Types of fencing. Epee fencing is included in the modern pentathlon program

This sport originates in ancient times. In ancient Greece and Rome, fencing was a mandatory step in the training of warriors. And in the Middle Ages it became an indispensable attribute of knights. In medieval images that have survived to this day, you can see lessons in fencing training for knights and fights between them. There were no training weapons then, and training was carried out using combat weapons.

Already from the fifteenth century, rapiers began to be used for these purposes. When did people invent firearms, qualities such as strength faded into the background, but agility remained relevant for warriors. This quality was improved with the help of special exercises, and at the beginning of the fifteenth century the art of fencing appeared in Spain. Gradually, fencing became popular in other European countries: in Italy and France.

In France, the king's musketeers were particularly skilled swordsmen. In Russia, fencing was recognized as a sport at the end of the seventeenth century under Peter the Great. It was called "rapier science" and it was a mandatory discipline in the military nobility educational institutions.

Starting from the mid-eighteenth century, fencing was taught in all military educational institutions in Russia. The first Russian fencing championship took place in 1860, but in order to receive the title of champion, one had to win the championship two years in a row. The competition was attended mainly by officers and those who studied this science in private schools. Now there are several types of fencing: sports, applied sports, stage. In the last century, at the very beginning, special courses began to open that trained fencing teachers.

And in 1960 Soviet Union became one of the leaders of world fencing. According to statistics, at the end of the twentieth century in Russia about eight thousand people were involved in this sport. Currently, competitions such as: championship are held Russian Federation, competitions for the Russian Cup, in addition, championships among young athletes. Every year the Russian Fencing Federation organizes three big tournaments international importance, which are part of the FIE World Cup system. Such as: “Foil of St. Petersburg” (men's foil tournament); "Moscow Saber" (men's saber tournament) and the Russian Cup (women's foil tournament).

Weapons for fencing.

Sports saber.

In other words, espadron. This weapon is used for sport fencing. The saber delivers piercing and slashing blows. The saber blade is made of steel and has a trapezoidal cross-section. The length of the sports espadron is 105 cm, and the weight is no more than 0.5 kg. The blade of the saber is 88 cm long and 5 mm wide. A very hard blade is prohibited for use. The guard of a sports saber is 15 cm long and 14 cm wide. And the length of the espadron handle should not exceed 15 cm plus a nut of 15 mm.

Sports sword

Sports sword is a blade with a triangular cross-section and a hilt. The blade has one or three fullers, which make it lighter, but it does not lose rigidity, that is, it does not bend when struck and pierced. At the end of the blade there is a device that fixes the injections. The sports sword is 110 cm long and weighs 770 grams. There are certain standards regulating the sizes of swords for competitions: blade length - 90 cm, blade deflection - maximum 10 mm, guard diameter is 35 mm.

Sports rapier

The sports rapier is a piercing weapon. Its blade has a rectangular cross-section and becomes thinner towards the end. At the end of the blade there is an electrical contact device that records the accuracy of the injection in competitions. For a rapier, bending during thrusts is quite acceptable, unlike a saber. The rapier guard is small in size, has the shape of a hemisphere, with a diameter of 12 cm, a depth of 5.5 cm. The size requirements for a sports rapier are as follows: weight - about 500g, blade length - 90 cm, handle length - 22 cm, the length of the rapier should not be more than 110 cm. An assembled sports foil, according to standards, has a length of no more than 1.1 meters and a weight of no more than 0.5 kg.

For children's fencing, there are “children's rapiers”; they are light in weight and shorter in length. In addition, it is made from synthetic material, it has a thick end and a soft tip. The length of its blade is no more than 85 cm, the guard and handle together are no more than 20 cm, the weight is no more than 350 grams.

Rules for fencing competitions.

Which injections are considered delivered?

In foil competitions, those hits that reach the striking surface are counted: the entire torso in front and the entire back to the waist. These injections are called delivered. If the injection is applied to the arms or legs, or gets on the mask, then this is not considered an injection. Moreover, the battle then stops.

In saber competitions, thrusts made with the tip of the saber, as well as strikes with the blade, are counted. Unlike foil fighters, for saber fencers the affected surface is all parts of the body located above the conventional horizontal line, if it is drawn through the conventional angles formed by the body and hips of the athletes during the fighting stance. If blows or thrusts during saber fencing are delivered outside this surface, then they are not considered to have been delivered, however, the fight does not stop.

In epee competitions, all thrusts to any part of the opponent’s body are counted if they are inflicted with the tip of the sword.

Battlefield and fencing suit.

The field for fencing competitions must have specific sizes: width from 1.5 to 2 meters, and length 1.4 meters. Before entering the fight, fencers are two meters away from the middle of the field. When one of the athletes crosses the back boundary of the field during a fight, he is given a penalty hit. A fencing clothing set consists of a fencing suit, gaiters, gloves and a mask.

Fencing fights.

The management of fencing battles is carried out by a judge who has an electric clamp at his disposal. The judge decides whether a hit is made or not, based on the rules for each type of weapon. Commands to fencers are given to French, which is recognized as official by the FIE.

The fencer has the right to attack the opponent if he does not try to thrust. After the opponent has repulsed the attack, he gains the right to retaliate. The most similar rules to a duel are epee competitions. The winner is the one who beats the opponent by a quarter of a second with the injection. If both fencers make thrusts, but the pause between them is less than a quarter of a second, then the thrusts are counted for both. But if the fights are fought with rapiers and sabers, then the judge, before making a decision, analyzes the fight, unlike fights with swords, where the guide is only based on the reading of the electric clamp.

