About Fencing
A modern Olympic sport with ancient roots
Fencing is a modern Olympic sport derived from the art of sword fighting. Combining lightning-fast reflexes, tactical thinking, and physical agility, fencing has been called "physical chess." It has been part of every modern Olympic Games since 1896 and continues to grow in popularity worldwide.
The Three Weapons
Epee
The heaviest of the three weapons, epee rewards patience and precision. Since the entire body is a valid target and there are no priority rules, epee is often considered the most strategic weapon. A double touch awards a point to each fencer.
Foil
The lightest and most traditional weapon, foil teaches the fundamentals of attack and defense. Only the torso is a valid target, and "right of way" rules determine which fencer scores when both hit — the fencer who initiated the attack has priority.
Sabre
The fastest and most explosive weapon, sabre allows both cutting (slashing) and thrusting actions. The valid target area is everything above the waist including arms and head. Like foil, sabre uses right-of-way rules, but the action is typically much faster.
One of the Safest Olympic Sports
Despite what movies might suggest, fencing is among the safest Olympic sports. Modern fencing equipment is rigorously tested and regulated. Masks, jackets, gloves, and plastrons provide multiple layers of protection.
- Protective masks withstand 12 kg of force (FIE standard)
- Jackets rated to 800 Newtons of puncture resistance
- Lower injury rates than basketball, soccer, or gymnastics
- Blades are flexible and tipped — designed to bend, not break
All Shapes, Sizes, and Abilities
Fencing is one of the most inclusive sports in the world. Tall or short, young or old, left-handed or right-handed — every body type brings unique advantages on the strip. Wheelchair fencing has been a Paralympic sport since 1960, and adaptive fencing programs continue to expand worldwide.
At Hooked on Fencing, we welcome everyone. Our group classes start at age 9, and we compete all the way through the veteran (50+) divisions. Younger children may be considered on a case-by-case basis — contact us to inquire.
Why We Focus on Epee
While we teach all three weapons, Hooked on Fencing is known as an epee club — and for good reason. Epee is the purest test of fencing: the entire body is a valid target, there are no right-of-way rules, and a simultaneous hit scores a point for both fencers.
- No priority rules — skill and timing decide every point
- Full-body target — rewards patience, precision, and creativity
- Most strategic weapon — often called "chess with swords"
- Olympic & NCAA — a clear pathway to competitive and collegiate fencing
Why not all three weapons? A club that offers foil, sabre, and epee ends up with three small groups that rarely practice together. Every open fencing session becomes fragmented — foil fencers can only fence foil fencers, sabre fencers can only fence sabre fencers. By focusing on epee, every single member at HoF is your training partner. Our coaches specialize deeply instead of spreading thin, and the competitive environment at every practice is as strong as it gets.
Where Fencing Can Take You
Whether you want to stay fit or fence for Ohio State, there's a path here for you.
Recreation & Fitness
Join our group classes for a fun, full-body workout. Meet new people, learn a real skill, and get in shape — no prior experience needed.
Local & Regional Competition
Ready to test your skills? We host the Iron Knight Tournament and compete in regional USFA events throughout the year.
National Competition
Our members have earned 95+ national medals. With dedicated training and private lessons, competing at nationals is a realistic goal.
College & Beyond
20+ HoF athletes have gone on to fence in NCAA programs — Ohio State, Notre Dame, Northwestern, Duke, Air Force, Cleveland State, and more. Being a competitive fencer can open doors at colleges that might otherwise be out of reach.
Ready to Try?
Get started today — no experience necessary. We provide all the equipment.
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