IDO MOVEMENT FOR CULTURE

The author (more than 70 years of involvement in fencing as a competitor, referee, coach, activist, scientist, author) still very actively connected with fencing, discusses, in a short, concise manner, the history of weapons and fencing in Europe from the Middle Ages until the beginning of 20th century. He considers the history of fencing not only as the most interesting and fascinating study, but also as means to understand better the present state of fencing and possibility of foreseeing its future development. He discusses heavy armours, two-handed swords, shields and fighting with heavy weapons, on foot and on horse. He gives interesting description of knight tournaments and various kinds of duels: God-judgment-duel, knight duel, and honorary duels. Then the introduction of rapier and fencing with rapier and dagger are described. What he writes about fencing, weapons, fencing masters, duels and exercises is based on many-years studies and visits to armouries, museums, libraries an archives in Europe, Asia, Africa and America. He presents the introduction of small-sword (epée de la cour) and foil and convention rules of fencing with a foil. The introduction of light, small sword made it possible to use it both for offensive and defensive actions (parries). Rapier served as an offensive and counter-offensive piece of weapon – defence parries were executed with shield or dagger. Introduction of foil much lighter than rapier made possible to make faster and more complicated movements. At the end of 18th century a protective mask begun to be used. It was a real revolution in fencing training: more varieties of strokes and parries, more speed, and above all possibility to conduct loose play (exercise bouts). In the second half of 19th century there has been a paradoxical situation. In the fencing halls fencer practiced foil, but in a real duel epée was used. So, in 1880 Parisian fencing master Baudry introduced epée as a practice weapon. The practice with the epée was very realistic: exercises not in the hall, but outside in a park or garden; no conventional rules, no limitation of target, and fencing bouts for one hit only. At the end of 19th century fencing as a sport (not only as military training or preparation for duel) begun to be more and more important. New types of fencing halls were founded, fencing displays and competitions were being organized. In 1894 the Olympic Games of New Era were introduced with foil and sabre competition. In 1900 Olympic Games the epée was also introduced. About the fencing in old Poland the author prepares separate article.