Description
The skilful use of a sword according to established rules and movements was practised by the ancient Egyptians, Persians, Greeks and Romans as well as the Chinese and the Japanese, not only in war but also in exercise and in entertainment. The development of fencing techniques and the history of the sword are interlinked. As new needs for the sword arise, the sword has to be modified accordingly. And as new models are made with new material and improved methods of construction, new techniques are devised. The sword evolved in the Bronze Age when metal smelting became known. With the availability of other metals such as iron and later, alloys and the advances in metallurgy and metalwork and with the changes in the role and function of the sword, the sword has evolved from a heavy weapon that could pierce an enemy's mail, shield or helmet into a simple and practical fighting weapon that is lighter and easier to wield. Structural changes of the sword have contributed to the development of the art of fencing. An instance would be the 16th century rapier, which was developed from the English tuck or French estoc. Being a much slenderer and lighter weapon with a straight double-edged and pointed blade, it helped to bring about the technique of using the point of the blade as the main instrument of attack. Another instance would be the gradual enlargement of the cup guard (shell guard) till in the mid-17th century, it formed a complete cup to protect the weapon hand completely...