What is the cord in fencing for?

In fencing, a body cord serves as the connection between a fencer and a reel of wire that is part of a system for electrically detecting that the weapon has touched the opponent. There are two types: one for epee, and one for foil and sabre.

What is the difference between foiling and fencing?

The target areas for foil fencing differ from epee and saber fencing, and include the torso (defined from the shoulder to groin), as well as the back of the opponent’s waist. Off-target areas include the hands, feet, head and neck.

How do you test a foil body cord?

To test the two-pronged end, place and hold a conductive object (e.g. a screwdriver) in between both pins. Make sure that the conductive object is in constant contact with both of the pins. Observe the red light on the testing box.

Why is fencing called foil?

The foil was used in France as a training weapon in the middle of the 18th century in order to practice fast and elegant thrust fencing. Fencers blunted the point by wrapping a foil around the blade or fastening a knob on the point (“blossom”, French fleuret).

What is the best body type for fencing?

Unlike most other sports, there is no ideal body type for a fencer.

What makes a good foil fencer?

You must have great endurance, explosive speed, and flexibility. An extra inch on your lunge or a quicker start can make all the difference in a fencing bout! You must be aerobically fit for back-to-back bouts when you advance in Direct Elimination.

Why do fencers bend their foil?

So, why do fencers bend their swords? Rapier flexibility has evolved over the years for one simple reason: Brittle blades don’t win fights. Key fencing moves such as the parry, where you redirect an opponent with your blade, almost require blades to have a level of flexibility to avoid breaking.

Why do fencing swords bend?

To prevent the blade from breaking or causing harm to an opponent, the blade is made to bend upon impact with its target.

Is epee or foil harder?

In epee, a point can be scored anywhere, but points can be more difficult to score because epee swords weigh approximately 27 ounces, whereas foil swords are less than a pound and easier to maneuver. Saber fencers can score with the side of the weapon as well as the tip.

Do fencers have to be flexible?

​For an on looking spectator fencing does not look like a sport which requires a lot of flexibility. Except maybe for a deep lunge. However it’s been shown that flexible fencers are a lot more comfortable and mobile their positions.