To record injections, athletes wear a conductive jacket during competitions. As mentioned above, the rapier and sword have a tip at the end, from which wires go along the groove of the blade to the socket inside the guard. Before starting a fight, the fencer connects his weapon to a cord located under his jacket. And this cord, in turn, is connected through a reel to a device that reads the injections. If the injection is detected, the indicator lights up or a sound signal sounds. At the end of the 20th century, new devices appeared - without coils.

In foil competitions, hits made are signaled by a red light on the side of one opponent and a green light on the side of the other. If the injection is not counted, the white lamp lights up.

If fencing competitions are held on swords, then only red and green lamps are used. That is, the judge looks at where the lamp is most likely to light up. If this happens at the same time, then both participants are counted as injections. To prevent injections that accidentally hit the floor from being read by the device, the floor is covered with a special metal track.

Individual fencing competitions are held according to the following scheme:

1) round of qualifying groups. In this round the fight goes up to five shots. The battle time is four minutes. The winners are entered into the table of the next round.

2) direct elimination round. In this round the fight lasts up to fifteen injections. Total time battle - nine minutes. The fight is divided into three periods of three minutes each, with one minute of rest in between.

3) final, in which from 4 to 8 fencers remain.

Team fencing competitions are held in the form of a relay race. Each of the athletes of one team goes to fight with each of the athletes of the other team. There are only nine fights. Each fight lasts up to five injections. The battle time is four minutes. And each pair of fencers starts the second fight with the score of the previous fight.

Fights continue until one of the participants becomes the winner. If they show the same results, then they are given another minute, during which the one who inflicted the injection wins.

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Fencing is a noble, very beautiful, graceful and romantic sport. At the same time, it is an ancient martial art that is both beautiful and deadly. Fencing is a battle of characters, in which composure and nobility are not superfluous qualities. Today we will get to know this fascinating sport more closely and find out what fencing is, how and where it originated, what rules apply, what equipment is used, how competitions are held and whether Russia has succeeded in this matter. Fencing has distant roots, so let's start with them.

Historical excursion

Spain is considered to be the birthplace of fencing. It was here that something similar to modern art and the rapier originated. The world-famous Toledo blades were produced in Spain, which, being very light, had excellent strength characteristics. It was in this country, and later throughout Europe, that duels with edged weapons originated. It is believed that the first books discussing fencing were published in Spain. Men loved to fight with edged weapons, and women mastered fencing much later. Over time, the first fencing school appeared in the country. Italy, France and Germany were also not far behind. In the 1470s, a fencing teachers' corporation was established in Germany, and a fencing association was established in England.

By the beginning of the 18th century, several global schools had appeared. The main ones were the French and Italian fencing schools. It was they who gave the world the famous handles for bladed weapons.

In the 19th century, the formation of sports fencing began. And by the end of this century, the first competitions were organized, in their modern interpretation. In 1913 it was created International Federation fencing, which in 1914 approved the rules of the fight. They still compete according to these rules. Today the International Fencing Federation includes more than a hundred national federations.

Fencing in Russia

For the first time, interest in the art of fencing arose in Russia in early XVII century. Peter I then made “Rapier Science” a compulsory subject for military and civilian institutions. In 1816, a fencing school was opened in St. Petersburg to train teachers and instructors. The fencing coach who emerged from its walls was considered a respected person. In 1834, rules for fencing with bayonets were developed in Russia. Gradually, schools began to be organized in other cities.

From 1899 to 1916, the St. Petersburg athletic community held a fencing championship once a year, in which all of Russia took part. Fencing of Russian masters at international arena first took place in 1910. One of the Russian athletes then won third place. Two years later, the first Olympics took place in the careers of Russian fencers. After this, fencing began to develop at tremendous speed.

Later, the Soviet fencing school would become one of the best in the world. In the 21st century, blade masters from Russia managed to win several dozen gold medals and break the records of the Soviet team. Today there is a fencing section in almost all cities.

Sports fencing

This sport combines three disciplines. The main difference between them is the type of weapon used. You can also fencing with a saber. The main goal of sparring is to inflict a thrust on the opponent and protect yourself from his thrusts. The winner is the one who manages to be the first to carry out a certain number of attacks or achieve best results for a certain period of time.

Weapon

A fencing weapon consists of the following elements:

1. Blade.
2. Garda.
3. Pad.
4. Lever.
5. Screw.

There is a special tip at the tip of the blade. Weapons can be electrified or conventional. The electric weapon is connected via wiring to a device that records the injections. The wire runs under the athlete's clothing. The tip of such a weapon has a special button.

The total length of the sword does not exceed 110 cm, and the weight - 770 g. The blade has a length of 90 cm. The diameter of the guard is a maximum of 13.5 cm. The weapon is a piercing weapon. The flexible steel blade has a triangular cross-section.

The rapier differs from the sword in such parameters as: weight - up to 500 g; The diameter of the guard is up to 12 cm and the cross-section of the maple is tetrahedral. It makes fencing easier.

The saber has a length of no more than 105 cm. The length of the blade reaches a maximum of 88 cm. The weight of the saber is 0.5 kg. The saber refers to and has an elastic steel blade with a variable trapezoidal cross-section. The saber guard has a bow that connects it to the handle. The saber does not have a tip.

