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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.
The styles have many things in common. In both, protective gear, like gauntlets and padded vests, are worn. The body, sword arm, and hand are protected by padded vests, arm padding, and hand guards on the sword hilt. Other special equipment includes face guards, soft non-slip shoes, and pants that allow freedom of movement. Both of these disciplines develop character, mental focus, and concentration. Fitness, endurance, and agility are increased as well.
Modern fencing is done with one of three weapons, the heavy saber, the lighter epee, and the more delicate foil. In dueling with foil or epee, points are scored with the tip of the weapon. The saber is both a thrusting weapon, using the tip, and a cutting blade, and points may be scored with both tip and side.
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.
The styles have many things in common. In both, protective gear, like gauntlets and padded vests, are worn. The body, sword arm, and hand are protected by padded vests, arm padding, and hand guards on the sword hilt. Other special equipment includes face guards, soft non-slip shoes, and pants that allow freedom of movement. Both of these disciplines develop character, mental focus, and concentration. Fitness, endurance, and agility are increased as well.
Modern fencing is done with one of three weapons, the heavy saber, the lighter epee, and the more delicate foil. In dueling with foil or epee, points are scored with the tip of the weapon. The saber is both a thrusting weapon, using the tip, and a cutting blade, and points may be scored with both tip and side.
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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