Fencing is a sport with melee weapons: a detailed review. How does the epee differ from the rapier and saber? How is the fight going

Fencing is one of five sports that are included in the program of all Olympic Games.

It appeared for the first time in the program in 1896, since 1900- Olympic tournaments were already held on all types of weapons used now.

When fencing became a sport

As the art of piercing weapons, swordsmanship was born in the 15th century in Spain... A little later in Germany and England were created associations of teachers of fencers.

In the 16th century in Italy first established the principles of fencing. A theoretical course was created to study it. This period can be considered the birth of fencing as a sport.

Its first international charter of rules was defined in 1914, although at that time fencing was already considered a separate sport, and was included in the program of the Olympic Games. In 1921 held the first world championship organized by a slightly earlier created International Fencing Federation.

Reference. The first competitions similar to modern tournaments were held 3 thousand years ago in Egypt, India, Ancient Greece, Rome, Japan and China. Ancient frescoes speak about it.

What kinds of this sport are there now

There are three types of weapons used in modern fencing: sword, rapier and saber.

Sword

It is a stabbing weapon. This type considered the most common. The duel is closest to the dangerous combat fencing.

Photo 1. Epee for sports fencing. At the end of the blade there is a special electronic tip that fixes the pricks.

This kind of fencing the heaviest of the three... In particular, the weight of the epee is more than 700 g.

This type of fight has the following features:

• Any part of the body can be affected: the torso, head, or limbs, and the swordsman's equipment and clothing. In this case, points are awarded for any injection.
• Points for shots that opponents inflicted at the same time to each other, both are counted at once.
• The fight of the swordsmen usually lasts a long time. due to the fact that opponents choose an expectant strategy, since it is very easy to get a shot and a point for it.
• Many believe that a tall athlete with long arms has the advantage in a duel. but this theory has no statistical evidence: fencers with different heights win in international tournaments.

Rapier

It is a stabbing sporting weapon. Among the three types, it is considered the safest, therefore women and children aged from 10 to 12 years old. She has a relatively low weight - 500 g, and the length is the same as that of the epee - 110 cm.

Differences in combat with rapiers:

• The surface of the body that can be hit with a rapier and get a point, the smallest among the three types of fencing... In particular, this is the torso and neck (the lower part of the tongue of the mask).
• There is a so-called concept of priority or "tactical correctness". This rule is that the enemy must first repel the attack and thus gain priority before striking back.
• If there is a mutual attack (simultaneous), points for possible injections will not be awarded.

Important! Foil fencing considered a basic species that all athletes must master. After that, they already choose another profile (epee or saber) or remain foil fencers.

Saber

Unlike the first two types (epee and rapier), the saber is not only a thrusting weapon, but also a slashing weapon. Its weight is the same as that of a rapier, but the length is different: 5 cm less.

The main feature of this type of fencing is that points are awarded here for both shots and strikes... In this case, the blow can be inflicted by the entire surface of the blade or by its butt.

Features of saber fencing:

• May be affected head (mask), arms and torso.
• Besides hitting for a point, priority must be given as with rapiers.
• Saber fencing is more dynamic and spectacular... Athletes perform all actions very quickly.
• In this view, the time is not recorded.

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Athletes who have achieved great results

The most famous fencers:

Among men:

1. Aladar Gerevich. In addition to the huge number of medals received at European and world championships, this Hungarian fencer could boast 10 medals at the Olympics. Among them were 7 gold. He is also known as a long-lived athlete who has lived 81 years... Died athlete in 1991.

Photo 2. Professional fencer Aladar Gerevich. The athlete holds a sports saber and a protective mask in his hands.

1. Edoardo Manjarotti is from Italy. In total, he conquered 39 medals at world tournaments and Olympic Games. He specialized in epee and foil fencing.
2. Nedo Nadia. This athlete received great respect thanks to 5 gold medals, which he won during one Olympic tournament. At the same time, he became the first swordsman who took gold in three types of weapons at once.

Among women:

1. Elena Belova... Soviet athlete who became Olympic champion four times... In addition, she has repeatedly won international tournaments and competitions in the USSR. Elena is the only Olympic champion in the history of Soviet fencing to have won individual bouts.
2. Maria Vezzali... This woman is considered one of the best fencers in the world thanks to 6 victories at the Olympic Games, 16 at the world championships and 13 at European tournaments. The athlete won 5 Olympic medals in one personal discipline.
3. Irina Embrich. Estonian fencer, was recognized as the best in this sport in her country in 2007... Irina is a multiple winner of world, European and Estonian championships.

