Fencing has a rich history dating back to ancient civilizations, where it was used for both self-
defense and combat. The earliest evidence of swordsmanship can be traced to Egypt, where
various techniques for dueling and war were developed. In modern times, fencing emerged as a
sport when civilians began carrying swords. Their weapon of choice was a rapier, which, as a
thrusting rather than a cutting sword, could be used to settle manners of honour rather quickly.
Fencing began in India with the Fencing Association, founded in 1974 and recognized by the
government in 1997. The shift towards fencing as a sport rather than as military training
happened in the 18th century, led by Domenico Angelo, who established the first fencing
academy, ‘The School of Arms’, in London. Angelo’s rules for posture and footwork still guide
modern sport fencing, but his attacking and parrying methods differ greatly from current
practice. Fencing became an Olympic event in the summer of 1896, and it was divided into
three sub-divisions: sabre, foil, and épée.
The first standardized method for judging and scoring began with épée in 1933. Side judges
were replaced with the Laurent-Pagan electrical scoring apparatus, which signaled a touch with
an audible tone and a red or green light. Foil was automated in 1956, and sabre in 1988. The
scoring box reduced bias in judging, allowing for more precise scoring of faster actions, lighter
touches, and touches to the back and flank. As fencing adapted to these changes, it became
increasingly popular worldwide, starting in Europe and spreading globally.
