When people think fencing, they may conjure up movie scenes. Eroll Flynn was famous for his romantic portrayals of this skill in the earlier days of Hollywood films, while Luke Skywalker and his light saber are better known to Baby Boomers and their children. Although dueling with swords has never gone completely out of fashion, it has come more into the forefront lately. Fencing Lancaster PA lessons are available at several studios and clubs.
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.
Today it's a little confusing for novices, because there are two types popular in America. One is called 'classical' and focuses on self-defense. The main objective in this method is to avoid being touched by the opponent's weapon. Olympic-style is based on the skill of penetrating the opponent's defense. The object is to get more hits in with the point of a sword than the opponent does. Scoring is done electronically, with special vests recording each touch in the allowed areas of the body.
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.
This sport, which is open to men, women, and children, has great terminology. Duelists attack, parry, and riposte. There is a lot of history and romance about this martial art which was employed by swashbuckling pirates, champions of a lady's honor, dashing cavalry officers, and Civil War generals leading the charge with saber upheld.
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.
Today it's a little confusing for novices, because there are two types popular in America. One is called 'classical' and focuses on self-defense. The main objective in this method is to avoid being touched by the opponent's weapon. Olympic-style is based on the skill of penetrating the opponent's defense. The object is to get more hits in with the point of a sword than the opponent does. Scoring is done electronically, with special vests recording each touch in the allowed areas of the body.
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.
This sport, which is open to men, women, and children, has great terminology. Duelists attack, parry, and riposte. There is a lot of history and romance about this martial art which was employed by swashbuckling pirates, champions of a lady's honor, dashing cavalry officers, and Civil War generals leading the charge with saber upheld.
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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