The sport evolved from the days of duels, fought to the death or first blood, and from the traditions of the sabre-wielding cavalry. From those days the lethal weapons has evolved the art of fencing, in the 3 disciplines of foil, epee, and sabre.

Epee evolved from the sword, favored by duelists of the time. It follows that, in modern fencing, the whole body is valid target area for epee, and that the basic rule of engagement is that the first to hit his or her opponent, has scored. Training for sword fighting (for dueling or combat purposes) concentrated on thrusts to the torso, where hits would have the most lethal effect. This training led to the development of blunt safe weapons, protective clothing, and limited "valid" target areas, which are now applicable to the sport of fencing.

The foil, lighter than the epee, was developed for these training sessions, and the discipline for foil fencing established, with specific rules of engagement.  

Sabre fencing evolved from swordsmanship on horseback, where running cuts as well as point thrusts could be effective. The opponent’s body above the saddle was most vulnerable, and evolved into ‘valid" target area. Similar rules of engagement as for foil were developed, where a fencing phrase typically consists of an attack, defense and counter-attack, with many variations around that theme.