Why sports fencing is useful

Sports are good for your health. Fencing is no exception. Fights with swords, foils or sabers are useful for the following:

• All muscle groups are trained, the figure of a man is tightened.
• Is developing speed of reaction, coordination, agility, endurance, attention.
• Begin to function well cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
• Due to the cyclical and dynamic work, the body dumps ballast in the form of excess body fat.
• The ability to make decisions quickly develops in difficult positions.

general information:

• The "Blade and Vine" club teaches historical fencing - fencing with a blade weapon that has analogues in the past. Training is divided into several areas: fitness fencing, historical fencing (including costume history), and target cutting.
• Our club brings together areas of complex reconstruction, which means full immersion in the era (VII-XII and XVII centuries). As a bonus - training in horse riding, archery and maritime business on the road (the participants choose the region on their own).
• Since 2018, we have begun to study the traditions of Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA).
• We are members of the "Sports Sword Federation". We conduct classes for children on soft weapons.
• Sportswear for training in the gym. At club trips - according to the era for which the trip is organized.

• Classic fencing with one weapon.
• Epee and dagger.
• Sword and shield.
• Ax and shield.
• Spear / Brodex.
• Sword / saber.
• Long sword.
• Dueling fencing.
• Teamwork (threes, fives).

Club city: Moscow.

Year of foundation: 2010.

Supervisor: Pavlyukova Ekaterina Dmitrievna.

Instructor staff: Pavlyukov Alexey (since 2009), Kamshilin Alexander (since 2008), Pavlyukova Ekaterina (since 2009).

• The annual festival of historical reconstruction in the early Middle Ages "Varangian Sails": boat battles, training in maritime affairs, participation in the reconstruction of the Baltic rite "Creation of the World" (2015-2018).
• Annual inter-epoch festival of historical reconstruction "Helga": combat program, organization of throwing shooting ranges and trade, refereeing (2014-2018).
• Historical fencing tournaments "Holmgang" (2016).
• Cutting tournaments on replica bladed weapons "Singing Blade" (2016-2017).
• The annual festival of historical reconstruction in the early Middle Ages "Heroic Power": refereeing, organizing a tournament within the framework of the festival (2013, 2015-2016).
• The annual festival of historical reconstruction "Gnezdovo": organizing shooting ranges, organizing and conducting master classes, refereeing (2013-2016).
• Annual festival of historical reconstruction "Primal Rus": organization and holding of the tournament within the framework of the festival, refereeing (2016).
• The annual festival of historical reconstruction "Epic Coast": demonstration performances and master classes in felling, organization of throwing shooting ranges (knives, axes, sulitsa), refereeing, boat crew (2015-2016).
• Annual festival of historical reconstruction "Rusborg": demonstration performances with an equestrian program (2016).
• International exhibition "Blade - Traditions and Modernity", "Blade on the Neva", knife exhibitions in Moscow and St. Petersburg: demonstration performances in fencing and felling, master classes in felling, (2016-2019).
• The annual international exhibition "Horse Russia" at the Bitsa sports complex: a demonstration equestrian program (2016).
• Closed Cavalry Competition of KSK "Atamanets" (2015).

Don't go on the attack! Don't go back! Don't take protection! Do not counterattack! Don't get lost! Don't put a straight hand!
- And what to do?
- Fechtuy!

Additional Information

• Former name of the club: SKIR Khoroyar.
• For fencing, we use large-sized (not sharpened) copies of historical weapons. Fencing technique is restored according to historical manuscripts and fencing books. Fencing takes place in analogs of historical costumes with the obligatory correspondence to the swordsman's weapon.
• Our club took part in the filming of fencing scenes for music videos of musical groups: Imperial Age (participation), Rarog "Trouble" (participation and staging), Kalevala "Came upon" (participation and staging of fencing scenes).

• Club workshop and interviews with candidates: st. Olkhovskaya, 14, building 4, room 13 M (metro Baumanskaya / m. Krasnoselskaya).
• Training hall address: st. Nizhnyaya Krasnoselskaya, 35, building K (metro Baumanskaya / M. Krasnoselskaya).
• To sign up for the first training session, fill out the form in the VKontakte group: “

In fencing with all types of weapons, age groups and sports categories are distinguished. For older juniors, the settlement day is January 1 (according to the rules of the FIE).

