INTRO TO LAIFC
Los Angeles International Fencing Center is one of the largest studios of its kind in the United States. Home of two fencers qualifying for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing as well as three fencers qualified for the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens and four members of the 2005- 2006 U.S. Junior and Cadet World Championship Team. LAIFC if a great place to be for anyone who is interested in learning how to fence. Whether you are an advanced or beginning fencer, our outstanding and highly qualified coaches will provide a pleasant and fun learning environment.
About Fencing
Fencing enhances man skills; agility, balance, poise and speed are only a few of the numbers rewards gained by studying the sport. Although fencing is an individual sport, it also teaches teamwork and cooperation. It is highly desirable for high school students to have fencing accomplishments on their resume when applying for college because it reflects dedication and commitment. Fencing is one of the 22 NCAA sports, and a traditional sport in all the Ivy League colleges, it is also best known as an event in the Summer Olympic Games. It is one of only four sports included in every Olympics since 1896, fencing can be started at any age, and enjoyed as a lifelong experience.
Saftey
Modern fencing is one of the safest martial art sports. The protective gear used in fencing includes leather gloves, masks (which must meet international strength standards), and uniforms (which are made of Kevlar, the same material used to make bulletproof vests). All weapons are made of flexible blades with blunted covered tips.
Weapons
(info from www.usfencing.org)
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Foil
The foil has a flexible rectangular blade, approximately 35 inches in length, weighing less than one pound. Points are scored with the tip of the blade and must land within the torso of the body.
The valid target area in foil is the torso, from the shoulders to the groin, front and back. It does not include the arms, neck, head and legs. The foil fencer's uniform includes a metallic vest (called a lamé) which covers the valid target area, so that a valid touch will register on the scoring machine. A small, spring-loaded tip is attached to the point of the foil and is connected to a wire inside the blade. The fencer wears a body cord inside his uniform which connects the foil to a reel wire, connected to the scoring machine.
There are two scoring lights on the machine. One shows a green light when a fencer is hit, and one shows a red light when her opponent is hit. A touch landing outside the valid target area (that which is not covered by the lamé) is indicated by a white light. These "off target" hits do not count in the scoring, but they do stop the fencing action temporarily.
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Épée
The épée (pronounced "EPP-pay"), the descendant of the dueling sword, is similar in length to the foil, but is heavier, weighing approximately 27 ounces, with a larger guard (to protect the hand from a valid hit) and a much stiffer blade. Touches are scored only with the point of the blade. The entire body is the valid target area.
The blade is wired with a spring-loaded tip at the end that completes an electrical circuit when it is depressed beyond a pressure of 750 grams. This causes the colored bulb on the scoring machine to light. Because the entire body is a valid target area, the épée fencer's uniform does not include a lamé. Off-target hits do not register on the machine. |
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Sabre
The sabre is the modern version of the slashing cavalry sword, and is similar in length and weight to the foil. The major difference is that the sabre is a thrusting weapon as well as a cutting weapon (use of the blade). The target area is from the bend of the hips (both front and back), to the top of the head, simulating the cavalry rider on a horse. The sabre fencer's uniform includes a metallic jacket (lamé), which covers the target area to register a valid touch on the scoring machine. The mask is different from foil and épée, with a metallic covering since the head is valid target area. |
FENCING ORGANIZATIONS:
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