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Why Fencing?

A good fencing match is a high-intensity combination of combat and ballet. The combatants push each other up and down a 14m strip with light flashing off their blades as they thrust, parry, attack and evade. While nobody jumps over rocks or retreats up stairs a la the Princess Bride, there is a great, dynamic aspect to the sport.

Coordination, speed, agility and self-assurance are just a few of the qualities this sport requires of its participants. Fencing's intensity and demands for physical and mental acuity are a natural result of its history. And while fencing has morphed from combat to sport, these skills are a large part what make fencing such an exhilarating endeavour. A successful fencer must be capable of mounting powerful driving attacks or conversely, of making subtle and crafty defenses, all within the space of a few seconds. Speed and strength will only take an athlete so far in fencing: intellect is paramount. A good fencer must be clever and with unwavering concentration able to conceive and execute calculated moves quickly.

Fencing is a life-long sport that welcomes swashbucklers of all ages. You can learn it when you're young, or when you're young at heart. While most sports only reward speed or power, fencing lets you choose whether you are going to win by using your speed, or using your guile - which allows the parents to teach their children a thing or two while the children do the same to us.

For children especially the benefits of fencing go deep. By learning to fence a child learns self discipline, respect for others, independence and the importance of honesty and fair play. Such skills are transferable to any endeavour and help to create a well rounded and active person.

The social rewards of fencing should not be overlooked either. Club members often become friends and competitors find themselves meeting hundreds of people over the years as they travel to competitions locally, nationally, and internationally.

Finally, should all of the above fall to the wayside, fencing is always fun! Fantastic in bridging gaps between sexes, sizes, ethnicity and personality (as is seen when the young or elderly defeat an opponent with technique and timing when confronted with brawn and bulk!). Fencing is a great solution to balancing a person's mind, body and spirit in order to temper success!