The word "fencing" is simply a shortened version of the word
"defence." After the medieval period, particularly in the 14th century
when gunpowder became state-of-the-art battlefield stuff (thank you,
Marco Polo), full suits of armor were given up and use of the sword
became more important. Some historians say it was because the awkward
armor made the nobles too easy of a target. Others believe that armored
knights could vault upon horseback and run and it was the battlefield
presense of more pikesmen, whose long weapon and numbers could hold a
knight at bay until someone shot him, that forced the change.
In either case, by the 15th century, fencing schools started to appear
throughout Europe. Swordplay became a refined art taken to a new level of
development; the heavy two-handed weapons formerly of the battlefield
were supplanted in the social scene by the quick, light rapier. Still,
fencing schools taught not only the sword but other hand held wepaons
such as the lance, the dagger, and the staff. One of the more famous
guilds was Germany's Marxbruder, or the Assoication of St.Marcus of
Lowenburg, which had secured exclusive rights to the dissemination of the
fighting arts in that country. They were given patent letters by Emperor
Frederick and they made their headquarters in Frankfurt am Main. These
were schools for gentleman and soldiers.
