First, some background: at the Fencing Academy of Philadelphia, we start all students with foil. Foil is the ideal weapon to start learning to fence with, because it’s the lightest weapon with the smallest target area and has the most exacting rules of priority. Everything we teach beginners using foil can be applied to fencing with any weapon.
What are the differences?
The differences a fencer should consider are not just between the physical weapons themselves, but also the different rules, strategies, and gear that go with each weapon.
Physical traits of the weapon: foil is the lightest weapon with the smallest bell guard. Only the tip is conductive.
Target area: the target in foil is the torso.
Foil-specific equipment: in addition to the normal fencing gear, a foilist must have a minimum of two foils, two each of body and mask cords, a lamé, and a foil bib on the mask. The lamé and bib are conductive, which is how they register a touch, while an off-target hit does not.
Rules: foil is a priority weapon, which means that to score, the fencer must not only land a hit on their opponent, but they must demonstrate that it’s their turn. Mastery of the rules of priority, a difficult undertaking, is essential for success in foil.
Action: Foil action uses the tip of the weapon.
Physical traits of the weapon: a sabre is heavier than a foil with a larger bell guard, but not as heavy or large as an épée. The entire length of the sabre blade as well as its tip are used to score on an opponent.
Target area: the target area in sabre is from the waist up, including the arrms, hands, and head.
Sabre-specific equipment: in addition to the normal fencing gear, a sabrist must have a minimum of two sabres, two each of body and mask cords, a lamé, a sabre mask, and a sabre glove. The lamé, mask, and glove are conductive, which is how they register a touch, while an off-target hit does not.
Rules: sabre is a priority weapon, which means that to score, the fencer must not only land a hit on their opponent, but they must clearly show that it’s their turn. A command of right of way, or priority, is indispensable for sabrists.
Action: Sabre action uses both the tip and the entire blade.
Physical traits of the weapon: an épée is the heaviest of the three weapons, with the largest bell guard. Depressing the tip button hard enough is what makes a touch register.
Target area: the target in épée is the entire body.
Épée-specific equipment: in addition to the normal fencing gear, an épéeist must have a minimum of two épées and two body cords.
Rules: épée is not a priority weapon, although the actions of priority weapons are used in épée as well.
Action: Épée action uses the tip of the weapon.
How to decide which weapon is for for you
Discovering your weapon is a process of self-discovery as an athlete. There are many factors which help athletes determine what weapon will be their primary, and every fencer is different.
You like the physical actions of a particular weapon.
You like the physical traits of a particular weapon.
You like the rules of a particular weapon.
You like the strategy of a particular weapon.
You seem to be the most successful at that weapon.
An Olympian who you admire fences that weapon.
You relate the most to teammates who fence that weapon.
Your temperament favors one set of rules/strategies of a particular weapon.
Your coach makes a recommendation based on your athletic traits.
You dislike something about the other weapon(s).
Because of externalities like scheduling, commuting, a sibling, or a favorite coach, you are led to the weapon associated with that opportunity for deeply practical reasons.
All these factors are legitimate ways to determine which weapon you want to specialize in. Moreover, whatever you (or your child) decide(s) now doesn’t have to be permanent. Still unsure? It’s always a good idea to ask your coach for input!
We’ve all seen Olympic fencers in their white uniforms, but what do they actually have on, and what do regular fencing students need to wear, buy, and use? In the following paragraphs, we’ll discuss just the uniform that all fencers of every weapon wear; the electric gear required for foil & sabre in modern fencing will be discussed elsewhere.
For beginning classes and conditioning training, fencers wear regular workout clothes. This attire is the same as for any sport or gym workout: simple clean sneakers, appropriate undergarments, and comfortable layers you can move in, likely with some stretch in the fabric. Fencing Academy of Philadelphia students use club gear during their beginner session.
Later in the fencing student’s training, you’ll hear the expression “dressed and hitting.” This phrase means the fencers are advanced enough to be using steel weapons, and therefore need everything covered up, including approved fencing mask, glove, socks that cover the entire lower leg, knickers, fencing jacket, and plastron. Some fencing academies, including the Fencing Academy of Philadelphia, provide the use of club gear for students to wear in the early days of their training.
A little nuance: chest plates are optional for men and boys, but required for women and girls, regardless of age or build. In the early days of one’s fencing journey, any knee socks that covers all of the leg from the bottom of the knickers to the shoe is sufficient. Many students have fashion knee socks or soccer socks that work for this purpose, though once fencers are competing regularly, there’s some value in trying fencing socks. Plastrons, also known as underarm protectors, and fencing jackets are both specific to the fencer’s dominant arm. Plastrons, jackets, and knickers are priced and rated primarily by how protective they are. Unrated fabrics are the simplest and most affordable; 350 Newton offers more protection; FIE-rated (FIE is the International Federation of Fencing, or Fédération Internationale d’Escrime) means 800 Newton fabric for even more protection from faster, stronger opponents who hit harder.
Younger students outgrow their gear before they can wear it out. Fencers training more hours per week and competing three or more times a month need gear that will hold up.
Once the fencer is training and competing at a fairly serious level, they’ll need specialized shoes that are used only indoors for training and fencing. However, not all fencers wear fencing shoes: the best shoe for fencing is the one that fits right and feels great the way you need to use it. Not all feet fit well in fencing shoes, so many fencers wear court shoes, which can be a little less expensive and come in a wider range of sizes.
Fencers also need warmups to maintain a comfortable temperature. Once the athletes are competing at bigger tournaments, it’s really nice to have club warmups both to show what club they’re representing should they medal, and also so their coach can find them in a huge space full of almost identically dressed athletes.
Beginners may stick with the simplest, least expensive fencing gear, especially if they’re still growing. We suggest that students & their families acquire personal equipment slowly and incrementally to be sure that one’s expenses aren’t ahead of one’s commitment to the sport.
Guide to abbreviations & terms:
**Exceptions to age eligibility are described in detail in the USA Fencing Age Eligibility Chart.
