A fencer is someone who practices the sport of fencing, a competitive combat sport where two opponents duel using thin, flexible swords. Fencers wear protective white uniforms and metal mesh masks, then try to score points by touching their opponent with their weapon before getting touched themselves.

The sport uses three different types of swords: the foil, which is light and can only score with its tip; the épée, which is heavier and also scores with tip touches; and the saber, which can score with either its tip or its edge. Each weapon has different rules about where you can strike your opponent to score.

Modern fencing evolved from the swordfighting techniques that European knights and soldiers once used in actual combat. When guns replaced swords on the battlefield, fencing became a sport and an art form. Today, fencers compete in the Olympics and in tournaments around the world. The sport requires lightning-fast reflexes, strategic thinking, and intense physical conditioning.

A fencer must read their opponent's movements, plan attacks and defenses at the same time, and react in fractions of a second. Great fencers combine the athleticism of a sprinter with the tactical mind of a chess player. The French word for fencing is escrime, and many fencing terms still use French words, like en garde (the ready position) and touché (acknowledging a hit).