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Let’s face it; fencing is elegant in its style. Unlike boxing, in which opponents bash each other into mincemeat, fencing is a sport of intellect and skill.

It’s really much like the Native American war tactic of counting coup - often this was a way of posturing before your enemy, not necessarily scalping or otherwise maiming them.

What is the main difference between fencing and counting coup? Well, dress would be one aspect; unlike the Native American who would dress in skins or a breechclout, a fencer would wear fencing gear.

In addition, coup was counted generally while on horseback and fencing is strictly on foot - except, of course, in the movies!