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Brief History of Fencing
Fencing is an art of the greatest antiquity with centuries of history and
tradition behind it. Probably the first record of fencing occurs in a relief
carving in a temple at Luxor in Upper Egypt, created around 1190 BC. The
fencers are depicted using swords with covered points and wearing masks
remarkably similar to their modern equivalents. Indeed, since long before the
birth of Christ the Persians, Greeks, Romans, Babylonians - in fact all ancient
races, practised swordsmanship according to set rules and movements. These
ancient combats were characterised by the heavy armour worn in battle. So long
as such protection was used, swords remained heavy and cumbersome, used as much
to bludgeon the opponent as cut him and in turn swordsmanship relied more
heavily on aggression and strength than technique and tactics. There is a
certain irony to the fact that the employment of gunpowder weapons from the
early 15th century (that effectively negated armour) sparked the evolution of
sword play as an art. Without the necessity of armour penetration, swords
became lighter and allowed for greater speed and neater blade manipulation. The
Italians were the first to appreciate the superiority of the use of the point
of the sword rather than the edge. They developed lighter weapons and nimbler,
better controlled play. This style spread throughout Europe and by the mid 16th
century was well established as Rapier Fencing. The long Rapier initially
employed was still a relatively clumsy weapon, unsuited to quick defensive
action. In most cases it was used in conjunction with a long knife or cloak
that was used to parry (block) the opponent's attacks. It wasn't until the 17th
century in France that the lighter, shorter Rapier replaced its heavier
counterpart and allowed both attacking and defensive moves to be made with just
the one weapon. This new French school of fencing quickly replaced Rapier
fencing throughout Europe. Fighting at close quarters at such high speed always
involved the danger of injury, even though the weapons were blunted. The
conventions of Fencing were first established as a safety precaution. By
limiting the target and simultaneous attacks the combat became safer and more
defined. Fencing developed as a formalised 'conversation' of attacks, parries
and counter attacks. These conventions remain the basis for Modern fencing to
this day. Throughout this period Duelling remained very popular. Indeed fencing
schools acquired a reputation as promoting Duelling and roguish behaviour and
Edward I prohibited the teaching of fencing to civilians. Swordsmen continued
to be regarded with disfavour until Henry VIII promoted the art and created
governing bodies to co-ordinate its teaching.
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