Why Fence?

For most people they are drawn to the sport by its inherent nature. On the one hand it is a disciplined form of movement, which with practice brings a sense of mastery. On the other hand it is competitive and always unpredictable as your opponent will have ideas of their own about how they are trying to get a hit on you. It is therefore essential to learn not only how to attack in deceptive ways but also how to defend your target and turn that to an advantage too.

What can be learned from Fencing?

- Self discipline

- Respect for others

- Independence

- Honesty and fair play

How can Fencing help?

- Can help relieve stress and be a great way to let off steam and frustration

- Help develop powers of observation and understanding of strategy

- Help develop judgement and deduction so as to anticipate their opponent’s actions

-Help develop problem solving skills

What are the physical benefits?

- Coordination

- Speed

- Agility

- Strength

- Balance

- All-round fitness

In a wider context fencing develops quick reactions which are valuable in other situations like driving a car. The three qualities of speed, agility and adaptability, are always useful. The left and right brain interactions are strengthened, with the left promoting speed and reasoned purpose, while the right comprehends the changing nature of the fighting and creates the cunningness of the game. There is an etiquette to sword fencing too as we salute each other before a bout and shake hands after, practices which dissolve disagreements or any hard feelings which may have occurred in the heat of battle.

Who should apply?

The sport if fully open to everybody. Competitions are designated male, female or mixed. Our youngest is 10 and our oldest member is 81 which confirms an observation by world champion Aldo Nadi that “Fencing is a recreation, unlike so many others, which can be practiced for a lifetime”.

And it's good fun!