Target surface

In a sword fight, thrusts made with the tip of the blade into any part of the opponent’s body are counted. You cannot only hit the back of the head, which is not protected by a mask.

Now let's discuss the foil duel. In terms of rules, this is a more sophisticated fencing. A rapier in the hands of an athlete requires greater accuracy. In foil sparring, only thrusts to the opponent’s torso, both front and rear, count. Strikes to the head, arms and legs are prohibited. If the foil player delivers a thrust outside the allowed zone, the match is suspended and all strikes of this episode are not counted.

In a saber duel, it is allowed to make injections and blows to any part of the body that is above the waist, except the back of the head. If the saber fencer hits outside this zone, he does not receive points for the blow/thrust, but the fight continues.

In sparring between saber fencers and foil fencers, a thrust/blow delivered outside the permitted zone is sometimes counted. This happens if the athlete who is defending himself deliberately covered the affected part of the body with the unaffected one. For example, with the foot, which can often be found when watching non-professional fencing. The rules also prohibit deliberately touching conductive surfaces with a weapon, including your own suit, because this causes false operation of the electrical system.

Equipment

We continue to study fencing. What is a fencing suit? This is a white suit consisting of a jacket and knee-length trousers with suspenders. The jacket is called a tunic. A fencer's clothing is made of dense fabric that can withstand impacts of up to 800 Newtons. These suits are used at international competitions. For simple training, fabric that can withstand an impact force of 350 Newtons is sufficient.

Long white leggings and special shoes are put on the fencer's feet. It differs from simple sports shoes flat sole, as well as reinforced toe and heel. There are low and high models. The latter are used when there is a need to fix the ankle.

Mask is another one important attribute, without which fencing cannot be imagined. What is face protection? This is an extremely important aspect in such a beautiful but harsh sport. A protective mask should not only cover the face from blows, but also not prevent the athlete from clearly seeing the opponent. Therefore, the mask has a metal mesh in the eye area. A special metal gate protects the neck.

For epee fencers, the metal mesh is insulated with plastic impact-resistant pads on both sides. And the collar is made of material that can withstand an impact force of 1600 Newtons. For training, this figure is 350 Newtons.

Foil players use the same masks, only with an electric collar. It all depends on what kind of blows a particular fencing allows.

A saber, as already mentioned, can hit you in the face, which is why saber masks have a non-insulated mesh that conducts electricity. And in general, the entire saber mask, along with the collar, is made of electrically conductive material.

A glove is put on the hand holding the weapon. In the case of saber fencing, it has an electrically conductive cuff.

Under the suit described above, side guards are worn, which also withstand impacts of 350 or 800 Newtons. To avoid bruises, additional plastic protection is placed under the edges.

Since the entire body is the affected surface for epee fencers, the described protection is quite sufficient for them. Foil players additionally wear a vest made of conductive material over their jacket. It displays the surface on which you can strike. In saber fencers, in addition, a mask is connected to the vest.

Impact registration

When a thrust or strike is made (for saber fencers), the recording device lets you know by turning on a green light. If the attack was carried out according to all the rules, then it is counted and the attacking athlete receives a point. If a blow/prick was delivered outside the permitted zone, a white light comes on. If the green and white lights come on at the same time, then two strikes were made, and the first of them was invalid. Therefore, the second strike does not count. Since epee fencing allows all strikes, there are no white lights. If the lights light up on both sides at the same time, each player gets a point.

The fencer's suit can be connected to a recording device, either wired or wireless. For the electrical system to detect a strike, the pressure on the arrow tip must be at least 4.9 newtons or 0.5 kg for a rapier and 7.35 newtons or 0.75 kg for an epee. As for the saber strike, it must be brought to its logical conclusion. A simple touch here does not earn points.

It’s hard to imagine, but there was a time when impacts were recorded solely visually. This important mission was left to four referees who surrounded the battlefield on all sides. In 1936, for the first time, rules came into force, according to which epee fencers’ injections began to be recorded using electrical devices. In 1957, foil fencers began to compete using this system, and in 1988, saber fencers began to compete.

Fencing track

Sparring takes place on the fencing track. Its length is 14 meters, and its width can vary between 1.5-2 meters. As in any other sport, the battlefield has markings. In this case, it is represented by 5 lines perpendicular to the track. The first line is the central one. At a distance of 2 meters from it on both sides there is a battle line. Two more lines are located seven meters from the central one and are called rear boundary lines.

Thus, at the beginning of the fight, being on the battle line, the athlete has 5 meters to retreat and 9 meters to attack. There are 2-meter sections on the sides of the track, which allow the athlete to accurately determine how much space he has left to retreat without turning around.

How the fight goes

We already know in general outline What is fencing? We also know what a fencing suit is and what markings the battlefield has. Therefore, it's time to move on to the most interesting part - the scrum process.

So, at the beginning of the battle, the opponents stand on the line of the starting position, sideways to each other. In this case, one leg crosses the line. The weapon is pointed at the enemy, and the free hand is placed behind the back. The fight begins and ends when the referee gives the appropriate command. However, the end of the bout can also occur if a signal sounds indicating that the round's time has expired.

Traditionally, judging is carried out in French. Before the start of the fight, the referee gives the command “An guard!”, which translates as “For battle!” He then asks the athletes, “Hey woo pre?” to see if they are ready. When both fencers respond, the judge gives the command “Hello!” If he needs to stop the fight, he says the word “Alt!”, which translates as “Stop!” When awarding points to one or another fighter, the judge says: “A druat”, “A gosh” or “Ku double”. This means "to the right", "to the left" and "to both" respectively. When registering an invalid kick, the referee says: “Pa conte!” - “Don’t count.” After points are awarded, the opponents return to their original positions and the battle continues. And if the fight was stopped without a hit being awarded, then it resumes at the same place where it stopped.

