A Historical Study of Women in Fencing
Fencing was very popular in Europe in the late 1800's and early 1900's and was practiced by men, women and children in many different styles with various exotic weapon combinations. Developing skills with a sword was considered an excelent hygenic gymnastic exercise as well as popular entertainment in the form of grand fencing exehibitions and prize fights. This love of the sword was carried to the new world and similarily popularized by Americans at a time when European fashion and fancy was eagerly embraced in the United States.
1880's Austrian women's fencing team poses in the fencing style of sword and dagger.
In the early 1900's Fencing was chosen as an olympic sport featuring the three weapons we know today. Historical fencing styles featuring back sword, rapier and dagger ect. are no longer fashionable when compared to the modern olympic fencing games of foil, epee and saber.
A distinguished foreigner (hero of a hundred duels). "It is delightful, mademoiselle. You English are a sporting nation."
Fair Member, "So glad you are enjoying it. By the way, Monsieur Le Marquis, have they introduced fencing into France yet?"
Senior Women fencing in East Lansing