Humans have been using metal bladed weapons since the Copper Age about 7000 BC.
In Asia Minor, China, India, Japan, and the Mediterranean Basin, when human culture was developing and civilization developed and evolved, so too did the weapons humans used. Hunting was the primary source of food for humans in the Stone Age, but as agriculture grew, weapons became important for protection but also for the acquisition of fertile lands and access to water. War became a component of civilization. As battle and conquest became more than the throwing of rocks and swinging of clubs, the sophistication of the weaponry changed. Copper blades replaced bronze weapons, iron weapons made bronze obsolete, and then finally steel became the ultimate metal for bladed weapons. The swordsman became the focal point of the attack and warrior who mastered the use of the sword became admired and feared. Over the centuries the sword became a symbol of power and nobility. The knight was given a special station in European society and the sword was the symbol of his rank. The sword was generally considered to be the weapon of choice of the upper classes and to own and carry a sword was a privilege.
Fencing or swordsmanship has only existed from the late 15th century or about 400 years ago. Before that, the sword was much too heavy and bulky to maneuver with just one hand. The broad sword of the knight was double edged, could weigh as much as 60 lbs. and be as long as six feet. First the rapier came to prominence in the 15th century, then the saber in the 17th, and the foil in the 19th. Fencing was developed from dueling.
Swordsmanship is the “elite” martial art. It has always carried with it a certain mysticism or romantic fascination. Modern fencing is almost a ballet. It is a sporting activity requiring agility, strength of wrist and arm, sharpness of eye, endurance, along with mental dexterity. Three kinds of swords are used. The foil is a lightweight sword that scores with the tip; the epee is the heaviest sword that scores with the tip and blade, and the saber is lighter than the epee and scores with the tip. The ends of the blades are “buttoned” with a steel ball. Each sword has its own rules and techniques.
Modern fencing is an Olympic sport, one of five in fact, to be part of every one modern games. There are four basic moves in swordsmanship: 1. the Attack, 2. the Feint, 3. the Lunge, 4. the Parry. Each is worth a certain number of points when performed.
Fencing is still more popular in Europe than here in the U.S., but it remains a very popular sport in American universities and colleges. In the past few years there have been attempts to reach a younger audience with the introduction of plastic and foam rubber blades.
There is also “chair fencing.” The same rules of swordsmanship apply and the same equipment is used. It’s just the combatants sit in a specially designed chair instead of standing up. Hey, that is one form that I might look into.
The Indianapolis Fencing Club has a Web site www.indyfencing.com. If you are interested in learning more about sport fencing or swordsmanship you can go to the Web site and learn how to contact them. In the meantime, “En Garde”!
Oh and a Happy New Year to all of you!
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