What is Fencing?

Fencing is a fun, exciting sport; simple and cheap to start and keeps both your body and brain active!

The sword is one of the oldest of weapons and, as Egyptian frescoes circa 1200BC show, fencing is one of the oldest of sports. The ability to demonstrate speed, skill and dexterity with a sword has always been considered an indication of manliness and throughout 17th and 18th century Europe duelling with rapiers settled 'matters of honour'. 

The 3 weapons of the modern Olympic sport are; foil, sabre and epee.

• Foil is the lightest and traditionally the teaching weapon. You score hits with the point on the trunk of the body above waist. There are conventions that determine who scores the hit.

• Epee is the heavier and traditionally the duelling weapon. You score hits with the point on all parts of the body including arms and legs. There are no conventions; whoever hits first scores.

• Sabre is a cutting weapon and traditionally the cavalry weapon. You score hits with the side of the blade on all areas above waist including arms and head. There are conventions similar to foil.

This modern Olympic sport trains participants to be in peak physical condition as well as being mentally agile. In learning the skills of attacking and defending with either the Foil, Epee or Sabre, fencers develop good co-ordination, balance and flexibility (amongst other things) which makes it an ideal means of keeping fit for all ages and abilities.

Come give fencing a go!

Aberdeen University Fencing Club is one of Scotland's most successful University Fencing Clubs. We have competitors in Foil, Epée and Sabre spanning all abilities, from complete beginners to international athletes. We hope to create an inviting team atmosphere, and help everyone improve, whatever their level.

We train at Aberdeen Sports Village in the Indoor athletics area. All students and faculty as well as experienced non-students can become members, provided they have a Sports Union membership.