An individual match is divided into three rounds lasting 1 minute. The break between rounds is also one minute. The winner of the round is the athlete who first scores 15 points or leads the score at the end of the round. If at the end of three rounds the score indicates a draw, an additional fourth round is awarded. However, before it starts, a draw is held to select a winner in case the extra minute doesn't help.

Now let's look at team fencing, the rules of which are slightly different. If the competition is team, then each fencer must fight with each athlete of the opposing team. Since a team consists of three people, a match between two teams includes 9 individual bouts. In this case, the first battle ends when one of the sides scores 5 points, the second - 10 points, and so on up to 45.

The fencer who attacked first receives the status of an attacker, and his opponent, accordingly, receives the status of a defender. When blows/punches are delivered simultaneously, the attacking athlete gains an advantage. Alternately, the priority of the action passes from one fencer to another. If the electronic system recorded a blow/prick, but it was delivered in violation of the priority of the attack, no points are awarded. In case of mutual hits, the referee acts according to the situation. A blow/thrust delivered after the command “Stop!” is counted only if the movement began before the command.

Briefly about technology and battle tactics

Let's look a little deeper into such a fascinating sport as fencing. This is the interaction of blades, which involves a lot of subtle, cunning, precise movements and techniques. This is precisely the main difference between fencing and fights with heavy weapons.

When a direct attack is not possible, the fencer tries to neutralize the oncoming attack and counterattack. And in order to eliminate the threat, you don’t have to dodge; you can parry the blade and immediately strike back.

In fencing important role play deceptive movements. This could be: camouflage, which helps hide the athlete's intentions; feints, which are threatening movements; a challenge that provokes the enemy to take decisive, but not always deliberate, actions, and so on.

Modern fencing, depending on the type of weapon used, has some differences in technique, tactics and rules, due to the history of the origin of the weapon. The saber originated from the blade used by cavalrymen. They fought in horse fights, so slashing blows were delivered above the waist. This fact predetermined the size of the affected surface in sport saber fencing.

The sword, by its origin, is a dueling weapon. The outcome of the duel could be determined by an injection into any part of the body. Therefore, it was extremely important to strike first and at the same time protect from a retaliatory attack. The same principle has carried over to modern fencing.

The rapier was originally created as a training weapon. Therefore, the fighting conditions for rapier players are the most gentle. It is with the rapier that fencing begins. Women once had the right to fight only with rapiers. Since the weapon weighs little, even children can handle it. By the way, we will look at fencing for children a little lower. Such a concept as “tactical correctness” also arose from the needs of a training battle, which was supposed to prepare a person for a real fight.

Fines

If an athlete steps beyond the side line of the fight with at least one foot, he is awarded a penalty of 1 meter. This means that the fight is resumed at a distance of 1 meter from the location of the violation towards the offender. Thus, he has one meter less space to retreat. If the fencer steps behind the back line, the opponent receives one point. This is called a "penalty hit". The following are not allowed in fencing:

1. Running attack.
2. Intentional bodily contact.
3. Pushing the enemy.
4. Turn your back to the enemy.
5. Hitting the floor with a weapon.
6. Any action with your free hand.

Removing the tip from a weapon, attempting to repair it, or performing other actions is prohibited without the permission of the judge. It is also forbidden to leave the field and remove the mask without the appropriate command. For deliberate violations of the rules, athletes receive penalty cards.

A yellow card is given if the fencer is given a warning. If an athlete breaks the rules a second time, he receives a red card. It doesn’t matter here whether he repeated his violation or committed something else. A red card, unlike a yellow card, not only warns, but also punishes through a penalty shot. A black card is given for gross violations of the rules, unsportsmanlike behavior and if the fencer repeats the violation for which he was awarded a red card. A black card means disqualification.

Olympics

Fencing has long been an integral part of Olympic Games. At the modern Olympics, the country is represented by 18 athletes, two of whom are reserves. The team includes both men and women. The Olympic program includes individual and team competitions in all three types of weapons that modern fencing allows. Women, just like men, can fight with swords, rapiers and sabers. The program includes 10 numbers, 6 of which are personal and 4 team ones. At the last Olympics in Rio, Russian fans watched the fencing with pride. The men won two awards, and the women won 3 gold, one silver and one bronze. In the overall medal standings, the Russian fencing team was in first place.

Children's fencing

Fencing for children today is no less developed than other sports. The section usually accepts children from 9 years old. In good schools they are taught not only techniques and combat tactics, but also tolerance towards the enemy. Everyone has a decent fencing section. big city. Without this, fencing sparring would turn into a simple battle with blades.

Fencing is called “chess with muscles” - both here and there it takes a split second to make a decision: you stabbed slightly in the wrong place, didn’t have time to dodge the enemy’s thrust (in fencing), removed your hand from an already moved piece and realized that it was wrong (in chess game) - and here it is, defeat. Everything is here: the ability to calculate the situation at the speed of a computer; taking into account the strengths and weaknesses of an opponent known to you and the ability to impose your style on an opponent unknown; pressure, determination, complete physical and psychological readiness specifically for today’s battle, courage.

