Is fencing a safe sport? Although fencing is fighting, in fact it has been called "chess with muscles", a number of rules have been developed over the years which has made it one of the safest sporting activities you can do today. The rules govern the clothing that we wear, the facilities that we use, and the rules of engagement in our practice. Unfortunately many people shy away from the sport because they think it is dangerous when in actual fact, statistically there are minimal injuries in fencing in comparison to other sports.
What type of clothing and equipment will I need to buy? Here at PCFC we will provide you with all of the necessary clothing and equipment until you feel confident that this is the sport for you, and thereby making a commitment to purchase your own equipment. Your uniform includes mask, chest and arm protector, jacket, glove, trousers called knickers, long socks, and sneakers. In saber and foil, fencers must also wear a lame which is a vest over your jacket that registers touches to your body using a scoring machine.
What weapon will I start with? Typically all beginners start with foil. It provides the foundation knowledge to understand the study of fencing. Foil is more popular than the other two types: epee and saber, but it purely comes down to an individual preference once you have mastered the rules of engagement.
As an overview:-
Foil – is a fencing weapon with a small bell guard and rectangular flexible blade that uses a thrusting movement to score points. There are right of way rules. The target area is only the trunk and only one fencer may score at one time.
Epee – is a dueling thrusting sword. It has a large circular bell guard and flexible triangular blade. Fencers may hit and score anywhere on the opponent’s body. Both fencers may score at the same time. There is no right of way.
Saber – is a fencing weapon with a large circular bell guard that scores by using cutting actions. Like epee, a larger area of the body may be scored upon except below the hips. There are right of way rules.
What will the training be like? Our coaches pride themselves on training the whole body in preparation for fencing. The goal is to gain better precision, flexibility, mobility and speed. With regular participation, strength and endurance will also be enhanced. The lessons are broken down into different areas namely a) endurance work to increase your stamina, by running, ball games, skipping etc. b) limbering up which prepares and increases flexibility of your muscles; c) foot work which conditions your legs and enables you to react quickly and accurately against your opponent; d) skill practice using your weapon in attacking and defensive movements, and finally e) tactical/strategic practice whereby you bout against a variety of people to put into practice all the components learned.
I am a parent, and would like to know what I should expect with my child choosing this sport? Choosing this sport will perhaps be one of the most beneficial activities your child could ever do. He/she will not only get into peck physical fitness but will learn a healthy ethical attitude towards sportsmanship, often lacking in many modern sports. A commitment is important for any endeavor, and classes several times per week would be beneficial. You may find that after several months your child will want to compete against other fencers from around the geographical region, and many opportunities at tournaments are available to do this.
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