Fencing school, Leiden, 1610 [Source: Wikipedia]
The history of Fencing has parallels with the history and development of tennis in the European courts 1400-1700 notably in the manuals or treatises produced to enable gentlemen and courtiers to practice and appreciate sport.
For example, Giacomo di Grassi, Ragione di adoprar sicuramente l’Arme, si da offesa come da difesa was published in Italy in 1570 and then in England as DiGrassi, His True Arte of Defence in 1594.
See also:
Baldassare Castiglione, Il Cortegiano/The Book of the Courtier 1528