Fencing Course
Fencing is another sport that has its roots in historic combat. Rather less violent these days, but no less skillful. Fencing is a sport that teaches discipline, and control, and builds fitness. Modern fencing matches use one of three types of weapon: the foil, the saber and the epee. Each blade is different, and points can be scored on different parts of the body with each. The speed and agility of a modern fencing match means that touches, which score points, are judged electronically, with both participants having sensors in their protective clothing, to help determine who delivered the winning touch. The two people taking part in the fencing match are limited to a long thin area, just 2 meters wide, called a piste. So no running through museums like on the James Bond film!
To start fencing you will usually, but not always, use the foil. It is a light weapon, about three feet long. While the foil will be blunt and fitted with a guard on the tip, plus you will be wearing protective clothing, don't think that fencing isn't a dangerous sport. While you aren't in danger of having your arm sliced off, injuries are still possible. Points are scored when you hit the torso. Like the foil, the epee scores points when the tip strikes the opponent. However, unlike the foil, the whole body counts as the target. The saber is the odd one out. This weapon can be used for cutting at the opponent as well as thrusting at them. With the blade scoring points as well as the tip.
The international governing body is the Fédération Internationale d'Escrime, but British Fencing is our national governing body. In terms of getting coaching qualifications, The British Academy of Fencing (BAF) are the ones who run coaching courses for beginners through to fencing masters.
Fencing Courses
BAF Level 1 & 2 assumes a basic fencing knowledge and the course and qualification will be weapon specific. As well as basic fencing skills and movements, you will learn all of the terminology, be shown how to conduct classes and important health and safety considerations. Once qualified you will be able to take small groups or individuals and show them the basics of fencing. Level 2 focuses more on the technical and mechanical aspects of the various strokes.
We spoke to Rebecca about coaching fenching.
"I joined my local club after having a go at fencing at Leeds uni. It was a summer activity fair with all kinds of new sports but I enjoyed the fencing so much that I got involved with the university fencing club. At first it was just something I enjoyed doing as a break from my studies, but as I got better I decided I wanted to take it further and get qualified to coach. I got my Level 2 quite quickly as I had been fencing for a few years by that point. Eventually I want to get qualified to coach national standard. I get to see lots of very talented youngsters and it would be great to be responsible for getting them to a standard where they are competing in national or international competitions."