Sports categories

Depending on the sports results, schoolchildren and adolescents can be awarded III, II and I sports categories. For juniors and men, in addition, the title of candidate for master and master of sports.

The time of the fight and the number of injections (strikes)

If the competitions are held in a round robin system, then the net fight time is 6 minutes and the fight is conducted up to 5 injections. In accordance with the new FIE rules at international fencing tournaments and championships, competitions are held on a direct elimination system after there are 32 or 16 (depending on the total number) participants left. In this case, men carry out fights up to 10, and women up to 8 injections, and the battle time is 12 and 10 minutes, respectively.

If one of the athletes inflicts 5 injections before the expiration of the time of the fight (8 or 10 injections during the competition according to the direct elimination system), then in this case the fight ends ahead of schedule. If, after the time of the fight with rapiers and sabers, the opponents inflicted the same number of injections, then the number of injections increases to the required number minus one injection, and the fight is conducted without time limitation until the first injection.

If after the time of the fight the score is not equal (for example, 3: 2), then in this case the number of injections increases in such a way that the athlete who has delivered the most number of injections corresponds to the specified number of injections (for example, when the score is 4: 3 to 5: 4, or up to 8: 7, or up to 10: 9). In epee fencing, in case of a tie score of injections, both athletes are counted as a mutual defeat.

Injecting (hitting)

In fencing with foils and epees, only the thrust made by the tip of the blade is valid. In saber fencing, the thrust inflicted by the tip of the blade and the blows inflicted by the entire blade and part of the butt of the blade are valid. Blows (pricks) can only be applied to the affected surface of the body. Injections (blows) that hit the unaffected part of the body only interrupt the fight.

In fencing, there are strict rules for the conduct of combat. The fencer must respond to each opponent's attack with a defense (rebound), and only in this case a further response is possible, after which the opponent can no longer continue the attack. If the swordsman defends himself not with a beating, but with a counterattack, then the latter is counted only if it is carried out by intercepting the opponent's blade in the attack line or by stopping jabs and strikes in tempo.

Pace is the time interval required by the fencer to perform one simple movement, or a generalized form of time that determines the advance of the thrust (blow). If the fencers thrust each other at the same time, the referee will decide whether it was a mutual attack or whether someone was tactically correct.

In the event of a mutual attack, injections (blows) delivered by both athletes are canceled. In the second case, the judge counts the injection of the athlete who was tactically correct. Only in epee fencing, simultaneous thrusting (with a difference of less than 1/25 sec) is valid for both fencers.

Breaking the rules

In the event of unsportsmanlike behavior, the fencer is given a warning and a penalty shot is awarded to him or he is removed from the competition. Such violations include:

• any kind of violence with a weapon or body, deliberate collision - in epee fencing only in case of harsh actions;
• retreating beyond one's own border line despite warning;
• deliberate going beyond the side line of the track;
• facilitating the actions of an opponent or making offensive statements against him;
• equipment or weapons that do not comply with the rules;
• unsportsmanlike behavior towards the referee.

At the Summer Olympics, there is such a type of competition as sports fencing.

This is one of five sports included in the program of all the Games of our time. And depending on the weapon used, it is subdivided into foil fencing, saber fencing and epee fencing.

Rapier

The rapier is a thrusting weapon (strikes can only be made with the edge of the blade) with a flexible quadrangular blade with a length of 90 to 110 cm and a mass of 500 g, the hand is protected by a round guard with a diameter of 12 cm.The total length of the rapier should not exceed 110 cm.

In foil fencing, only punctures applied to a metallized jacket (electric jacket) are counted. Injections in the area not covered by the metallized jacket are registered with a white lamp and are considered invalid. The main modern rule in foil fencing is that an opponent's attack must be repelled before a response action is initiated (rightness of the attack). The priority of the action is transferred from one fencer to another after an active action on the opponent's weapon with his weapon (the right of defense).

Areas are highlighted in red, injections into which are counted when fencing with rapiers. Source: Commons.wikimedia.org

Sword

The epee is a heavy thrusting weapon, similar in design to a rapier and slightly longer in length, weighing up to 770 g. Its blade has a triangular cross-section, harder than that of a rapier. The hand is protected by a round guard with a diameter of 13.5 cm.

