JAGUAR FENCERS

Foil

Foil fencing, as we know it, began in the mid-1600s. Prior to that, a "foil" was any sword which had been rendered safe for practice by blunting the tip and flattening the edge. The modern foil of the 17th Century was created as a training device, for those who felt a need to keep their swordsmanship in top form, in the event they might have to fight a duel. The foil was made as a practice device for those who would be dueling with a smallsword, which had no edge, but a needle sharp point. Duels of this age were generally fought to the death.

 

As a result of this heritage, in foil fencing, one can only score a point by thrusting with the point. No score is made by hitting with the side of the blade (since the smallsword had no edge). Additionally the touch must be made to the torso. No score is given for a hit to the arms or legs (since those would not incapacitate an opponent) nor to a hit to the head (since fencing masks had  not yet been invented).