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One of the main requirements in the fencing equipment is the saber. It is the largest and most dangerous weapon used in this sport. Sabre fencing is a popular type of this sport which uses these swords for simulated fighting in simulated battles. Sabre fencing has a different strategy since side touches are scored and nearly the entire body is fair game for strikes, except the back of the head, the hands and wrists, and below the waist. Double touching is also not permitted. This makes the opportunity for points greater and the defensive strategies more complicated. Fencing is derived from the brutal practicalities of real swords used as weapons of warfare, swords that had functional points and edges which enabled them to pierce and slash. The sabre blade is most akin to the fighting sword in both appearance and function, as it is somewhat stiffer than other swords. Fencing is a sport that is very unusual as it relies less on brute strength and more on speed, agility and strategy whcih makes it available as a sport to both large and small athletes. Women almost always compete with men because size is not an advantage by itself but arm length can be a huge plus. The main difference in fencing equipment for men and women is an option for a special chest protector to shield the breasts, but the weapons are the same and the strategies don't depend much on gender. Women are more likely to compete with epee and foil, though, possibly because they are seen as less aggressive. Sabre fencing is a very formal sport, relying on footwork, rules and etiquette, as do other forms of fencing such as epee and foil. Much of the terminology of sabre fencing is spoken in French, and rules of right of way are determined by who initiates a move. The term "parrie" refers to defensive moves, while attacking motions are called thrusts and slashes and a touch refers to a score. Sabre fencing is not only an Olympic event but also a popular high school and college sport along with epee and foil. While often thought of as an individual sport, fencing is also a great team sport. Generally, teams consist of three people with an alternate, with the alternate fencing only in the event of injury or withdrawal of one of the primary team members. Matches are bound by time limits, with a common structure being three minutes of fencing or eight touches.
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Kyle has been active in fencing (www.fencing.net/) for several years and is really enthusiastic about the sport. Among the favorite sites for getting more fencing information and news is www.fencing.net/.
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