In epee fencing, injections are applied to all parts of the athlete's body, except the back of the head. The weapon and the fencing track are isolated from the apparatus, and the thrust into them is not registered. There is no priority of action in epee fencing. The device does not fix an injection applied later than another by more than 0.25 s. The simultaneous thrusting is mutually registered and awarded to both fencers.

Areas are highlighted in red, injections into which are counted when fencing with epee. Source: Commons.wikimedia.org

Saber

The saber is a cutting and thrusting weapon. Those. she can inflict not only pricks with a point, but also chopping blows with the whole blade. It has a length of up to 105 cm, weighing 500 g, a steel flexible blade with an oval-shaped guard with a bracket that protects the athlete's hand and fingers.

In saber fencing, blows and thrust are applied to all parts of the fencer's body above the waist, including the arms (up to the wrist) and the mask. The affected surface is covered with protective clothing with special silver shavings, while the mask is also in electrical contact with the jacket. The blow and the prick are recorded by a colored lamp on the apparatus. Fighting with sabers is similar to fencing with foils. The same basic rules for determining the winner in a fight, where the attacker has an advantage over the counterattack with simultaneous strikes or thrusting. The main difference is that in practice, with a saber, in practice, it is mainly strikes, and not injections, that it is more difficult to defend against the former, and the battle becomes much more dynamic. Unlike the foil and epee, in saber fencing, “cross step forward” is prohibited (and “cross step backward” is permitted).

Fencing is a sport based on single combat with one of the sports bladed weapons.

Fencing develops:

• quickness,
• agility,
• endurance,
• strength,
• self-control,
• ability to lightning fast solutions,
• actions in difficult combat situations.

In fencing with a foil, epee or saber, the goal of the athlete is to inflict a certain number of blows or thrustings on the opponent at a given time.

If the weapon and equipment comply with the rules, then these punches and blows cannot harm the opponent.

The weapon and purpose of fencing has changed over time. Along with fist fighting and wrestling, fencing is one of the most ancient types of martial arts, which originated in Egypt 3000 years BC. NS. For millennia, fencing has been an essential part of military training and an important means of physically hardening the body. Almost until the time of feudalism, heavy combat weapons and massive armor were used in fencing. With the invention of firearms in the 15th century. the gradual improvement of weapons for fencing began. Convenient, lightweight weapons began to come into use more and more.

The first book on fencing appeared in 1516.

In the XVI century. the sword is replaced by the sword, which was largely facilitated by the Milanese swordsman Agrippa. He abandoned the sword strike in favor of the thrust and laid the foundation for modern sword holding and blade control. The Italian system of epee fencing, based first on blows and thrusting, and later only on thrusting, won its place in European countries until the end of the 17th century.

France, one of the countries of classical fencing, embarked on the path of independent development of fencing later. In 1633, the French master Bernard Renne in his book sets out a fencing technique that is very close to modern. In France, foil fencing became widespread.

In Germany, “scaled” fencing-duel on schleggers with flat sharpened ends was widespread. Opponents in a duel inflicted cutting blows on each other. "Menzour" fencing was widespread among young people for a long time, especially in student corporations.

In 1776 in France, La Braussier invented the wire mesh fencing mask. The introduction of the mask eliminated all danger in foil fencing and contributed to its further development.

After the political unification of Italy in the XIX century. the Italian fencing school experienced a new upsurge.

In 1861 g. A treatise by the head of the Milan military school, Radaelli, was published, which generalized the technique of saber fencing, which was later improved in Hungary. The Neapolitan Paris, the creator of the foil and saber fencing method, put an end to the dispute between the northern and southern Italian schools of fencing. Paris became the head of the newly formed Central School of Fencing in Rome. Graduates of this school later taught in Germany, Austria, Hungary and the United States.

By the end of the XIX century. in France, modern epee fencing began to develop.

The International Fencing Federation (FIE) was founded in 1913. At present, the FIE includes national associations of about 80 countries. Foil and saber fencing has been included in the Olympic program since 1896, and epee since 1900. In 1924 women's foil fencing was included in the Olympic program.

Material security

For the development of fencing, a large number of material prerequisites are required.

Sporting weapon

In modern fencing, the following types of weapons are distinguished: rapier, epee, saber. Rapier and twine weapons. Depending on the shape of the handle, there are Italian, French and orthopedic rapier or epee handles. Saber-slashing weapon.

Electrical equipment

In foil and epee fencing, electrical equipment helps the judges to make a more objective and accurate decision.