Fencing is over long haul in its development and chose to today out of many, three types of bladed weapons - rapier, saber, sword.

The fencer's weapon is a flexible steel blade with a tip on the edge, installed for the safety of the competitors; guard - a round metal shield or metal bow with a soft gasket, attached to the handle and used to protect the hand from an opponent’s blow.

The competition rules for each of these three types of weapons provide different sizes surface struck by the blade. Let's consider.

Rapier– the lightest and most flexible piercing sporting weapon, were once used exclusively for training. The rapier blade has a tetrahedral cross-section, which becomes thinner towards the end, the length should not exceed 90 centimeters, and the diameter of the guard should be from 9.5 to 12 centimeters. The length of the rapier in the assembled position does not exceed 110 centimeters, the weight does not exceed 500 grams.

The rules provide for touching the opponent's body with the tip.

Sword- Another piercing weapon, but longer (20 cm) and heavier (200 g) than the rapier. The blade is double-edged, the blade is triangular. The diameter of the guard is 13.5 cm. For epee fencers, injections are applied to almost the entire body from head to toe (torso, arms, legs, head). The sword is called a dueling weapon.

Epee fencing is one of the components of modern pentathlon.

Saber– a chopping or cutting-stabbing weapon with a triangular blade 88 cm long. The total length of the saber is 105 centimeters, weight 500 grams. Most widespread among nomads Central Asia. There are about 15 types of sabers with names based on geography (Khevsur, Afghan, Persian, etc.). In the Russian army at the end of the 19th century it was replaced by the saber. Strikes only above the belt.

The main goal of a fencing sport competition is to inflict a thrust on the opponent and avoid the thrust yourself. The winner is the one who is the first to inflict on the opponent the number of injections provided for by the rules or inflict more of them in a set period of time. Fights are held one on one. Fencers operate on a special track made of electrically conductive material 1.5-2 m wide and 14 m long, which is separated from the fixing shot or blow of the device. The fixing apparatus is connected by wires to the fencer's weapon and clothing. When the athlete gives an injection, the lamps light up different color. When an athlete injects an opponent, the lamp on his side lights up.

In fencing rapiers and sabers Only those injections that are applied to the affected surface are counted. Such injections are called valid. Valid injections are indicated by a red or green lamp, and invalid ones by a white lamp. If the colored and white lamps light up at the same time, this indicates that an invalid hit was made first, in which case the valid one is not counted.

In fencing swords Only color signals are used. All inflicted injections are considered valid, therefore each injection is counted. If the lamps light up on both sides at the same time, it means that each athlete gets an injection.

Fencing appeared in the most ancient times - it was a method of defense. In Japan, China, in Ancient Egypt the fencing weapon was bamboo sticks, later a special handle was added to them to protect the hand; They even came up with some kind of mask - a roller that protects the eyes. IN Ancient Greece and in Ancient Rome, where they loved all kinds of performances, fencing became a spectacular art. In the Middle Ages, fencing was an element of the education of a male warrior, knight and nobleman.

The first books on the history of fencing (with epee and rapier) were published more than 500 years ago, in Spain. The first fencing textbooks were created by the Italians in the 16th century.

As a sport, fencing emerged in the 19th century and was especially popular in France, Italy, Austria-Hungary and Germany.

At the modern Olympic Games, revived by Pierre de Coubertin in 1896, competitions were held in 9 disciplines, and fencing was one of them. At that time, individual championships in foils and sabers were held exclusively among men. However, women were not allowed to participate in the Olympics at all; they were allowed to do so only in 1924, and until 1996 they competed only with the lightest weapons - foils. The men's sword appeared at the 1900 Olympic Games in Paris, and the women's sword appeared almost 100 years later, at the 1996 Games in Atlanta.

In Russia, “rapier science” was introduced by Peter I. He made fencing compulsory for courtiers, and introduced it into the training program in military and civilian educational institutions.

In 1816, a fencing school first appeared in St. Petersburg. Instructors and teachers were trained there. And in 1855 - the fencing and gymnastics hall of the Separate Guards Corps. This is how the first Russian sports fencing society arose.

Russian fencers first participated in the Olympic Games only in 1912. These Stockholm Games were not very successful for them: not a single first place. Oh, how ashamed I was in front of Him Imperial Majesty! And then Russia took up fencing more seriously: in 1913 and 1914, All-Russian Olympics, then the first women's fencing championship (foil)...

Fencing in the USSR. In 1918, Soviet gymnastics and fencing courses for army command and rank and file and a military gymnastics and fencing school in Petrograd were first founded. The Main Military School dates back to 1919. physical education workers in Moscow. In the early 20s of the last century, the first circles for fencing fans appeared. It was then that fencing competitions of various sizes began to be held, and the first All-Union fencing section was created.

In 1935, the northern capital finally appeared fencing sports school for children. Soon the number of schools began to actively grow and fencing schools began to open in Kharkov, Moscow, Rostov and many other cities.

At the same time, the first meetings of Soviet fencers with athletes from other countries took place. But at the Olympic Games, Soviet fencers won their first medals (two bronze) only in 1956 at the Olympic Games in Melbourne. But at the next Games, in Rome, our athletes began counting down the gold medals. They were the best in personal ( Viktor Zhdanovich, foil), and in team championships. At the Moscow Olympic Games in 1980, the saber fencer won gold medals Victor Krovopuskov and rapierist Vladimir Smirnov. In addition, another 30 fencers became winners of the Olympic Games, performing in the team championship.

