There are various forms of fencing and they differ from each other on the basis of the competition format. Also the fencing rules are interpreted in different ways for every single format.
Olympic fencing
Olympic fencing is a current form of fencing competitions. The fencing rules of such type of competition are laid down by FIE or the Federation Internationale d’Escrime. The weapons used in Olympic fencing consist of; sabre, epee and foil. To eliminate any error chances made by the referee the scoring is done by an electronic scoring apparatus. Other than the apparatus there are manual set of rules which are observed by a referee. During the competition the athletes or fencers are divided among different age groups. The age groups division is done like this; Y12, Y14, junior fencing and cadet.
Fencers are also rated in Olympic fencing championships. The ratings range from A to E where U rating means unrated which is typically given to the new fencers. Fencers are required to meet the rating criteria in order to participate in such competitions.
Paralympics fencing
Another form of fencing is the wheelchair fencing it is Paralympics sports which originated in England after World War II. Fencers who have physical disabilities can only participate in this type of competition. Some minor modifications are made to this form of fencing as the fencers are disabled and they sit in wheel chairs therefore their footwork is replaced by their arm movements. But the weapons used in Paralympics fencing are the same as used in the Olympics fencing.
Other forms of Fencing
There are numerous other types of fencing championships that are being conducted all across the world. The fencing rules are more or less similar to the FIE rules but the competition format may differ in each type of fencing. You will find that fencing is a very active sports in many universities and colleges but the format of the game may vary slightly. Some different forms of fencing includes; one-hit epee, American Fencing League, UK fencing league, World Fencing Championships, and many other types of fencing competitions are being held every year.
Different Forms of Fencing
Fencing Commonwealth Major Events
Fencing is included in the Commonwealth Games and is one of the major events for British Fencing. The Commonwealth Fencing Open Championships are held since 1950 in the same year as the Commonwealth Games, every four years. Commonwealth Fencing Junior Championships, for under 20 years old fencers, are held every three years since 2006, and Commonwealth Fencing Veteran Championships every two years.
Participants Countries of Past Commonwealth Fencing Open Championships
2010, Melbourne, Australia
Participant countries: Australia, Brunei, Canada, England, Guernsey, India, Malaysia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa and Wales.
2006, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Participant countries: Australia, Canada, England, Guernsey, India, Isle of Man, Jersey, Malaysia, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Scotland, South Africa, Singapore and Wales.
2002, Newcastle, Australia
Participant countries: Australia, England, India, Isle of Man, Jersey, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, Wales.
1998, Shah Alam, Malaysia
Participant countries: Australia, Canada, England, Jersey, Malaysia, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, St. Vincent, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, Wales.
1994, Whistler, Canada
Participant countries: Australia, Canada, England, Hong Kong, Malaysia, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, St. Vincent, Scotland, Trinidad & Tobago, Wales.
1990, Manchester, England
Participant countries: Australia, Canada, England, Guyana, Hong Kong, Jamaica, Jersey, Northern Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, Singapore, St. Vincent, Trinidad & Tobago, Wales.
1986, Cardiff, Wales
Participant countries: Australia, Barbados, Canada, England, Guernsey, Hong Kong, Jamaica, Malaysia, Northern Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, Trinidad & Tobago, Wales.
1982, Barnstaple, England
Participant countries: Australia, Canada, England, Northern Ireland, New Zealand, Trinidad & Tobago, Scotland, Wales.
1978, Glasgow, Scotland
Participant countries: Australia, Canada, England, Hong Kong, Isle of Man, Northern Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, Wales.
1974, Ottawa, Canada
Participant countries: Australia, Canada, England, Northern Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, Wales.
1970, Edinburgh, Scotland
Participant countries: Australia, Canada, Dominica, England, Guernsey, Hong Kong, Jamaica, Malaysia, Northern Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, Wales.
1966, Kingston, Jamaica
Participant countries: Australia, Canada, England, Jamaica, New Zealand, Scotland, Wales.
1962, Perth, Australia
Participant countries: Australia, Canada, England, Isle of Man, New Zealand, Scotland, Wales.
1958, Cardiff, Wales
Participant countries: Australia, Canada, England, Hong Kong, Northern Ireland, New Zealand, Rhodesia, Scotland, South Africa, Wales.
1954, Vancouver, Canada
Participant countries: Australia, Canada, England, New Zealand, South Africa, Wales.
1950, Auckland, New Zealand
Participant countries: Australia, Canada, England, New Zealand, Scotland.
Participants Countries of Past Commonwealth Fencing Junior Championships
2009, Penang, Malaysia
Participant countries: Australia, England, Guernsey, India, Isle of Man, Jersey, Malaysia, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Republic of South Africa, Scotland, Singapore and Wales.
2006, Chennai, India
Participant countries: Australia, England, India, Malaysia, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Singapore and Wales.