Fencing is a fighting style and a sport, where opponents try and catch each-other with the stab or hit of a weapon. Common or Olympic fencing is divided into the categories of epee, foil and sabre. The three categories differ by rules and weapons.
Fencing originates from 16th century England and 17th century France – especially the court of Louis XIV – where it was the privilege of the aristocracy and noblemen. Fencing still involves moves and rules that date back to those times. Fencing became a sport in the 19th century, when the holding of duels was outlawed in Europe.
In 2008, the sport of Estonian fencing celebrated its 100th anniversary. From 1991 onwards only epee fencing is practiced in Estonia.
The epee weighs approximately 770 grams (depending on the pieces used for putting the weapon together), its total length is 110 cm, and it has a three-sided blade that measures 90 cm (children’s epee blades are shorter and lighter). The curve of the blade downwards may be up to 1 cm. At the tip of the weapon there is a contact top that will send a signal into the device when the force put on the top is at least 750 grams. This type of weapon is the successor to the duel sword. It’s a stabbing weapon, with the entire body as a valid target area. Stabs are fixed by a fixator. Both competitors can earn a point at the same time if the recorded interval between stabs is less than 40 milliseconds.
Fencing Club Tallinna Mõõk was founded on 8 September 1991, in Tallinn.