FENCING BASICS
Left: Poly fencers showcase their skills in the Student Center. Right: Runako Taylor (Classics) demonstrates how to hold the foil.
I really enjoy fencing and partnering up for practice!” Poly’s Fencing Club primarily practices and studies with the foil. While Hadzic competes professionally with the épée, he says, “The foil is the best style to practice and begin learning fencing with because both the épée and saber follow rules that the foil style… requires. It is easier to transition to different styles of fencing if the fencer masters the foil.” Next year, Taylor hopes to continue building a fencing foundation here at Poly, creating a solid team that can compete with other schools and organizations around New York as the school expands its partnership with the Fencer’s Club.
The foil, sabre, and épée are fencing’s three main weapons. However, most fencers generally choose to develop their skills with one weapon. Along with the mask, the croissard and breeches are part of a fencer’s protective uniform. Until recently, women were permitted to compete only in foil, but now the USFA & FIE offer national competitions for them in épée and sabre. Women’s épée was added to the World Championships in 1989 and was held for the first time at the Olympic Games in 1996.
FOIL
SABRE
ÉPÉE
P O LY P R E P M AGA Z I N E FA L L 2014
64595 Poly Prep.indb 17
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9/8/14 2:07 PM