If you’ve recently joined the exciting world of fencing, you’ve probably focused on learning footwork, blade control, and basic tactics. But there’s another crucial aspect of becoming a fencer that isn’t always formally taught: fencing etiquette. 

These unwritten rules have been passed down through generations of fencers worldwide, including here in India where the sport continues to grow in popularity. Understanding and practicing proper fencing etiquette not only shows respect for this centuries-old sport but also helps you integrate smoothly into the fencing community and avoid inadvertently offending others.

Before Practice or Competition

Equipment Courtesy:

• Respect the space: When you arrive at your fencing club or a tournament venue, be mindful of where you place your equipment. Fencing bags can be bulky, so find a designated area rather than spreading out across communal spaces. At busy tournaments like the Khelo India Youth Games, space is often limited—be considerate!

• Never touch another fencer’s equipment: This is one of the most important unwritten rules. A fencer’s weapons and gear are not only expensive but often carefully calibrated to their preferences. Always ask permission before handling someone else’s equipment, even if you’re just curious about a different type of grip or guard.

• Weapon safety: Always carry your weapon with the point toward the ground, especially when walking around the salle (fencing hall). Across India’s growing number of fencing clubs, this simple safety precaution has become standard practice.

Warming Up Courteously:

• Be mindful of space: When warming up, ensure you’re not endangering others with practice lunges or footwork. Many clubs in Delhi, Mumbai, and other metropolitan areas have designated warm-up areas—use them appropriately.

• Sharing pistes: During open practice time, it’s customary to fence for 5-point bouts before giving others a turn, especially when space is limited. This practice is strictly followed at busy training centers like ASI Pune.

• Requesting bouts politely: When asking someone to fence, a simple “Would you like to fence?” is customary. More experienced fencers are usually happy to bout with beginners—it’s how the community grows—but always approach with respect for their time and expertise.

During Practice or Competition

Saluting: The Foundation of Respect:

• The mask salute: Before putting on your mask to fence, acknowledge your opponent with a salute—a small gesture with your weapon. This tradition dates back centuries and remains an essential part of fencing’s identity.

• Saluting the referee: At competitions, it’s proper to salute the referee as well as your opponent. At national competitions across India, this formality is strictly observed.

• Group salutes: In class settings, students typically salute the master or coach at the beginning and end of lessons. This practice is followed religiously at traditional clubs and newer academies alike.

On the Piste Behavior

• Accepting referee decisions: Even if you disagree with a call, showing visible frustration or arguing is considered poor form. If clarification is needed, the captain or coach should approach the referee calmly between points. This principle is emphasized at all Khelo India events and national championships.

• Masking emotions: While fencing is passionate, excessive celebration after scoring or visible disappointment after being scored upon is generally frowned upon. Maintain composure regardless of the bout’s outcome.

• “Sorry” doesn’t exist: Interestingly, apologizing for accidental occurrences (like corps-à-corps or hard hits) is not customary in international fencing. However, in many Indian clubs, especially among juniors, a quick acknowledgment is often seen as good sportsmanship without disrupting the bout.

• Truth in acknowledging hits: If you know you’ve been hit but the referee doesn’t see it, many clubs (especially those focusing on youth development) encourage acknowledging the touch. While this isn’t required in competition, it builds integrity in practice environments.

Equipment Issues

• Calling “halt” appropriately: Only call “halt” if there’s a genuine safety concern or equipment failure. Calling halt because you’re in a tactically disadvantageous position is considered poor sportsmanship.

• Weapon failure protocol: If your weapon fails during a bout, acknowledge it immediately rather than attempting to continue with faulty equipment.

• Mask adjustments: Always ask permission from the referee before adjusting your mask during a bout. This is both a safety and courtesy measure uniformly practiced across competitions.

After Bouts and Practice

The Post-Bout Handshake:

• The mandatory handshake: After every bout, shake hands with your opponent (with your non-weapon hand). This gesture of respect is non-negotiable in fencing culture worldwide.

• Thank your referee: At tournaments, thanking the referee after your bout shows appreciation for their service to the sport. Many experienced fencers across India make this a personal practice regardless of the bout’s outcome.

• Constructive feedback only: If discussing the bout afterward, keep comments constructive rather than complaining about calls or making excuses. The fencing community in emerging centers like Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir is particularly focused on fostering supportive environments for growth.

Tournament Etiquette

• Watch quietly: When observing bouts, especially in elimination rounds of tournaments, maintain respectful silence. Loud cheering or commentary can distract fencers.

• No coaching from the side-lines: Unless you’re the designated coach, calling out advice during bouts is considered inappropriate and may even result in penalties at formal competitions.

