Modern fencing, the combat sport that features sword fighting between two opponents, originated in the 18th century in France and Italy. It shifted away from real dueling and developed into a controlled and skills-based sport. Today, fencing is practiced in three main disciplines: foil, épée, and sabre, named after the sword type used in each. As a lesser-known sport at the high school level, fencing offers a unique alternative to traditional high school sports.
Since fencing is not offered as a sport at Berkeley High School, students who fence participate through local Bay Area club programs, such as the West Berkeley Fencing Club. “The Bay Area is a very specific concentration of fencing talent,” BHS junior and épée fencer Silas Richard said. Some notable examples include Olympic fencers Alexander Massialas and Gerek Meinhardt, both San Francisco natives. “Beyond the Bay Area, almost all fencing is along the East Coast,” Richard added.
On the East Coast, fencing is commonly integrated in high schools, with official fencing teams that compete through leagues. New York City alone has 22 public high school fencing teams in the Public Schools Athletic League, while the Bay Area has five, all in San Francisco. For most Bay Area fencers, pursuing fencing is less straightforward as they must rely on private clubs, making it more expensive and less accessible for people who want to try the sport.
Even so, fencing is increasing in popularity. “A misconception is that’s it’s a very old and dying sport, when in reality, we’re definitely increasing numbers,” Richard said.
Outreach events have helped to attract more diverse communities to fencing. Additionally, many fencing clubs across the Bay Area are expanding, including the Bay Area Fencing Club, which opened a new location in Pleasanton in 2024. As a result, it is gradually shifting away from a niche activity toward a more widely recognized sport, supported by a growing and loyal following who continue to build its popularity.
“I like the fact that it’s more than just working out. I like that it’s a mental game,” BHS freshman and épée fencer Reese Dwiggins said. Fencers rely on quick decision making and critical thinking that goes beyond just physicality. To earn points in a bout — a fencing match between two opponents — fencers must touch a target area on their opponent’s body with their weapon. “After the first point, I see how my opponent is reacting to what I do, and I try to think of other moves that I can do to make them react the same way,” BHS junior and foil fencer Zara Manansala explained. “For me, it’s a lot about staring at the point that I’m targeting. I zone in on that one specific point, usually the shoulder, the hand, or the foot, and put all my focus on that place,” Richard said.
At the same time, fencing requires agility and speed, as fencers must react quickly to their opponents moves. A typical fencing practice involves footwork drills and conditioning to build endurance and speed.
Fencing is a sport that challenges both the mind and body. For BHS fencers, this combination is a key reason why fencing is so engaging. As participation in fencing clubs increase in the Bay Area, it is becoming more commonly recognized and is steadily building a strong community of athletes who are drawn to the sports’s multiple skills and disciplines.