Modern fencing comprises three distinct disciplines, characterized by the weapons (epee, foil, and sabre) and rules that are used.

 

Rather than duplicate the information here, there is a good description of modern fencing, including video clips, on the website of the Saskatchewan Fencing Association. (Please be patient - depending on the speed of your internet connection it may take a minute or so for the video clips to load.)

 

Intro to Fencing on Sask Fencing website (link opens in a new tab/window).