Electrical equipment is triggered when the tip of a foil or epee comes into contact with the opponent's target surface. In epee fencing, the colored lamp of the electric fixator lights up as a result of the closing of the electrical circuit, while in foil fencing, when it is opened. If the injection hits an unaffected surface or the floor, a white lamp will light up. If both the colored and white lamps are lit at the same time, then the injection will not be counted.

When fencing with foils, it is necessary that the pressure on the tip of the weapon be at least 0.5 kg when pricking, and 0.75 kg when fencing with swords. At the end of the track there are reels-winders, on which a cord is wound, connecting the fencer with an electric fixator. The cord passing under the fencing jacket is connected to the weapon through its handle and blade to the tip.

Fencing tracks

For fencing competitions and training, halls with matte wooden floors and bright, but not glare, lighting are suitable. The fencing track is a rectangle covered with linoleum or other similar material.

The width of the track for all types of fencing ranges from 1.80 to 2 m.Its length for fencing on foils is 12 m, for swords and sabers is 18 m.But for practical reasons, competitions are usually held on tracks with a length of 14 m. the athlete crosses the back line of the border, then in foil fencing he is returned 1 m from the border, in epee fencing - 2 m, sabers - 5 m.

If necessary, you can mark on the floor the contours of the track of the required length. For safety reasons, at each end of the track, there must be a free space for a run 1.50-2 m long.For fencing with foil and epee with electro-fixing devices, the tracks are made with a special copper coating (metal track), which is grounded so that injections on the floor are not fixed.

Clothing and equipment

The swordsman's costume, made of dense white fabric, includes a jacket and trousers fastened below the knee, as well as gloves, leggings or white stockings, special fencing or rubber shoes and a fencing mask.

A must-have accessory for women is a special bra made of leather or light metal. To prevent injury, athletes must wear a long-sleeved safety flap under the jacket that is worn over the armed hand. In addition, saber fencers put on an elbow pad on their armed hand. When fencing on rapiers with an electric fixator, an electric jacket made of thin metal threads is worn over the fencing jacket. It should completely cover those parts of the body where injections are allowed. In fencing with foils and epees, the equipment includes a personal cord that connects the weapon to the reel of the electrical fixator.

Division into age groups and sports categories

In fencing with all types of weapons, age groups and sports categories are distinguished. Age groups in GERMANY are determined by the number of years old as of June 1 of each year. For older juniors, the settlement day is January 1 (according to the rules of the FIE).

In fencing, the following age groups (VG) are distinguished: VG 10/11 (children under 11 years old), VG 12 (up to 12 years old), VG 13 (up to 13 years old), VG 14/15 (from 14 to 15 years old), VG 16/17 (from 16 to 17 years old), juniors (from 18 to 20 years old) and men (from 20 years old and older).

Athletes VG 10/11 and VG 12 fencing only with foils, athletes of other VGs - with all types of weapons; women only fence with foils. Sports categories. Depending on the sports results, schoolchildren and adolescents can be awarded III, II and I sports categories, and juniors and men, in addition, the title of candidate for master and master of sports.

The time of the fight and the number of injections (strikes)

If the competitions are held in a round robin system, then the net fight time is 6 minutes and the fight is conducted up to 5 injections.

In accordance with the new FIE rules at international fencing tournaments and championships, competitions are held on a direct elimination system after there are 32 or 16 (depending on the total number) participants left. In this case, men carry out fights up to 10, and women up to 8 injections, and the battle time is 12 and 10 minutes, respectively. If one of the sportsmen inflicts 5 injections before the expiration of the time of the fight (8 or 10 injections during the competition in the direct elimination system), then in this case the fight ends ahead of schedule. If, after the time of the fight with rapiers and sabers, the opponents inflicted the same number of thrusting, then the number of thrusting increases to the required number minus one thrust, and the fight is conducted without time limitation until the first thrust.

If after the time of the fight the score is not equal (for example, 3: 2), then in this case the number of injections increases in such a way that the athlete who has delivered the most number of injections corresponds to the specified number of injections (for example, when the score is 4: 3 to 5: 4, or up to 8: 7, or up to 10: 9). In epee fencing, in case of a tie score of injections, both athletes are counted as a mutual defeat.

Injecting (hitting)

In fencing with foils and epees, only the thrust made by the tip of the blade is valid. In saber fencing, the thrust inflicted by the tip of the blade and the blows inflicted by the entire blade and part of the butt of the blade are valid.

