Besides a good attitude and a good amount of patience, there are many things that a fencer requires in order to be able to fence. Getting started all you will need are the fencing jacket, mask, glove and fencing equipment or a practice weapon, which is less involved than the obvious requirements of competition preparation. The main fencing weapons used are the foil, and the sabre, also known as the epee.

Many clubs will help beginners by lending them fencing equipment when they are just starting out. Once you complete a beginner course, you will be hooked, and will want to get your own fencing gear. There are a couple of different options for beginners.

The first option is to buy the equipment piece-wise, until you have a full set. The other option is to purchase a starter kit, these kits contain all the basic elements of fencing requirements already assemble and sold as a unit. You have a list of required items, but what do you do with it? Prior to purchasing or using your own equipment it is important to have a solid basic understanding of both capability and purpose of each item.

The fencing jacket is made with the intent of protecting the fencer. It is important to select a jacket which is both well made and provides adequate protective coverage. There is no standard minimum constraint in the US, there is a particular standard of protection in Europe, though. For tournaments which are international in scope, such as Olympic fencing, there are greater requirements.

When you are just beginning the basic equipment will more than suffice. The main choices you will be making in this regard are whether to go with cotton or synthetic materials. Cotton is heavier and hotter in use, but is also cheaper. The synthetic materials are of a lighter weight, but they are more expensive.

The mask is used for safety so make sure you choose a mask that is equipped with enough padding, fits well and doesn't bear down on the top of your head or your chin.

Although you can buy non-electric gloves, it really is worthwhile to get a glove equipped with a cuff that you can wear for electric fencing. To easily attach the body cord to an electric weapon, use a cuff that is designed for electric fencing. They come in all standard sizes and can also be obtained as gloves. This will give you an enhanced fit, but the cost will be higher.

In order to thrust, the foil is used. It has an extremely slender blade and a round or foiled edge. The foil is intended for thrusting. The blade is very thin, with a rounded or foiled tip. Foil blades are flexible enough to bend upon striking an opponent, in order to avoid injuries.

Fencing has a long history, and is one of only four sports to be included in every modern Olympic Games, since the first in 1896. Fencing was also a sport in the original Olympic Games in ancient Greece.