When people think of fencing, most people think of the funny-looking masks, “The Princess Bride”, and its use of swords. But, fencing is a lot more than that.

Fencing is the overarching term for three separate styles of sword fighting, being Foil, Épée and Sabre. While Foil and Épée are slower and more methodical than Sabre, it is the most exciting one to watch and play, requiring both strategy and physical ability to achieve success.

“It’s not only the style of fencing, but it’s also the quickness of it,” Fencing Academy of Denver coach Mihaly Csikany said, “You really got to make a decision, try to make a good decision in literally a split second, and because it’s such a fast paced discipline compared to the other two. Saber is the only discipline that is a cutting weapon, not a poking one, and so slashing just makes it a whole lot cooler than the other two.”

Sabre Fencing is a relatively popular sport, being played competitively around the world. Even though it’s an Olympic sport, many people don’t know what the rules of the sport are.

In Sabre Fencing bouts, there are two people on a strip. In the middle, there is normally a light bar. Competitive Sabre bouts are fenced to 15 touches, meaning whoever gets 15 points first wins. 

When the left side hits the right, a green light comes on. When the right side hits the left, a red light comes on. The real complexity comes in when it isn’t as clear as that.

For example, if both sides hit and both lights come on, the referee has to go back through the events of the match to determine who gets the point. The most common way is with a rule known as the “right-of-way”.

When each round begins whoever goes first has what’s known as the right-of-way. So if both sides hit when one has the right-of-way, they will get the point. 

The other side can gain the right-of-way by making their opponent fall short on their attack, parrying their blade, or beating their blade. These small actions can end up determining the way any given round goes.

The meticulous nature of Sabre Fencing has attracted many who want to physically and mentally compete.

“To me, what was really special is that it’s not only a physical sport, but it’s very much of an intellectual sport.” Csikany said, “It’s almost like a physical chess game.”

Some fencers also like the satisfaction of competitive sword fighting.

“I like hitting people,” Connor Kim ‘28 said.

Other students agree with Kim’s outlook on the sport.

“Sword fighting is a lot of fun and it’s cool,” Ponderosa High School student John Lynch ‘27 said.

Both Lynch and Kim are fencers at the Fencing Academy of Denver, and have competed in different levels of competition for fun and practice.

But, for most, sabre fencing is a gateway to new friends and fun experiences.

“I was drawn to sabre fencing because of the people that are in it, who I just found were really entertaining,” Lynch said.

So, the next time you watch the Olympics or wonder why sports like Sabre Fencing are the way they are, try to find what you can about them. They may be the next thing for you to try.