About Louisville Fencing Center
Legacy of Fencing
Fencing is one of only four sports that have been included in every Olympic Games since their inception. Often referred to as "physical chess," fencing is a sport that challenges both the body and the mind, combining intense physical exercise with strategic thinking.
Originally an ancient practice, Olympic fencing has evolved to blend classical combat techniques with modern technology. For centuries, it was a staple of traditional European schools in countries like France, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Russia. In recent years, the sport has gained significant popularity in the United States. The U.S. Fencing Team made history by winning medals at the 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Olympic Games. The sport even caught the attention of President Obama, who fenced at the White House with U.S. Olympian Tim Morehouse.
Kentucky fencer Lee Kiefer made history in 2020 by winning a gold medal in women's foil, becoming the first American, male or female, to achieve this feat in Olympic individual foil. She continued her success at the 2024 Paris Olympics, securing another gold in Women’s Foil and leading the U.S. Women’s Foil Team to a gold medal victory.
About Louisville Fencing Center
Benefits of Fencing
At Louisville Fencing Center, we have been providing high-quality fencing services for over 10 years. Our team of experienced professionals has built a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship and customer service.
The Three Disciplines
Foil
Saber
Saber
A thrusting sword, like the epée, with a flexible rectangular blade, weighing less than one pound (16 ounces) and with a smaller guard.
Scoring & Target
The valid target area is the torso, from the shoulders to the groin, front and back. It does not include the arms, neck, head or legs. Touches are scored similar to epée by using the tip o
A thrusting sword, like the epée, with a flexible rectangular blade, weighing less than one pound (16 ounces) and with a smaller guard.
Scoring & Target
The valid target area is the torso, from the shoulders to the groin, front and back. It does not include the arms, neck, head or legs. Touches are scored similar to epée by using the tip of the blade.
Equipment
Like epée, the foil is connected by a body cord to the scoring machine. Additionally a metallic vest, called a lamé, which covers the target area, so that a valid touch will register on the scoring machine, and an electric fencing mask is being used.
Saber
Saber
Saber
The modern version of the slashing cavalry sword, similar in length and weight to the foil. The guard curves over the handle to protect the fist.
Scoring & Target
Saber is a “thrusting” weapon as well as a “cutting” weapon (using the tip as well as the side of the blade). The target area is from the waist line up, including the arms, to th
The modern version of the slashing cavalry sword, similar in length and weight to the foil. The guard curves over the handle to protect the fist.
Scoring & Target
Saber is a “thrusting” weapon as well as a “cutting” weapon (using the tip as well as the side of the blade). The target area is from the waist line up, including the arms, to the top of the head, simulating the cavalry rider on a horse.
Equipment
The saber fencer’s uniform includes a sleeved metallic jacket (lamé) on top of the regular one, which covers the target area to register valid touches on the scoring machine. The mask is different from foil and epée with an entire metallic covering, since the head is a valid target area, too. In addition to a body cord, a mask clip is used to connect the metallic mask to the jacket and continue the electric circuit to the scoring machine.
Epee
Saber
Epee
The descendant of the dueling sword, epée is the heaviest of the three weapons, weighing approximately 27 ounces. It has a larger bell shaped guard and a much stiffer blade.
Scoring & Target
Touches are scored with the tip of the blade anywhere on the opponent’s body, from the top of the head to the tip of the toe. In epée the fencing stri
The descendant of the dueling sword, epée is the heaviest of the three weapons, weighing approximately 27 ounces. It has a larger bell shaped guard and a much stiffer blade.
Scoring & Target
Touches are scored with the tip of the blade anywhere on the opponent’s body, from the top of the head to the tip of the toe. In epée the fencing strip (area where a fencing bout takes place) is metallic in order to prove when the blade touches the ground instead of the opponent (invalid point).
Equipment
In addition to the regular protective gear, épée fencers use an electric body cord that connects the weapon to the scoring machine.