Pe

Épée fencing originated from the Latin word "spatha" and evolved from dueling weapons like the small sword, which was popular in the 17th and 18th centuries for duels often resulting in minor injuries to win. Unlike foil and sabre, épée allows body contact without penalties unless it's brutal, emphasizing tip touches to score points. Historically, duels shifted to first blood in the 19th century, leading to lighter weapons focusing on arms and hands.

In sport fencing, the transition from traditional scoring methods using dye tips to electric weapons occurred by the mid-20th century for accuracy and safety. MIT coach Eric Sollee and Johan Harmenberg introduced innovative strategies, such as controlling distance and forcing opponents into weaker positions, which were highly effective in competitions.

The gameplay of épée is characterized by a slow tempo with sudden bursts due to counterattacks, making it distinct from other fencing styles. This summary captures the historical evolution, rule differences, equipment advancements, and modern tactical approaches shaping contemporary épée fencing.