Bloodletters Over the years of his sports career, he became a two-time military Olympic champion in individual and team championships. In 1979, he was recognized as the best saber fencer in the world by the International Fencing Federation.

At the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, where Russia competed as an independent team for the first time after the collapse of the USSR, our fencers won a record number of medals - 4. We had never won like that before! There's a saber fencer there Stanislav Pozdnyakov won gold in both the individual and team championships.

Pozdnyakov is the second Russian four-time Olympic champion after Viktor Sidyak, as well as an 11-time world champion, 13-time European champion, five-time World Cup winner, and five-time Russian champion (in individual competitions). Currently the senior coach of the Russian national fencing team (all types of weapons).

Two more names of saber fencers.

Alexey Yakimenko(born in 1983) - bronze medalist of Athens 2004 (team championship), participant in three Olympics (except Athens - Beijing and London), five-time world champion, three-time World Cup winner, ten-time European champion. After an unsuccessful performance in London, he thought about ending his fencing career (“Losing is always difficult for any athlete, and it’s doubly hard when you know that you could win”), but changed his mind: “We need to move progressively toward the next Olympics: from one tournament to to another, and during this time simply enjoy what you love. I've done a lot in 21 years. I never gave up - neither after injuries, nor after defeats, nor after reproaches addressed to me, and always went towards my goal. I plan to continue in the same way.” D'Artagnan?!

Fencing represents a sport that combines three disciplines: foil, epee, saber.

Competitions for men are held in three types of weapons - foil, saber, epee, for women - foil and epee. The contact of the weapon with the opponent's target surface is determined by the referee and with the help of an electrical clamp.

A sports rapier with a total length of up to 110 cm and a weight of up to 500 g, the hand is protected by a round guard with a diameter of 12 cm.

Sports saber up to 105 cm long, weighing up to 500 g, steel elastic blade of trapezoidal variable cross-section with a guard protecting the hand.

A sports sword with a total length of no more than 110 cm and a weight of up to 770 g, a piercing weapon with a flexible steel blade of triangular cross-section, the hand is protected by a guard with a diameter of 13.5 cm.

In fights with rapiers, injections are allowed only in the torso, in swords - in all parts of the body, except for the back of the head, which is not protected by a mask, in sabers - injections (or blows) in all parts of the body above the waist. Fights are held on a fencing track 14 m long and 1.8 - 2 m wide.

Athletes perform in light protective jackets covered with metallized fabric (rapier, saber), masks with a metal mesh and a glove on their armed hand.

In addition, fencing is usually divided into types:

1. Combat fencing is an art of mastery various types hand bladed weapons. So to speak, the practical part of preparing a real warrior for a real battle;

2. Sports fencing is, as the name suggests, a sport in which European and World Championships are held today. Also, sport fencing is included in the program of the Olympic Games;

3. Artistic fencing is a type of sport fencing. The main goal of the athletes is to present both spectators and judges with a believable fight using real bladed weapons;

4. Historical fencing is based on the use of ancient techniques and combat tactics. Also, athletes participating in a historical fencing match wear ancient equipment, costumes and take copies of weapons of skilled craftsmen of the past;

5. Stage fencing - this type of fencing is aimed at a spectacular demonstration of how to wield hand-held bladed weapons. Stage fencing is a discipline in many theater schools.

Fencing originated in Spain back in the 15th century. It was there that it gained the greatest popularity. In 1567, the Fencing Academy was created by King Charles IX. If we turn to the cultural side of the issue, it is hard to miss such a nuance as the motto of fencing. It was formed back in 1650, when Moliere said the following words: “Fencing is the art of delivering blows without receiving them.”

Over time, in addition to Spain, other countries began to participate in the life and development of fencing. For example, in 1765, the French proposed using special fencing masks in battle to increase the safety of this sport.

The first Olympic Games, which, as is known, were held in Athens, included this sport in their program. Therefore, it should not be surprising that fencing has become so popular throughout the world.

In 1913, the International Fencing Federation was created, which began to approve general rules and activities related to the popularization of this sport. Since 1906, European fencing championships began to be held, and since 1937, world championships.

As for the rules, in fact, the main part of them was formed in the Middle Ages. Today, however, as before, the main goal of every athlete (fencer) is to inflict an injection with a cold weapon on his opponent, and, of course, try to avoid this injection himself. The one who inflicts the most shots on his enemy wins.

As in other sports, fencing combat is controlled and judged by a sports judge. The device, which was mentioned a little higher, uses lamps to record the injections inflicted by the fighters. How does this happen? Everything is extremely simple: electrical circuits are found both in the clothes and weapons of fencers. So these circuits are connected to a device that registers injections.

The International Fencing Federation FIE was founded in 1913 and unites about 100 national federations.

History of fencing

Fencing shield "boche", early 16th century. Hermitage, St. Petersburg

Combat fencing is, first of all, the art of wielding combat edged weapons: a sword, epee, knife, axe, etc. Fencing was taught to both legionnaire recruits and gladiators in Ancient Rome. In Ancient Greece, fencing was one of the main disciplines for children of citizens, from the very beginning younger age(from 7-9 years old). In the Middle Ages, fencing was one of the main disciplines of the noble knight. Initially, when fencing with combat swords, which were long thin swords with a complex guard, shields were used, and then daggers. Only in our time has fencing turned from a martial art into a sport.

