foil, saber, sword

Foil, epee and saber: In modern fencing three weapons are used. Made of hardened steel, each having a maximum length of sheet about 89 centimeters; the maximum weight for foil and saber is around 500 grams and 770 grams sword around.  

Developed as a weapon of sports, the foil is considered the basic weapon and is taught to all novice shooters fencing. It is a lightweight and flexible weapon used for ramming touched with blunt; the sheet is rectangular in cross section. The modern sword derives from the French small sword; as the foil, it is a weapon of attack, but has a bell or protection of larger hand, besides being heavier and have a more rigid construction. 

The handles or knobs for foil and epee vary and are chosen depending on individual preferences ; French handle is curved and with a knob in the final, while Italy has a crossbar and a band on the wrist; there are also several jagged handles that grip like a pistol.

fencing track

The modern saber derives from the weapon they used before Troopers. It has a protective shaped hole, which curves under the hand, and a sheet T - shaped in cross section. The touched or points can be achieved with the tip or ramming, producing a cutting edge of the blade. Saber competition is quick and exciting for the spectators. 

The fencing was included in the 1896 Summer Olympics and combat sword is one of the tests of modern pentathlon. International competitions are governed by the International Fencing Federation, the governing body of the sport worldwide. Every year is celebrated a World Championship to determine individual and team champions of each weapon. Five countries currently dominate the sport: France, Germany, Hungary, Italy and Russia. In these countries fencing is a very active and high level with a system of financial aid for those involved in major competitions sport.