Fencing is a sport whereby two competitors use swords to score points against the oposition (usually 5 or 15 points to a match).
It is less like the choreographed swordplay depicted on film and can require good eye-hand co-ordination, although it can be a good deal of fun. You don't need a high level of fitness to take part, and you will find that fencing will actually increase your
co-ordination, stamina and fitness level. In fact, fencing is a perfect way to keep fit and much more fun than visiting the gym!
Leicester Fencing club currently have around 60 members of both sexes, all ages, from beginners to international fencers. Fencing was one of the first Olympic sports (Men's Individual Sabre is one of a handful of sports that has had a competition at every Olympic Games), and we are hopeful that some of our very talented junior fencers will qualify for London 2012.. However, many of our members are quite happy to fence recreationally, or competitively in local, national and international competitions (the club have an impressive trophy collection).
If you are interested in taking up fencing, there are three disciplines with their own set of rules which originated from different historical backgrounds. The foil was designed to safely practise swordsmanship, while the epée was designed to safely replicate duelling with the smallsword - both of these weapons are thrusting weapons. The sabre, a cutting and thrusting weapon, derives from military swordsmanship drills and, like the foil, has rules and conventions to make the practise safe
Nowadays it is frowned upon to kill your opponent, and whilst the weapons and moves are similar to their forebears, the aim nowadays is just to score points by hitting your opponent in key areas with the tip of the blade (or the blade edge too for sabre).
For beginners looking to get into the sport, many people opt for Foil as their first weapon to learn as it was the original training weapon, and provides you with the basic stances and moves used in the other disciplines, and as the lightest of the weapons, helps build your muscle structure for holdng and using the weapons.
If you have never fenced before, we offer fencing courses for adults and children. Why not come and try fencing for yourself?
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