Shoden (Basics) 3

Etiquette
Fencing is still a traditional sport and many of it's eccentricities derive from behaviour of a more gentile age. It is customary for fencers to salute their opponent and the president before a fight and to shake hands after the last hit has been struck. It is still (mostly) considered impolite to berate the president, take off one's mask or display outward irritation during a fight. A polite enquiry as to the President's thought processes is permissible if a fencer is unsure of the wisdom of a particular decision. Luckily, fencing has yet to descend to the levels of the 'professional' footballer when it comes to respect for opponents or officials and it is the duty of every fencer to make sure it does not so deteriorate. Unfortunately in the more competitive arena some of the old etiquette is becoming outmoded and it is up to the individual to decide how to reflect the traditions of the sport in their own way.

It can be argued that the fencer who remains calm and serene during the stress of the bout, without succumbing to irritation, anger or over-aggression remains more focussed than a fencer who suffers such tantrums. Extreme emotions have no place on a fencing piste.