Most practitioners go completely unrecognized by a factor where they are unable to difference between “Fencing “ and “Sword Fighting” in which they struggle to revive the lost fighting arts of Medieval and Renaissance Europe. Knowing the difference between fencing and sword fighting shapes the practice of the fencers.
The focus of sword fighting is more on economy of action in an environment and efficiency where skill-at-arms meant life or death. Techniques such as the German Long sword style concentrates on the harness of Bio-mechanical motions and is not concerned with delicate movements and subtleties. The weapons used in Sword fight encompassed Long Swords, Rapiers, Daggers and Short swords.
While practicing using Long Sword weapon, the fencers learned a lot of self-control and self-discipline since the combat with long sword is very direct and versatile. The Rapier which reached its peak in Italy during 17th century was practiced using methods researched from masters such as Francesco Alfieri and remained unchanged till 19th century. They are equipped with a safety tip and are designed to ‘give’ on contact with the target. The Daggers were primarily used to parry an attack while using the rapier. Though many varieties of parrying daggers existed, the ones with a simple cross guard and protective ring and a ‘sail’ guard were commonly used. The short sword had the Italian and French model. While the French short sword focused more on the elegance of execution of techniques. and is practiced from techniques based on the teachings of masters like Domenico Angelo and Monseir L`Abbat, the Italian version was like a smaller version of cup hilt rapier with the blade longer and heavier than French short sword. This was practiced using techniques based upon the teachings of Rosaroll Scorza and Pietro Grisetti.
Fencing, called as the skill of the Salle d`armes or sporting arena in more concerned with the techniques, precision and the “conversation” of the fight with the focus more on competition and play. The technique used in fencing is generally more subtle and relies to a greater extent on fine motor skills.
It is not that one class is superior to other, but they have different goals.
While bouting, the two styles should not me mixed as they are fundamentally incompatible. Mixing of styles will lead a fencer only to fear and loathing, which is something that is be avoided in a community.
Fencing is perhaps the complete union of thought and action that has ever evolved as a sport and it does have the odds of sustaining anything more than a short-lived bruise (provided the proper equipment is worn and the behavior is kept civil) which is extremely low. Besides, the sport provides excellent cardio vascular exercise. There is a great deal of emphasis that is placed on rapid, precise footwork as well as the blade movement. As time progresses, fencers can also see some general improvement in the hand-eye coordination, overall speed, balance, reaction times, discipline and concentration.
Shaashi 