Maybe Raphael was influenced by Spanish culture since France borders Spain. Fencing was a European fighting style that had no clear origin, being prevalent among the Germans, Spanish, English, French, and Italians. Im not sure. Wow!! So much for a fictional fencer!! Well, that's why Raph is sooo AWESOME!!!
Btw...(I know Namco didn't include weapon exhibitions in SC4 and 5) Is Raph feeling old or something?? He stands like a lump during battle and doesn't dance anymore!! Come on Raphael, you may be chronologically 49 but you're still 32!!