Fencing class at the Moscow Suvorov Military School, September 2006

Originally, fencing in Russia was military and applied in its nature. Under the rule of Peter the Great, Russia acquired a regular army and navy. Hand-to-hand fighting and fencing using sabers, bayonets, and epees was an essential component of military physical training. Peter the Great prioritized hand-to-hand fighting, considering the bayonet an effective offensive weapon, whereas in the European armies the bayonet was considered a weapon of defense. Hand-to-hand fighting techniques occupied an important place in the military statues of Peter I. The following is one of Peter the Great's instructions for the dragoon troops: "Do not shoot your rifles, as they will not confuse the enemy, but attack with your swords alone".

In the early 18th century, foil fencing was used for the first time to coach officers of the Russian army and navy. In 1701 in Moscow, Peter the Great established the school of mathematical and navigational sciences, where "rapier science" was taught alongside other subjects. In 1719 in St. Petersburg, "rapier science" was included in the curriculum of the Naval Sciences Academy, and from 1732 it was taught at the military cadet corps. The latter half of the 18th century saw the formation of the national system of military physical training established by Generalissimo Aleksandr Suvorov (1730-1800).

Ancient postcard, Russia, turn of the 20th century

The main provisions of Suvorov's school of training a Russian soldier are reflected in the famous books by Aleksandr Suvorov entitled Structure of the Regiment and The Science of Winning. The esteemed military leader paid special attention to the art of handling the bayonet in hand-to-hand combat. Consider the following unforgettable words of Aleksandr Suvorov: "Once you have used up all your ammunition, the rifle is useless, but the bayonet is always there, always loaded". A similar system for coaching Russian sailors was developed by the Russian navy leader Fiodor Ushakov (1745—1817). Bayonet combat was also the fundamental element of his system.

In 1816 the first fencing school for training instructors and teachers opened in Petersburg. In the latter half of the 19th century, sport fencing became more widespread among Russian army officers. In October 1855, a fencing gymnasium of the local detached Guards corps opened in Petersburg, becoming Russia's first sport fencing society with an officially endorsed Bylaws and statute. The first official fencing competition using the spadroon, foil, and rifle with a flexible bayonet according to established rules was staged in March 1860 at the Petersburg Fencing Gymnasium among Guard officers. Competitions for imperatorial prizes, where only officers were eligible to participate, were some of the most important events in the Russian fencing community.

France, 19th century, fencing gym: "Glory to weapons, respect for teachers!"

At the turn of the 20th century Russian fencers (mostly Russian army officers) entered the international arena.