As has been mentioned, “Classical Fencing” is different than the activity many see in the Olympics. The primary difference is approach. A classical fencer must ask himself the question, “What if they were sharp?” Treating the weapons with the same regard as sharpened, functional swords really brings home the “martial arts” aspect of fencing. In classical fencing, the object is to end the conflict by hitting the opponent without being hit. In the sport version, the goal is to score the most points so one can win the game. As may be supposed, treating the foils as if they were actual weapons heightens the respect for both the weapons and the very encounter wherein they are being used. This does not really hold true for the sport version.
As with any true martial art, our goal is not just to defeat the opponents or become the first place champion in a particular discipline but rather to be better than we were five minutes ago.
In the sport of fencing, the salute has largely become perfunctory. Also, shaking hands has become more of a robotic obligation (if done at all) rather than a genuine show of respect. As with many sports, there is plenty of what is known as “psyching out the opponent.” This includes staring an opponent down, so called trash talk and even sometimes rough, brutish behavior. In an official competition, fencers argue with and even shout at the director. All the above behavior is not allowed in classical fencing; the entire activity is practiced in the spirit of cooperation and respect. In other words, we always salute (and mean it) before and after each bout. Also, at the end of the bout and after saluting the final time, we approach the opponent and shake hands while making friendly eye contact. We smile and usually either thank the opponent or say “Good match.”
This respect derives from the notion that these weapons are only a shade removed from their deadly forefathers; to face an opponent so armed is to acknowledge the true nature of this art: two people trying to run each other through. When meeting to practice such a dread art, respect should be paramount. It is an acknowledgement of “We are brothers and sisters of the same art and in this context, we are comrades.” However, if we are not competing for a goal such as the gold medal or the biggest trophy, one may ask why we do this at all. The answer to that is simple and sums up all of what it means to fence at Baited Blade in the truly classical sense.
Rather than holding many tournaments or promoting beginners in specific weapons that best suit said beginner, we approach the sword with a reverence that goes well beyond the accumulation of a few pounds of junk metal. As with any true martial art, our goal is not just to defeat the opponents or become the first place champion in a particular discipline but rather to be better than we were five minutes ago. In other words, our goal is self improvement whether it be physical, mental or spiritual (and all of these are possible in classical fencing). This is why we call it the “Art” of fencing.
