Post Page Advertisement [Top]

As far as sword fighting encounters go... I can only state my swash battling experiences in 'The Legends Of Zelda' as Link :) As cool as fencing may appear... I've never really been drawn to swords nor guns... nor any sort of weapons. *Peace*

If not for John's continual persuasion, I'd never have taken up a 8 week Introduction to Fencing program at Blade Club. I figured that I needed the exercise anyway... and a historically deep sport, dating all the way back to the Renaissance period (as far back as the 12th century) must be good. As I picked up the fine art of fencing which many associates to a chess game, I began to appreciate the sport for its mental and physical challenge.

The Blade Club is a fun school tucked away at a shop-house type 3 storey building along Bukit Timah Road. Apparently the house belongs to the grandfather of the instructor, Henry! The ground floor area is used for fencing practices, but what I love best is the attic where we will find Hendry's ROCK BAND setup! Complete for the PS3 with the drum kit, lead guitar, bass guitar and a mic for the singer! Go figure what after class entertainment might be like!!!

Back to fencing...

The objective of fencing is simple: for one fencer to hit another without being hit first. Its application however is more complex, scientific and artistic. It is not to inflict an injury but to demonstrate an ability to outmaneuver and hit an opponent.

In modern day fencing, 3 types of weapons are used - Foil, ÉpĂ©e and Sabre. For our beginners lessons; both Foil and ÉpĂ©e are used.

Foil and Sabre are governed by right of way rules, according to which the fencer who is the first to initiate an attack (by straightening the arm) receives right of waya and thus will gain a point if the target is hit.
Due to the speed of the game, it takes a skilled eye to referee such a game.

ÉpĂ©e is a whole lot easier; a point is awarded as long as there is a valid light.


In the finals of the Round Robin Class Competition. Sarah (on the left) against myself in a match to 15 points. The final score stands at 15-4, as I emerge the overall winner!

So it seems that although I am not crazy over the sport - I am actually quite good at it. I have a sense of the sword with swift movements. Behind the mask, my fighting spirit takes over! When you're holding a sword - you fight to win! It's the total opposite of an afternoon swim with a tan or the feeling of breeze in my face when I cycle.

Physically, it's a great work out sport. And to be very honest, I'd rather be doing this then some body combat workout at the gym. But as of now, I can't see fencing pass being a competitive sport. Guess I will miss flĂšches, lunges and perrys when I finish lessons at the end of the month...

No comments:

Post a Comment

Thank you for visting www.natashayong.com and leaving your comments.

Bottom Ad [Post Page]