fencing

Sport of fighting with swords including the foil, derived from the light weapon used for practising duels; the épée, a heavier weapon derived from the duelling sword proper; and the sabre, with a curved handle and narrow V-shaped blade. In sabre fighting, cuts count as well as thrusts. Masks and protective jackets are worn, and hits are registered electronically in competitions. Men's fencing has been part of every Olympic programme since 1896. Women's fencing was included from 1924, but only using the foil; the épée was not added until in 1996. The sport's governing body is the Fédération Internationale d'Escrime (FIE; International Fencing Federation).