Types of fencing

• Combat fencing- the art of wielding hand-held bladed weapons, practical training of a warrior for real combat.
• Sports fencing- kind of sport .
  • Artistic fencing- a type of sports fencing, the purpose of which is to show spectators and judges a believable duel with edged weapons.
• Historical fencing- using ancient equipment and battle tactics, copies ancient weapons, equipment and costumes.
• Paralympic fencing- fencing in wheelchairs.
• Stage fencing- fencing aimed at a spectacular display of weapon possession. It is taught as a discipline in theater schools.

Modern sport fencing

Sports fencing

The main goal of a sports competition is to inject an injection into the opponent and, accordingly, avoid an injection yourself. Victory is awarded to the one who is the first to inflict a certain number of injections on the opponent in accordance with the rules or inflict more such injections in a set period of time. Even in team competitions, battles are one-on-one. A fight between two fencers using any type of weapon is held on a special track, 1.5 - 2 m wide and 14 m long, made of electrically conductive material, which is isolated from the apparatus that registers injections or blows.

The fight is managed and judged by a sports judge. Pricks and blows inflicted by fencers are recorded by lamps on electrical apparatus. They are fixed on the basis electrical diagram, passing through the fencer's weapon and his clothing, connected to the apparatus by a wire system. The referee evaluates blows and thrusts based on the readings of the recording device, taking into account the rules of combat in each type of fencing. Fights in types of weapons have their own specific rules that allow thrusts and strikes to be counted or declared invalid. Also in sports fencing you can perform (take) defenses.

• foil fencing,
• sword fencing,
• saber fencing,
• artistic fencing (art fencing),
• fencing with canes,
• fencing with carabiners,
• heavy fencing bladed weapons(historical).

As a rule, the judge gives commands during the competition in French. The following commands are distinguished:

• An guard (French) En guard, To fight) Signal of preparation for the competition.
• Et-woo pre? (fr. Êtes-vous prêt?, You are ready?) The judge asks a question to both participants before the start of the fight.
• Hello! (fr. Allez!, Get started!) Signal to start the battle.
• Alto! (fr. Halte!, Stop!) Stopping the fight.
• A droy (fr. A droit, Right). The hit is awarded to the fencer on the right.
• A gauche (French) A gauche, Left). The hit is awarded to the fencer on the left.
• Pa conte! (fr. Pas conter!, Don't count). The shot is not awarded to anyone.

Fencing is included in the program of the Olympic Games. There are also world fencing championships, and since 1981 European championships, as well as national championships.

Fencing with foils

Rapier from the first half of the 17th century.

Rapier sports - a piercing weapon with a tetrahedral blade with a length of 90 to 110 cm and a weight of 500 g, the hand is protected by a round guard with a diameter of 12 cm.

Men and women compete in foils in separate tournaments. The spring in the tip of the rapier is adjusted to a pressure of 500 g. In addition, the device that records the injections does not register touches lasting less than 0.025 seconds. The device records other injections. Only injections made into a metallized jacket (electric jacket) are counted as valid.

The affected surface on the fencer is covered with a metallized jacket, the injection into which is registered by a colored lamp on the device. Injections in areas not covered by a metallic jacket are recorded with a white lamp and are considered invalid.

A fencing match takes place on a fencing track. Crossing the border by a fighter behind his back is punishable by a penalty hit. When the fighters leave the side boundaries of the track, the fight stops, and the injections inflicted after this are canceled.

Fighting in rapier fencing was formed on the basis historical development edged weapons. Martial arts determined the need to prick and wound the enemy. At the same time, it was important to avoid getting an injection. Since initially the rapier was mainly used in fencing training and it was important to teach the fencer not only to attack, but also to defend, the teacher set the conditions for the fight. Therefore, the basic modern rule determines that an enemy attack must be repelled before a retaliatory action is initiated (the rightness of the attack). The priority of the action passes from one fencer to another after an active action on the opponent’s weapon with his weapon (right of defense). The advantage is determined by the arbitrator. It stops the action when the device registering the injections signals that they have been applied. Then, based on the readings of the machine, the referee awards the injection or cancels it. Then the fight continues.

In fencing, body collisions between fighters are prohibited; the person responsible for the collision is given a warning; a repeated collision is punishable by a penalty hit. In addition, the battle stops if its participants are behind each other.

Currently, in order to improve the quality of refereeing, the judge can use video replay to make a decision. Also, each fighter can request a review of the judge’s decision using video replay.

Fencing with swords

Sword sports - a piercing weapon, 110 cm long and weighing up to 770 g, a flexible steel blade with a triangular cross-section, the hand is protected by a round guard with a diameter of 13.5 cm.

In sword fighting, men and women compete in separate tournaments. The tip needs at least 750 g of pressure on it to activate the recording apparatus. Injections are applied to all parts of the athlete’s body, except the back of the head. The weapon and the fencing track are isolated from the apparatus, and the injection is not registered in them.

In epee fencing there is no priority of actions. The device records only the injection that was delivered before the other by at least 0.04 s. At the same time, the hits made are mutually registered and awarded to both fencers. Only the last injections in the fight, if the score is equal, need to be repeated.

Saber fencing

1. Simplified competitions without protective equipment. Competitions can be held both on models of carbines and machine guns, and on small poles and sticks.
2. A more complicated sports version - the rules that existed previously and are now adopted by the WFRBI. Equipment: the bayonet is replaced by a soft tennis ball on the barrel of a carbine, masks with a visor, a breastplate, a groin bandage and protective gloves on the hands.

