HISTORY

             Black Diamond Fencing was founded in 1996 for the purpose of creating a year-round competitive fencing environment in which fencers of all levels can receive professional fencing instruction and training in all weapons.  Black Diamond  emphasizes the development of young fencers through school programs, local mall demonstrations, and the organization of a scholastic fencing league featuring teams from around the state.  By bringing competitive coaches and fencers together, Black Diamond provides an environment conducive to the success of the fencers.

    Interested in learning more about Fencing? Black Diamond invites you to stop by for a personal introduction. Enjoyed by both young and old alike worldwide, a lifetime of challenges and excitement await you as a fencer. Fencing develops concentration, endurance, flexibility, and self-confidence.  A sport of skill and honor from an age not long gone, fencing provides a great way to get in shape, rid yourself of stress, and have fun for the entire family.

What sports comprise fencing?

The Olympic sport of fencing is comprised of three weapons: foil, epee, and sabre.  All are fenced on a long rectangular strip, and electronic scoring aids are normally used to assist in the detection of touches.

Foil:   Descended from the 18th century small sword, the foil has a thin, flexible blade with a square cross-section and a small bell guard.  Touches are scored with the point on the torso of the opponent, including the groin and back.  Foil technique emphasizes strong defense and the killing attack to the body.

Epee:   Similar to the dueling swords of the mid-19th century, epees have stiff blades with a triangular cross section, and large bell guards.  Touches are scored with the point, anywhere on the opponent's body.  Unlike foil and sabre, there no rules of right-of-way to decide which attacks have precedence, and double hits are possible.  Epee technique emphasizes timing, point control, and a good counter-attack.

Sabre:   Descended from dueling sabres of the late 19th century, which were in turn descended from naval and cavalry swords, sabres have a light, flat blade and a knuckle guard.  Touches can be scored with either the point or the edge of the blade, anywhere above the opponent's waist.  Sabre technique emphasizes speed, feints, and strong offense.

What qualities make a good fencer?

 There are many.

On the athletic side, speed and endurance must rank foremost.  Other traits that can be exploited are strength (for explosive speed, not heavy handedness), precision, and flexibility.  Quick reaction time is extremely important.

On the intellectual side, a good mind for strategy and tactics is essential.  The ability to quickly size up your opponent and adapt your style accordingly is essential.

Psychologically, a fencer must be able to maintain focus, concentration, and emotional level-headedness under intense conditions of combat. Stress management, visualization, and relaxation techniques are all helpful to putting in winning performances.

As far as body type goes, it is always possible to adapt your style to take advantage of your natural traits.  Even so, height seems to be useful in epee, but not necessarily in sabre.  Small or thin people are harder to hit in foil.  A long reach helps in epee, and long legs are an asset in foil.

It should be noted that left handers usually enjoy a slight advantage, especially against inexperienced fencers.  This may account for the fact that lefties make up 15% of novice fencers, but half of FIE world champions.