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WABUKAN Arsenal · Swords · Europe

Foil

A light thrusting weapon; touches count only on the torso and the attacker must have "right of way".

Foil
Foil WABUKAN illustration

Also known as

fleuret · fleuret; florete

Origin and history

The foil was created in the 17th–18th centuries as a training weapon for the smallsword, with a blunted tip. It is one of the three Olympic fencing weapons, contested since the first modern Olympics in 1896.

Martial arts that use it

Olympic Fencing

Construction

A flexible rectangular blade of up to 90 cm with a small bell guard; total weight under 500 g. Electric foils have a push-button tip; the valid target is the torso, covered by a conductive lamé.

Basic techniques

Training

Beginners learn grip, posture and footwork first, then cutting and thrusting lines in solo forms or drills, usually with a wooden or blunt trainer. Paired drills with a partner come next, at slow speed, before any free sparring with protective gear.

Safety

Train with wooden, blunt or club-approved trainers; keep live blades for experienced practitioners under supervision. Check the blade, handle and fittings before every session, keep a clear space of at least two weapon lengths and never cut towards people.

Legality (general information)

Swords, knives and other edged weapons are regulated very differently from country to country (and sometimes from region to region): owning one at home is often allowed, while carrying it in public, buying it under a certain age or importing it may be restricted or banned. Practitioners usually transport them cased, out of reach and straight between home and dojo. This is general information, not legal advice: check the law where you live.

Did you know?

The French name fleuret comes from the flower (button) put on the tip to make it safe.

More weapons

Épée Sabre Gladius Montante Falcata Katana

Sources

Original WABUKAN text, written from these cross-checked sources (facts, not sentences).

  1. Wikipedia — Foil (fencing)
  2. Wikipedia — Fencing