Blows (pricks) can only be applied to the affected surface of the body. Injections (blows) that hit the unaffected part of the body only interrupt the fight.

In fencing, there are strict rules for the conduct of combat. The fencer must respond to each opponent's attack with a defense (rebound), and only in this case a further response is possible, after which the opponent can no longer continue the attack. If the fencer defends himself not with a beating, but with a counterattack, then the latter is counted only if it is carried out by intercepting the opponent's clinic in the attack line or by stopping jabs and strikes in tempo. Pace is the time interval required by the fencer to perform one simple movement, or a generalized form of time that determines the advance of the thrust (blow). If the fencers thrust each other at the same time, the referee will decide whether it was a mutual attack or whether someone was tactically correct. In the event of a mutual attack, injections (blows) delivered by both athletes are canceled. In the second case, the judge counts the injection of the athlete who was tactically correct. Only in epee fencing, simultaneous thrusting (with a difference of less than 1/25 sec) is valid for both fencers.

Breaking the rules

In case of unsportsmanlike behavior, the fencer is given a warning and a penalty shot is awarded to him or he is removed from the competition. Such violations include: any kind of violence with a weapon or body, deliberate collision - in epee fencing only in case of harsh actions; retreating beyond one's own border line despite warning; deliberate going beyond the side line of the track; facilitating the actions of an opponent or making offensive statements against him; equipment or weapons that do not comply with the rules, unsportsmanlike behavior towards the referee.

Team competition, In all fencing competitions, a team consists of 4 people. Each team member will fight each fencer from the opposing team.

Tournaments

Video: International fencing tournament among cadets named after S.A. SHARIKOVA, girl's saber

If competitions in all types of fencing are taken to the tournament, then they are held in the following order: foil (men), saber, foil (women), epee. In competitions for each type of weapon, personal fights are first held, and then team competitions. The winners are identified in the individual and in the team competition in a round robin system (qualifying round, intermediate round, semifinal and final round) according to a direct elimination system.

In a round robin system, in one group of 6 athletes, each athlete must face all 2 competitors. The 3 (or 4) best fencers move on to the next round. The rest drop out of the competition. The decisive factor is the total number of victories in a given round.

If the athletes scored the same number of victories, then the place is determined by identifying the best difference between strikes delivered and received.

If in this case, too, the winner is not identified, an interruption will take place. In team matches, only one interruption of the participating teams is held (for 1st place).

In round robin competitions after the intermediate, quarter-final and semi-final competitions, 6 fencers reach the final.

In competitions with direct elimination in 2 rounds 32 or 16 athletes are selected, each of whom is assigned an opponent for the first fight in accordance with the place taken in the intermediate round. The loser has another chance, but after the second defeat he is eliminated from the competition. Only 6 athletes get to the final (4 directly and 2 athletes after the second fight). Final round-robin battles are held without taking into account previous results. In the case of the same number of victories and the inflicted and missed shots, an interruption is carried out.

Judges

The panel of judges consists of a senior judge, and in saber fencing, where there is no electro-fixation of pricks, of a senior judge, 4 side judges. The chief referee gives commands (in international competitions in French), observes the combat actions of both athletes, decides on the validity and invalidity of the injections, controls the equipment and penalizes for violation of the rules.

The decisions of the chief referee, which he makes after analyzing the fencing phrase that led to the injection, are undeniable. If necessary, in saber competitions, side judges stand on both sides of the track and make sure that the injections are applied to the affected body surface.

In this case, when awarding injections and determining their validity, the senior judge has 1.5 votes, the side judges - 1 vote each.

Technique

Video: Fencing: Combat Technique

Unlike other sports, where technique is the basis of a sports result (artistic gymnastics, diving, figure skating), technique in fencing is a way to achieve the tasks set for an athlete.

The athlete moves along the track in a typical fencing stance for the sport, which allows him to move forward and backward faster with steps and jumps. The legs set at an angle to each other provide a stable position, and the turn of the body, as it were, pushes a part of the affected surface away from the opponent. In attacks, the fencing distance (the distance between the athletes) is overcome with the help of a lunge or an attack with an arrow.

Weapon control carried out by the actions of the thumb and forefinger. The movements of the weapon consist of the movements of the hand, hand and fingers. There are: a) movements due to which the opponent is pricked; b) movements with the help of which the opponent's weapon is removed from a dangerous position; c) movements that lead to a change in position and oppose the movements of the opponent. The positions are numbered from 1 to 8. If, for example, an athlete circles the opponent's weapon in a circle and jabs along the opponent's weapon, then this technique is called a sliding circular grip (tying).

