Leisure Kicks - The essencial sport and leisure guide

Fencing is a fast and athletic sport based around sportsmanship and discipline. When approaching fencing, it is best to leave your preconceived ideas of dramatic movie sword fighting at the door. The real sport is in fact much faster-paced than you would see on the silver screen - so fast that it is judged electronically rather than by eye! Also, despite what films may tell you, fencing is one of the safest sports that you can try. It helps develop lightning quick reflexes and also exercises the tactical part of the mind. It is also a very easy sport to start at any age, with foam and plastic swords available with simple and cheap starter programmes. 

Modern fencing takes place on a 14m by 2m strip called a ‘piste' and competed across three different forms – characterised by the weapons being used as well as what areas of the body are considered valid hits. The electronic measuring system is registers points when the spring tip in the foil or epee swords is depressed or, in sabre’s case, whenever there is substantial contact with the blade. However, the weapon used is unimportant if the fencer doesn’t have the footwork and tactical ability to make the best use out of it.

Choose your sport

British Fencing’s guide to the sport