Fencing Safety
Is Fencing Safe?
We get it — we’re parents, too. Rest assured — our Maestros’ own mother was an accomplished fencer, and helped introduce her sons to the sport.
That’s because fencing is a very safe sport. In fact, fencers experience far fewer injuries than athletes in other Olympic Sports, including basketball, soccer, tennis & swimming.
Did you know that modern fencing is also one of the safest sports among the martial arts? Fencing’s protective gear includes leather gloves, masks (which must meet international strength standards), and uniforms made of Kevlar (the same stuff used to make bulletproof vests). All weapons are made of flexible blades with blunted, covered tips.
What Makes Fencing So Safe?
Extremely strict safety rules.
Equipment innovations over the past century in weapons + protective gear.
1. Strict Rules
Fencing etiquette follows a very strict code of conduct. You will see this code followed within any fencing venue — a small local club, a beginning fencing class, private lessons, a regional tournament, or an Olympic match.
Wherever the venue, fencers follow the same imprinted etiquette and behavior of mutual respect for each opponent and identical codes of conduct.
Fencing's etiquette is passed from generation to generation throughout the world, making fencing remarkably safe. (Just as our Maestros have passed their family's fencing etiquette on to their own kids and students.) It's truly part of the beauty of our sport.
This philosophy and approach have been set in stone and codified over the centuries, and continues to be honored today by millions of fencers around the world.
Naturally, GRAFA coaches instill this tradition of etiquette and respect in all of our athletes from their first lesson.
2. Equipment Innovations
Fencers are required to wear protective clothing and masks at all times when training and competing. In the interest of safety (+ market share), fencing gear companies also continually innovating their gear’s safety features through fresh research and design.
Weapons: Unlike the ‘old days’ (Medieval times), modern fencing weapons are not sharp. Our weapons are blunted using either a rubber end on the training weapon, or a button on the electric competition weapon. Additionally, for the last few decades weapons have been made from steel designed to bend to absorb the impact, and will break into half should hard contact occur.
Masks: Every mask is designed and made with strong, meshed steel capable of withstanding tremendous impact. Masks sold in the United States must pass rigorous testing to sustain the minimum required pressure. More expensive FIE-approved masks take the requirements to an even higher level.
Clothing: At all levels, fencers’ protective clothing is always made from a lightweight yet strong, resilient material — typically either ballistic nylon or bullet-proof Kevlar fabric.
As you can see, fencing is extremely safe when equipped with the required attire. Coaches at GRAFA help our students regularly check their fencing gear for any signs of wear and tear, and our fencers follow clear rules regarding using their gear for training and competition.
Does Fencing Hurt?
There’s a reason we call contact with a fencing blade a ‘touch’ — if you’re following good safety and equipment practices, it definitely shouldn’t hurt. Even a good, clean fencing attack hurts no more than a tap on the shoulder.
This is because the blade is designed to flex, absorbing the force of the blade’s touch.
Reckless, aggressive inexperienced fencers who haven’t acquired the feel of their weapon can occasionally deliver somewhat stronger touches. However, fencing is a sport and a martial art — you can expect minor bruises now and again. Wear them as badges of honor; they are never intentional!
The primary source of injury in fencing is from pulled muscles and joints. We always recommend warming up and stretching properly before fencing to minimize such injuries.
Of course, as with any sport, there is always a risk of injury. Fortunately common-sense precautions and realistic training goals are the best prevention tool.
