Fencing evolved from the sword-fighting techniques of medieval Europe. The first fencing manuals were written during the Renaissance, and it is from these early Italian manuals that we get the word fencing, from the italian word "defensio". Gradually, the use of a sword went from common on the battlefield to a mark of social position where blades were primarily used for dueling. Modern sport fencing evolved from this dueling tradition. Duels fell out of fashion by the end of World War II, but the sport of fencing continues.
 
Fencing is one of the four sports which has been featured at every modern Olympic Games. Currently, three types of weapon are used in Olympic fencing:

• Foil - a light thrusting weapon where the valid target is restricted to the torso

• �p�e - a heavy thrusting weapon where the valid target area covers the entire body

• Sabre - a light cutting and thrusting weapon where the valid target area includes almost everything above the waist (excluding the back of the head and the hands)

There are other types of competitive fencing, but when someone says "fencing", they are usually referring to Olympic fencing. That's what we usually mean by fencing here at Ten Thousand Fencers, but we welcome all types of fencers here.