• Stay until the end: If possible, stay for the medal ceremony even if you didn’t place. This shows respect for the event and supports your fellow competitors. This practice is strongly encouraged at all national-level competitions in India.

In the Training Environment

Working with Coaches:

• Addressing coaches properly: In many traditional fencing environments, coaches are addressed as “Coach,” “Master,” or sometimes “Sir” rather than by their first names. Different clubs across India have their own traditions—observe and follow accordingly.

• Attentiveness during instruction: When a coach is demonstrating techniques, give them your full attention. Practicing moves while they’re speaking is considered disrespectful.

• Asking questions appropriately: There’s a time and place for questions. Most coaches welcome questions after they’ve completed demonstrations rather than being interrupted mid-explanation.

Peer Relationships

• Supporting club mates: In competitions, support your club mates when they fence, but do so within the bounds of appropriate cheering. At national team events, this solidarity becomes even more important.

• Mentoring newer fencers: As you progress, taking time to help newer fencers is a valued tradition in the fencing community. Many of India’s top fencers make a point of mentoring juniors when they return to their home clubs.

• Respecting skill levels: Fencing is one of the few sports where beginners and elite athletes often share training space. Recognize these differences in skill and experience with appropriate deference.

Cultural Considerations in Indian Fencing

Regional Variations:

While core fencing etiquette is universal, you may notice slight variations across India:

• Traditional respect gestures: In some clubs, particularly in states with strong martial traditions like Kerala, additional respect gestures may be incorporated alongside standard fencing salutes.

• Hierarchical considerations: In certain training environments, especially those with military connections like ASI Pune, there may be more formalized protocols based on rank or experience.

• Competition formalities: National competitions under the Fencing Association of India and Khelo India follow international protocols, ensuring Indian fencers are comfortable in international environments.

Gender Considerations

• Equal respect: Fencing has a long history of gender equality in competition formats. In Indian fencing, showing equal respect to all genders is both expected and emphasized in developmental programs.

• Mixed training environments: With the growth of women’s fencing through initiatives like the Women’s League, mixed training environments have become common. Respectful behavior that acknowledges all participants as athletes first is the norm.

Digital Age Etiquette

Social Media Conduct:

• Competition results: Avoid posting about victories in ways that might diminish opponents. Celebrating achievements is natural, but doing so respectfully maintains harmony in the fencing community.

• Training footage: Always ask permission before posting videos of bouts or training that include other fencers. This courtesy is increasingly emphasized at major training centers across India.

• Supporting the community: Using social platforms to support club mates and the broader Indian fencing community reflects the sport’s values of camaraderie and respect.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Beginner Faux Pas:

• “Beating” your opponent: Referring to having “beaten” someone is generally avoided in favor of “I won the bout” or “the score was…”—this subtle language difference acknowledges the temporary nature of any victory.

• Blade banging: Hitting your blade against the floor or wall out of frustration not only damages equipment but is considered disrespectful to the sport itself.

• Equipment neglect: Failing to maintain your equipment properly (especially shared club equipment) reflects poorly on your commitment to the sport.

• Interrupting lessons: Waiting patiently for your turn during individual lessons rather than hovering nearby or interrupting is proper etiquette observed in well-established clubs.

Beyond the Rules: The Spirit of Fencing

Character Development:

What makes fencing special in the Indian sporting landscape is how it combines physical skills with character development. The etiquette of fencing isn’t just about rules—it’s about developing:

• Self-discipline: Controlling emotions even in high-pressure situations.

• Respect: Acknowledging the skill and effort of all participants in the sport.

• Integrity: Being honest in acknowledging touches and following rules even when no one is watching.

• Community: Contributing positively to the fencing environment for everyone.

Carrying Fencing Values Forward

Many coaches at Khelo India and SAI Centers emphasize that the etiquette learned in fencing serves athletes well beyond the piste. The respect, discipline, and integrity fostered through these traditions create well-rounded individuals who represent the sport positively in all walks of life.

Conclusion: Becoming Part of the Tradition

As a beginner fencer in India, you’re not just learning a sport—you’re joining a centuries-old tradition with a rich heritage. By embracing fencing’s etiquette alongside its techniques, you honor those who developed the sport while contributing to its bright future in India.

Remember that everyone makes occasional etiquette mistakes, especially when new. What matters is your willingness to learn and adapt. The fencing community is generally understanding of newcomers who show genuine interest in respecting the sport’s traditions.

By following these unwritten rules, you’ll quickly move from being seen as just a beginner to being recognized as a true fencer—someone who embodies the values and spirit of this remarkable sport.

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This article was prepared by GMK Fencing Club, New Delhi, India, dedicated to developing the sport of fencing in India through education, training, and competitive opportunities.