Foil fencing explained

Foil is the light, flexible thrusting weapon most beginners start with. You score by landing the tip on your opponent's torso (front and back), not the arms, legs or head.

• Weapon: light (~500g), whippy blade, small bell guard.
• Target: the torso only, tracked electrically through a metallic lamé vest.
• Right-of-way: yes. If both fencers hit, the referee gives the point to whoever had priority (attacked correctly first). Learning this "conversation" is the heart of foil.
• Best for: precision, patience and tactics, and it teaches the right-of-way logic that also runs sabre.

Not sure foil is the one? Compare épée and sabre, then find a club and try it.

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