Swordplay has persisted since antiquity and has, over time, developed into what we now call fencing.

In modern fencing there are three swords, or disciplines: the foil (which has been in existence since the Renaissance and is the classical weapon), the sabre (based upon the cavalry swords of the 19th century) and fencing's new progeny, the epee. Similar to a classical foil, except heavier and with a large bell guard to protect the wrist, the epee is the modern child of fencing. Although ridiculed at its birth, in the 1630s, by the practitioners of foil fencing (after all, the original use of the epee was for street duelling, a far cry from foil's gentlemanly customs), epee has matured to become the most popular fencing discipline in the world.

In the 21st century, fencing has shaken off its image of a pastime for the rich and evolved into an extremely competitive combat sport practised by nations all over the world. Foil, epee and sabre are all practiced at an international level and Great Britain is a rising force in all three weapons.

The rules of epee fencing are simple. Two opponents face off down a 14-metre-long, 1.5 metre-wide strip called the piste. Both competitors have an epee, a thrusting weapon, and are required to hit their opponent in any way possible. The entire body is a target; a favourite attack of many epee fencers is a lightning attack to the foot, for example. The only limitations are that neither competitor may leave the piste or use their back hand in any way. Turning the back is forbidden and body contact is frowned upon.

The result of these modern rules is a blindingly fast fight between two individuals. Because Epee does not use the classic rules of right-of-way (used by foil and sabre, where one must first establish that they are the attacker before scoring a point), it is a mental game as well as a physical one. Neither fencer can allow his or her awareness to slip; a good epee fencer will sense the lapse and use the opening to score a hit.

You will find as you start epee fencing that it requires a great deal of mental fortitude and physical fitness. You will be surprised at how quickly both of these attributes build up as a result of regular fencing! Whether you are a committed athlete looking for a cross-training sport, or simply wish to increase your physical fitness, you will find significant benefits in epee fencing. Your co-ordination and balance will improve hugely. Your anaerobic fitness and reaction speed will increase as you follow the legendary Haverstock warm-ups. Finally, your mental resilience will take great leaps and bounds forward as you learn to think strategically and to push yourself ever further.

Haverstock cultivates and encourages this attitude! Join us for one of the most rewarding mental, physical and emotional challenges you can undertake. We hope to see you on the piste!

(If you're interested in learning about fencing's beginnings, its various forms, psychology or training tips, check out the Further Reading section)