Fencing, a sport dating back to ancient times and first appeared in the Olympic Games in Greece in 1896. In a 14-meter strip, two athletes compete with swords in hand to score points. The gameplay and target area for the weapons vary by discipline. Players wear thick white protective clothing and masks. Points are determined by a special cable connected to the weapon and a specific system inside the clothing.
The METU Fencing Team is one of the oldest sports teams at our school and the first and largest university fencing team in Turkey. The METU Fencing Team leads the way in making fencing accessible in Turkey by providing equipment and training to its athletes.
Epe is a fencing discipline where points can be scored from all parts of the body with the tip of the weapon, and there is no attacking advantage. The first player to make contact with the tip of their weapon scores the point. If both players make contact simultaneously and the time difference between them is less than 40 milliseconds, both players score the point. Epe swords weigh a maximum of 770 grams and have a total length of 110 centimeters.
Foil is a fencing discipline where points can only be scored from the opponent's torso with the tip of the weapon. Attention is paid to the advantage of attack during the match, and the point is awarded to the player who is faster or deflects the attack of the faster player and counterattacks. Foil swords weigh a maximum of 500 grams and have a total length of 110 centimeters.
Sabre is a fencing discipline where points can be scored from any part of the opponent's upper body with any part of the weapon. The advantage of attack applies in this discipline as well. Sabre swords are shorter and weigh a maximum of 500 grams compared to other disciplines. Special equipment is used to define the target area, similar to the foil discipline.
The METU Fencing Team will organize demonstration matches at the Devrim Stadium on May 4/5. Afterwards, you can visit our stand set up in front of the Grand Sports Hall tennis courts to learn more about the team and experience fencing.
For more information about fencing, you can visit the following links:
Foil Introduction: https://youtu.be/g-P_q5gdvRM?si=nR33lRuushW7LlMy
Epe Introduction: https://youtu.be/88mBQ2u2Wb0?si=Tw0FCYAnXPp6O6RR
Sabre Introduction: https://youtu.be/4ipiJFlU_Dg?si=bGXqpEQc_D3Li9Xc
