Fencing for many people evokes scenes out of romantic or action movies. Great ones include Captain Jack fighting the sword-maker's apprentice in Pirates of the Caribbean and the light-saber duels in Star Wars. Actually, dueling with swords, which dates from the Middle Ages, has been practiced ever since, even in America. The popularity of martial arts training has brought fencing Lancaster PA back into fashion.
The art of fighting with swords developed in Spain in the 1400s. Refinements came from Italy and France. This fighting skill became a sport in London when aristocratic gentlemen of the mid-1700 period learned for fun as well as for self-defense. When the Summer Olympics began in 1896, fencing was included and has been ever since.
There are two popular styles being taught in Lancaster today, the classical art of self-defense and the Olympic style of scoring more points than an opponent. The classical regards any touch from an opponent's weapon as dangerous, so the goal is to avoid injury be 'parrying' or deflecting every sword thrust. In the Olympic style, a duelist does not care if the opponent scores a hit, as long as he or she inflicts the most hits. Scoring is electronic, with padded clothing automatically recording hits which may be fast and furious.
The proponents of each argue about which is more competitive. Olympic-style supporters point to the scoring of points adding up to a win or a loss. Classical fencers say that any touch with a real sword can be lethal, that avoidance is the only way to ensure survival, and that 'life or death' is the most competitive of all.
Both styles are fun ways to attain physical fitness. Like other martial arts, they develop focus and concentration, as well as character and self-confidence. In addition, they are both great for promoting agility and endurance. Both styles have protective gear, like hand guards on the sword hilts, padding for chest and arm, and face guards.
Modern fencers use the same weapons used in former days, which are the foil, the epee, and the saber. When using the lightweight foil, all contact is to be done with the sword tip. Any blows made using the side are illegal. The same is true for the heavier epee. The saber, in contrast, is both a thrusting and a cutting weapon. Both the tip and the side of the blade are used during a duel.
The sport is open to men and women and also to children. Part of its appeal is its historic nature and its formal terminology. The attack, the riposte, and the parry are fencing terms that have found their way into the language. Many people love being part of the heritage of dueling like a pirate or a Musketeer, or leading a cavalry charge with up-raised saber.
Go online to find lessons at studios or clubs in the Lancaster area. It might be helpful to watch a class or two of each style to see which appeals the most.
The art of fighting with swords developed in Spain in the 1400s. Refinements came from Italy and France. This fighting skill became a sport in London when aristocratic gentlemen of the mid-1700 period learned for fun as well as for self-defense. When the Summer Olympics began in 1896, fencing was included and has been ever since.
There are two popular styles being taught in Lancaster today, the classical art of self-defense and the Olympic style of scoring more points than an opponent. The classical regards any touch from an opponent's weapon as dangerous, so the goal is to avoid injury be 'parrying' or deflecting every sword thrust. In the Olympic style, a duelist does not care if the opponent scores a hit, as long as he or she inflicts the most hits. Scoring is electronic, with padded clothing automatically recording hits which may be fast and furious.
The proponents of each argue about which is more competitive. Olympic-style supporters point to the scoring of points adding up to a win or a loss. Classical fencers say that any touch with a real sword can be lethal, that avoidance is the only way to ensure survival, and that 'life or death' is the most competitive of all.
Both styles are fun ways to attain physical fitness. Like other martial arts, they develop focus and concentration, as well as character and self-confidence. In addition, they are both great for promoting agility and endurance. Both styles have protective gear, like hand guards on the sword hilts, padding for chest and arm, and face guards.
Modern fencers use the same weapons used in former days, which are the foil, the epee, and the saber. When using the lightweight foil, all contact is to be done with the sword tip. Any blows made using the side are illegal. The same is true for the heavier epee. The saber, in contrast, is both a thrusting and a cutting weapon. Both the tip and the side of the blade are used during a duel.
The sport is open to men and women and also to children. Part of its appeal is its historic nature and its formal terminology. The attack, the riposte, and the parry are fencing terms that have found their way into the language. Many people love being part of the heritage of dueling like a pirate or a Musketeer, or leading a cavalry charge with up-raised saber.
Go online to find lessons at studios or clubs in the Lancaster area. It might be helpful to watch a class or two of each style to see which appeals the most.
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