SENIOR FENCING CURRICULUM

Fencing is the art of using a sword-like weapon for defense or attach that evolved from the rules and techniques of dueling with a sword. Fencing can be practiced and enjoyed by everyone. It is a great form of exercise and builds coordination, speed, and stamina. It also develops the mind and teaches discipline, patience, and control. It is said fencing is like a high-speed game of chess. At Long’s Combative Arts, we are continuing the tradition of fencing by offering classes for all ages.

General Techniques:
On guard position, lunge, parry, riposte, fleche, etiquette

Weapons:
Foil... A light and flexible steel blade that is used for thrusting
Epee... A heavy and rigid steel blade, also for thrusting
Saber... Designed from a weapon previously used by Calvary soldiers

Target Areas:
Foil Fencing... Touches count only on the torso
Epee Fencing... The entire body is a valid target
Saber Fencing... The entire body, above the hips, is a valid target

NEWS ON FENCING!
Recently, while writing about fitness trends, a national newspaper stated that while fencing was a good physical conditioning agent (which it is), it is not useful in protecting one's self in the modern era.  The general drift of the article was “who the heck carries a sword around these days?” Nevertheless, the combat skills and physical development received in fencing are conditioned into you by repeated practice. 

From a physical conditioning standpoint, fencing has few equals.  Repeated stance practice builds stronger quadricep muscles as most movement comes from a semi-crouch position.  Obviously, the shoulder and arm muscles come heavily into play supporting the movement of the body and using the blade for offensive and defensive techniques.  Of note to all generations is the fact that fencing can be practiced throughout one's life.  And, with all due deference to Samuel J. Colt, the inventor of the first repeating pistol, the earliest equalizer that allowed a man or woman to defeat a much larger opponent was probably a sword! Therefore, neither size nor gender provides an advantage in the fencing world.  Finally, unlike other martial sports that require the practitioner to hold back their techniques, in fencing you can go full out in competition or in practice for maximum cardiovascular advantage.

 In his book, On Fencing, author and master Fencer, Aldo Nadi states, “The average sports-loving American does not know that fencing is the fastest of all sports... above everything else, fencing develops mental agility.  Indeed, it is one of the few human activities, which most of the time, lightning conception and execution are simultaneous.”  Certainly, these are traits that not only enhance one's physical and mental conditioning, but can also prove useful in a self-defense situation.