"To master the virtue of the sword is to govern the world and oneself, thus the sword is the basis of strategy," wrote Miyamoto Musashi (1584-­1645) in his classic treatise on strategy, the Go Rin no Sho, or Book of Five Rings. Three hundred and fifty years later Musashi’s dictum still holds true in the art of modern fencing. Foil, sabre, and épée are no longer used to defend oneself and one’s honor, but they are the tools by which a graceful athleticism and a mastery of tactics and strategy may be attained.

Modern fencing is a martial art requiring the same self-discipline and mastery of mind and body as karate and aikido, or gymnastics and dance. An aspiring fencer begins by learning simple blade and foot movements. As these movements are perfected, they are combined into ever more complex patterns, and new and more difficult blade and foot movements are added. One can begin to play the game of fencing after eight to ten weeks of instruction. One begins to understand the art of fencing after about two years. One can study fencing for a lifetime without exhausting its appeal (the U.S. National Championships include an Over-60 category).

Modern fencing is a continually evolving sport which combines the speed, endurance, and flexibility of basketball or soccer with the one on one tactical skills of tennis. Foil and épée are thrusting weapons that allow one to score only with the point. Sabre is a cutting, slashing weapon that allows one to score with the edge or point.

The basic strategy of all three weapons can be summed up as "feint and deceive;" that is, fake an attack, and when your opponent attempts a defense, deceive it, and deliver your real attack to score. The problem of course, is that this is precisely what your opponent expects you to do. What is worse, they are trying to do the same thing to you.

As a beginner, simple attacks, speed, and surprise win. At the intermediate levels, mastery of technique and tactics becomes more important than sheer speed or strength. At the highest levels of fencing, the techniques and tactics have become intuitive, and are just manifestations of the mental game between two opponents.

Modern fencing is a sport in which both men and women, and adults and children can excel. It is a dynamic, evolving martial art with five thousand years of history behind it.