Fencing - A Sport For All
Fencing - A Sport For All |
||
| The sword is one of our oldest of weapons, as Egyptian frescoes from around 1200BC show - fencing as a sport dates back to at least that time. The ability to demonstrate speed, skill and dexterity with a sword has always been considered an indication of manliness and, throughout the17th and 18th century in Europe, duelling with rapiers settled 'matters of honour'. | ||
|
||
| In learning the skills of attacking and defending with either the Foil, Epee or Sabre, fencers develop good co-ordination, balance and flexibility which makes fencing training an ideal means of keeping fit for all ages and abilities. | ||
| Regular fencing training provides an interesting aid to improved co-ordination and general fitness suitable for students of all ages. Fencing is an in-door, all-year-round activity: ideal for the wet, cold days of winter when outdoor sports are not so popular. One of its main attractions is that it is much a mental activity as physical – you can literally out think your opponent and hence beat someone with a higher level of fitness. Indeed, fencing has often been thought of as like playing high speed chess, with muscles! | ||
| The modern Olympic sport requires fencers to be of the fittest of athletes and have levels of skills that require many hours of dedicated training. However, it is a sport for life, you can learn enough to be competent after 6 sessions, and there are people in their 90’s that still fence! | ||
| Fencing is one of the safest of sports and, provided the correct equipment is used, even minor injuries are uncommon. NOTE: Fencing should never be tried unless supervised by a qualified teacher, the correct clothing is worn, and the correct equipment is used. | ||
|
||
| Many students who are reluctant to take part in team games enjoy the individuality of fencing. Success in competition will be due solely to their own efforts: matching their own skill, speed and intellect against those of an opponent; female competing equally with male, with the added advantage that any trophies go to you, rather than the team. Some enjoy the aesthetic pleasure of perfecting and performing disciplined movements correctly, some just do it to get fit, and some just use it as a great way to vent pent up frustrations. |
Tim Longson - Coach and Webmaster |