The Boston Fencing Club will host an open house on Friday, Sept. 10, at 7:30 p.m. The open house will feature a demonstration of the Olympic sport of fencing, including all three weapons used in the modern sport. Members of the Boston Fencing Club will be featured in foil, epee and sabre matches.
Boston Fencing Club is the oldest fencing club in the nation, tracing our roots back to 1858
Fencing is a fun, safe sport for boys and girls of all ages. Drawing on centuries-old traditions, fencing teaches discipline and sportsmanship while developing balance, agility, and coordination. An individual sport that depends on tactical thinking as much as physical prowess.
Foil is a thrusting weapon. To score a touch one must hit with the the tip of the foil against the opponents valid target area with 500 grams of force. The valid target area for foil is the torso, excluding the head and arms. Foil uses right-of-way to determine priority of actions. The fencer who starts the attack has priority. When you are attacked, you are required to defend yourself in any of a number of ways before striking back.
Epee is a thrusting weapon. To score a touch one must hit with the the tip of the epee anywhere on the oppents body with 750 grams of force. Epee does not utilize right of way and a point can be awarded to both fencers should they both hit at the same time. Timing for simultaneous hits is 1/25th of a second.
Saber is a slashing weapon. To score a touch one must hit with any part of the blade against the opponents valid target area. The valid target area for saber is from the waist up including the head, arms, and weapon hand. Saber uses right-of-way to determine priority of actions. The fencer who starts the attack has priority. When you are attacked, you are required to defend yourself in any of a number of ways before striking back.
The concepts of honor and right have permeated the practice of arms for centuries. From the medieval Code Duello which held that only the just cause would triumph ‑ to the codification of rules covering the emergence of competitive fencing in the nineteenth century, it is clear that both concepts are inextricably linked with the sport. Combined, they constitute Fencing's essential spirit, an ineffable sense that justice will be done for the combatants. This is the spirit that fencing referees must clearly recognize, embrace, represent, and communicate.
Armorers make sure you are safe and and able to fence. They install, maintain, and repair the scoring systems and strips. They test personal equipment for conformance to USFA safety rules. They also provide advise, assistance and instruction to fencers, parents and other interested parties in the care, maintenance and repair of fencing equipment.
The bout committee is responsible for seeding the participants, establishing the format of the competition, and resolving any rules disputes. This is the central command of any event.
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