Fencing is an elegant sport with a distinguished history. It is one of only five sports to be presented at every modern Olympics dating back to 1896. Contrary to the fact that you are brandishing pointy objects at one another, fencing is actually one of the safest sports in the world due to the quality of equipment and the skill of instruction.

Some call fencing "physical chess" because it exercises and engages both the brain and the body. It is a tremendous cardiovascular workout and also trains stamina, strength and tones muscle. It is one of the few sports where you can enjoy and excel at any age. Many clubs have members over 55 and there are tournaments with fencers well into their 70's. The minimum age, however, is between 8 and 10 depending on the club. The sport is co-ed and there are many scholarship opportunities for fencers entering post secondary education.

Fencing engages the mind like few other sports. It is wonderful for the development of focus, determination and resiliency. It is also lots of fun! ​

There are three different types of blades in fencing: foil, sabre and epee. They each have their own distinct target areas. In fencing you don't seek to "stab" your enemy, but to score points by landing hits or touches to your opponent.

All of the blades give and bend when making contact, ensuring safety. Fencers wear specific equipment that includes masks, jackets, gloves and pants (called breeches). Female fencers wear plastic chest protectors as well. Many clubs loan equipment to beginner students. In foil (the lightest and smallest of the blades), the target area is the torso (think of a vest like area) only. In sabre (think of the classic swashbuckling blade) the target area is anywhere from the waist up including the arms and mask. In epee (the ancestor of the rapier) the target is the entire body.

Modern fencing uses electric scoring machines and officials oversee the matches. Matches can be to 5, 10 or 15 points. Matches have a time limit as well. Tournaments are divided into age categories. Depending on registration genders may fence together or separately. Medals are awarded for first, second, third and fourth place respectively. There are also team events. Fencing in Ontario is overseen by the Ontario Fencing Association and across the country by the Canadian Fencing Federation. ​ ​

If you are more of a visual learner, check out the video below.