Safety

Fencing is one of the safest sports that one can try. In all of the years that the Denver Fencing Center has been in operation, no one has been hurt more than a sprained ankle or ‘tennis’ elbow type of injury.

Question: How can this be since fencing originated from the fact of warfare, duels, and attempting to kill the other man with a sword?

1. Fencing is largely a non-contact sport where points are scored by touching the opponent with the tip or side of the weapon. This tip or side of the sword has been blunted or flattened. The blade themselves are flexible and bend when they hit the fencer. Thus, the blades no longer retain the dangerous qualities of the past in the modern sport.

2. Fencing clothing has been designed with safety in mind. The mask has been designed to withstand a tremendous amount of pressure. The clothing, while lightweight, is strong and resilient. When a fencer wears their mask and proper fencing attire, the fencer will be safe from the blade. The mask and clothing should be checked frequently for any tears or defects. The top national and international competitors in fencing wear clothing made of either ballistic nylon or Kevlar (fabrics used in bulletproof vests), to give added safety.

Fencers love to say that their sport is safer than golf. While we have yet to see the statistics, fencers wear protective clothing and have little to fear from lighting strikes.