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Fencing is a combat sport, which places 2 opponents face to face in an armed fight using weapons like the sabre and the foil.
Fencing is one of the oldest European sports, dating back to the Middle Ages. Fencing was immensely popular as it prepared noble men to fight duels and defend their honour. Fencing was mostly reserved for the nobility so being able to carry around a sword (and know how to use it) was a symbol of the aristocracy.
Schools were set up all round Europe, in countries like Germany, France, Italy and England where fencing masters would teach the art of fencing to their pupils, though the techniques and weapons used greatly varied between schools and countries.
However, fencing dropped in popularity after World War I as duelling became obsolete in the historical context. Fencing schools closed and sharp duelling weapons were abandoned.
Nevertheless, fencing carried on as a competitive sport.
It was one of the disciplines at the very first Olympics Games in the summer of 1896. Épée and Sabre events have been held at every Summer Olympics; Foil events have been held at every Summer Olympics except 1908.
FENCING BENEFITS | FENCING WEAPONS