The fencing Strip or Piste has also changed from the days of old when duelist would cross over obstacles and back up stairs.  The strip now is flat, linear and only 2 meters wide, giving the fencer the best and fastest opportunity to score a hit.

Because fencing has become so fast, the human eye can hardly see when hits are made.  Therefore, electrical scoring devices are now employed to register touches.  For Foil and Sabre a metal jacket or Lame' is worn which allows the electrical scoring devices to "see" when the blade touches the valid target area.  In Epee, the whole body is target so any touch from the tip of the weapon to the body will register a hit. 

Why Fencing?
 
     Fencing is fun!  It is also one of the most physically and intellectually demanding sports in the competitive world.  If you consider a lap around the lake exhausting, try scoring 15 points against an opponent.  In order to win, you then have only 10-15 more opponents to go.
     Fencing bridges all genders, ages, and physical abilities.  It isn't necessary to be an all-star athlete, the tallest, or the strongest to enjoy fencing.  You do need to think on your feet, and be patient while learning new skills.  Just when you think you have  mastered the sport, another fencer will mop the floor with you.  Fencing teaches students to always be   "En garde".
     Fencing is an Olympic sport as well as a NCAA sport with over 50 participating universities, including Boston, Cornell, Duke, Harvard, Johns Hopkins, MIT, Penn State, Princeton, Rutgers, Stanford,  Notre Dame, Air Force Academy, and Yale.  Many of which,  offer scholarships for those who are accomplished.