Frequently Asked Questions 

How long does a fencing match last?

A fencing match lasts six minutes of actual fencing time and is played until one fencer scores five points or until time runs out. In the case of a tie, play continues until a tie-breaking point is scored.

How does a scoring box work?

The scoring box determines valid hits. There are three main lights which show the location of a hit on a fencer. The white light illuminates when an off target hit happens. The green light signifies that the fencer on the judge's left hand side has made a valid hit. The red light means that the fencer on the judge's right hand made a valid hit.

What is the best weapon for a beginner fencer?

The foil is the first weapon taught to beginner fencers because its skills translate most easily to the other weapons.

How does a fencer achieve a guard parry, flank parry and a head parry?

The guard parry is achieved by having your arm in on guard position with the knuckle guard facing outward and the blade positioned 45 degrees from your hand. This is the parry to use when in on guard position. In the flank parry, a fencer begins with a guard parry and then bends the hand at the wrist and the arm at the elbow. The arm should be across the body. A fencer makes the head parry by raising the weapon hand bent at the elbow with the blade right above the head approximately one foot in front of the face.

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