"Modern fencing is seen as corrupt and lacking the sportsmanship, fine manners, and decency of the classical period,"
Just be aware that when you read things like this you are reading the history written by the victors.
"sportsmanship, fine manners, and decency of the classical period" is usually a complete fabrication created during peace times by the ruling class, and usually bears little relation to the actual usage of martial arts in wartime.
This comes up a lot in my podcast.<OBVIOUS PLUG!>