Fencing stance

The complexity of fencing technique lies in its accuracy and speed of execution. The fencer's movements are closely related to the entire fencing situation (distance, opponent's behavior, etc.). All this makes special demands on the temporal and spatial coordination of individual movements and the ability to quickly rebuild depending on the changed conditions of the battle. Dexterity is the basis for precision in the execution of movements. Good reflexes and quickness are also essential physical and conditioning prerequisites. For full mastery of all techniques, it is necessary, depending on the conditions and intensity of training, from 6 to 10 years.

Tactics

In fencing, it is necessary not only to have a good command of the technique, but also to use it correctly, depending on the situation. During the fight, each of the athletes tries, subject to the rules, to gain an advantage over the opponent. To do this, you need to carefully observe the actions of the opponent, quickly recognize his intentions and make instant decisions. With the help of feints, you can direct the opponent on the wrong track, causing his attacking actions, which can be easily reflected, since they were exactly what was expected.

Thanks to constant threatening actions, it is possible to shackle the opponent's initiative, limit his defensive actions and disguise his attacking actions. Considering all of the above, it can even be argued that fencing combat is highly intellectual in nature.

The difficulty of using fencing tactics is also explained by the fact that the entire combat situation has to be assessed over a very short period of time, while the opponent is trying to achieve success in the same way. In the process of various interaction of fencers, combat operations perform different functions.

Attack

Basic attacks are used against passive opponents. To repel an attack, along with evasions, first of all, defenses (defense with weapons) are used. Immediately after a successful defense, retaliatory attacks (riposte) follow. If a riposte does not follow after a successful defense, the attacking athlete may, after the failed first attack, proceed to continue the attack. But a situation may arise when the defending athlete must resort to counterattacking actions. This occurs when the attack is executed incorrectly, slowly, or when the opponent has guessed the intentions of the attacking swordsman.

Fake attack

Good fencers disguise their attacks in every possible way and inflict jabs with a translation when an opponent, deceived by feints, performs an appropriate defense (false attack), or challenge the opponent with a false attack for defense-response or counterattack, so that with the help of his own defense- responding or counterattacking to inject him (second intent attack).

To master the tactics of fencing, special training is required, constant improvement of the mental qualities of an athlete in close connection with technical training. The more technical skills an athlete has, the more varied and unexpected his actions can be for the opponent. The necessary experience is gained through training with various partners and through extensive competitive practice.

Preparation and training

When selecting children for fencing (taking into account the achievement of the highest sports results), one should first of all pay attention to the development of coordination and functional qualities (agility, speed, etc.). The child must have sufficiently well developed mental qualities necessary for this kind of sport, he must enjoy martial arts, be able to make lightning decisions and be not very short.

It is best to start practicing fencing at the age of 10, but at a later age you can achieve significant success.

The training of a fencer goes through 3 stages: initial training, special training and training at the level of higher sportsmanship.

Initial preparation

Fencing training begins with the study of basic motor skills, and in particular steps, lunges, thrusting or striking, basic positions, etc. After initial training under standard conditions of training with auxiliary equipment and with a partner, training is conducted during which combat actions are studied , the basics of fencing tactics.

Special fencing training is an integral part of versatile training; in a single educational and preparatory process of fencers, there is a parallel harmonious development of skills and abilities necessary in further competitive practice. The main emphasis at this stage of preparation is placed on the development of willpower and readiness for combat operations.

With the help of exercises with a partner, as close as possible to the conditions of combat, training and training battles, fencing techniques are studied taking into account the tactical aspect in time and space depending on the partner. Special training serves the comprehensive development of special fencing skills, the improvement of the entire technical and tactical repertoire.

For the development of functional qualities, first of all, special exercises for the development of speed and high-speed endurance are used.

Preparation at the level of the highest sportsmanship. The goal of training at the level of the highest sportsmanship is to achieve the highest sports results. Here, the maximum development of skills and abilities is necessary. At this stage of preparation, the training of fencers is becoming more and more individualized. The athlete specializes in the activities that he is best at, and works them out in individual lessons with a coach. The improvement and stabilization of combat skills is carried out mainly in conditions that are as close as possible to combat ones. At each stage of preparation, the athlete also receives the necessary theoretical knowledge.