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.

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