Fencing with canes

In the city, Master Coudray defined fencing as the art of using hand weapons for attack and defense. A cane is also a weapon of the hand. Practicing it is similar to the basic rules of fencing.

In the sports version of cane fencing, two fighters in protective equipment (mask, breastplate, gloves, leg guards), armed with smooth wooden sticks 95 cm long and weighing 125-140 grams, fight in a circle with a diameter of 6 m. The fencing match lasts 2 minutes. . During this time, it is necessary to inflict on each other as many stabbing and chopping blows with a cane as possible to any part of the body. The cane is held with a direct grip, the second hand is placed behind the back.

Historical fencing

Currently, unofficial sports competitions in fencing with heavy bladed weapons (in particular, swords) are appearing and gaining popularity. Every year this type of fencing becomes more and more famous thanks to enthusiasts who are interested in historical reconstruction. As a rule, reenactors and fans of this type of fencing use one- or two-handed swords weighing from 1200 g to 4-5 kg. A variety of armor serves as protection: chain mail, brigantines, plate armor, etc. historical (or stylized for a specific historical era) Remedies. Conducting competitions this species fencing rests on the enthusiasm of participants in several historical and social movements, does not have clear uniform rules and is in its infancy. Participation in such competitions is more dangerous compared to official types of fencing, since the fights are full contact.

Fencing with heavy bladed weapons also includes buhurt battles (5x5, 21x21) - mass battles following the example of medieval tournaments, where, in addition to singles, group battles were also held. The unusual thing about this sport is that to achieve victory a team needs a combination physical strength athletes, will, agility, team tactics and strategy and intelligence of each athlete. Competitions in this category are held according to uniform rules throughout Russia.

Paralympic fencing

Paralympic fencing has a long history. Back in 1780, Dr. Tissot (France) developed a technique, which he described in a book entitled “Medical surgical gymnastics in the hygienic aspect. Exercises with weapons." And in 1895, the Frenchman Celestine Lecomte developed a theory according to which fencing has a great healing effect. He described fifteen diseases cured by this sport.

Modern history of Paralympic fencing, or, as it is also called, fencing in wheelchairs(from English wheelchair fencing) dates back to the 50s of the last century, when Sir Ludwig Hathmann proposed the idea of ​​this sports discipline. In those years, the first official competitions in this sport were held.

In 1960, fencing was included in the program of the first Paralympic Games in Rome. Since then, European and World Championships have been regularly held among Paralympians, and World Cups have been played. And if in 1960 in Rome, Paralympic fencers competed in three types: in individual and team saber competitions among men and in individual foil competitions among women, then in 2004, at the Paralympic Games in Athens, they played a total of 15 sets of awards in categories “A” and “B” (representatives of category “C” do not participate in the Games). Both men and women compete in individual and team championships in foil and epee; saber competitions are held only among men. Team competitions are open in nature - both representatives of category “A” and athletes belonging to category “B” can participate in them.

With the development of appropriate technology, the rules of competitions also changed. Unlike classical fencing, here the battle is fought in a static position on a 4-meter long track, while the wheelchairs are fixed in place using special metal structures. According to the rules, the one of the participants in the fight who has the shorter arms chooses the distance at which the fight will take place. During the fight, the fencer must hold onto the chair with his free hand. The rules also prohibit sitting up in the chair or lifting your legs off the footrest.

For foil and saber fencers, the affected surface is the same as in “regular” fencing; for epee fencers, the entire body above the waist is affected. Hits are recorded using an electrical recorder. An injection into the target surface earns a point.

Belonging to one category or another is determined by the nature of the disease and the associated degree of mobility of the athlete:

Before competitions, Paralympians are required to undergo a medical examination.

In Russia, Paralympic fencing began to develop in 2005. In February, at a meeting of the executive committee of the Russian Fencing Federation (RFF), the FRF commission for Paralympic fencing was created, headed by Elena Belkina. In September, a group of 12 people was formed at MGSGI from among 1st-3rd year students to practice Paralympic fencing. Already at the end of the month, this group, under the leadership of E. Belkina herself and the young coach Ekaterina Voinova, began training. At the same time, a Paralympic fencing section of 10 people was created in Ufa, which works under the supervision of coach Farit Arslanov.

Notes

see also

• Degagé

Literature

• Arkadyev V. A. Fencing. - M.: FiS, 1959.
• Babenko O. B. Slaying blades. From the history of fencing in the city on the Neva. - St. Petersburg, 1996.
• Castle E. Schools and fencing masters. The noble art of wielding a blade. - M.: ZAO Tsentrpoligraf, 2007.
• Leitman L. G., Ponomareva A. M., Rodionov A. V. Fencing for young people. - M.: FiS, 1967.
• Kruglov A. N. Fencing in Western Europe and Japan: spiritual and philosophical foundations. - M.: NIPKTs "Voskhod-A", 2000.
• Mishenev S.V. History of European fencing. - Rostov n/d.: Phoenix, 2004.
• Hutton A. The Sword through the Centuries. The art of wielding weapons. - M.: ZAO Tsentrpoligraf, 2005.
• Hutton A. Edged weapons of Europe. Techniques of great fencing masters. - M.: ZAO Tsentrpoligraf, 2007.
• Amberger, Johann Christoph (1999). The Secret History of the Sword. Burbank: Multi-Media. ISBN 1-892515-04-0
• Evangelista, Nick (1996). The Art and Science of Fencing. Indianapolis: Masters Press. ISBN 1-57028-075-4

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