THE FOIL

There are three types of fencing - epee, foils and sabre.

In all three, weapons are wired electronically to record when a hit is scored.

The foil blade is usually made from low-carbon steel and designed to bend when striking an opponent to prevent injuries and the blade breaking.

The foil is used as a thrusting weapon only and so any contact with the side of the blade (or a slap) does not count as a score.

This weapon uses the 'right of way' rules. This means that the first fencer to hit does not always receive the points, but rather the fencer who hits with priority.

Moves, such as making a parry, follow to initiate a counter attack or riposte. The priority continues to exchange between the fencers until a hit is scored.

The scoring zones are the main torso.