It might surprise some people that the art of dueling with swords has come back into fashion. Lessons in fencing Lancaster PA and other areas are offered in many venues that teach other martial arts. Although it may seem that only romantic fiction or movie characters really care about the skill, people have engaged in it since its development during the Middle Ages. It became an obscure Olympic and intramural sport in America, but it's now practiced by men, women, and children.
The Spanish get the credit for formalizing the science of sword play in the fifteenth century. Spanish prominence faded as the Italians and French perfected the skill. It became more of a hobby and less war-like when the English aristocracy took it up in London in the mid 1700s. Every Olympic Summer Games has had fencing contests since they began in 1896.
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.
There is, of course, debate about which style is better and more competitive. Scoring points is the goal of the Olympic style; the person with most hits on an opponent wins the bout. However, the classical duelist says that any hit might be lethal, and that the 'life or death nature' of classical fencing, even though it is mainly defensive, is most competitive.
There are many things that both styles have in common. One is the protective clothing duelers wear. This includes hand, sword arm, face, and body protectors. In both styles, many safety and procedural rules govern a bout. Instructors say that both styles develop character and self-confidence, improve balance and coordination, increase endurance, and foster mental focus.
Modern fencers use the same weapons used in former days, which are the foil, the epee, and the saber. When using the lightweight foil, all contact is to be done with the sword tip. Any blows made using the side are illegal. The same is true for the heavier epee. The saber, in contrast, is both a thrusting and a cutting weapon. Both the tip and the side of the blade are used during a duel.
Part of the fun is the terminology. Many of the terms are used in everyday language, and it's interesting to see their origin. Today the parry, the riposte, and the attack are often verbal, but fencers know what the words really mean. There's also a lot of romantic as well as actual history to the sport. People may have dreamed about being a swashbuckling pirate or musketeer, or leading a cavalry charge with saber held high.
It's easy to find local lessons by going online. Lancaster has several lesson sites within easy driving distance. All studios will let prospective clients view classes, which can be helpful when deciding which style appeals most or choosing the type of sword to use.
The Spanish get the credit for formalizing the science of sword play in the fifteenth century. Spanish prominence faded as the Italians and French perfected the skill. It became more of a hobby and less war-like when the English aristocracy took it up in London in the mid 1700s. Every Olympic Summer Games has had fencing contests since they began in 1896.
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.
There is, of course, debate about which style is better and more competitive. Scoring points is the goal of the Olympic style; the person with most hits on an opponent wins the bout. However, the classical duelist says that any hit might be lethal, and that the 'life or death nature' of classical fencing, even though it is mainly defensive, is most competitive.
There are many things that both styles have in common. One is the protective clothing duelers wear. This includes hand, sword arm, face, and body protectors. In both styles, many safety and procedural rules govern a bout. Instructors say that both styles develop character and self-confidence, improve balance and coordination, increase endurance, and foster mental focus.
Modern fencers use the same weapons used in former days, which are the foil, the epee, and the saber. When using the lightweight foil, all contact is to be done with the sword tip. Any blows made using the side are illegal. The same is true for the heavier epee. The saber, in contrast, is both a thrusting and a cutting weapon. Both the tip and the side of the blade are used during a duel.
Part of the fun is the terminology. Many of the terms are used in everyday language, and it's interesting to see their origin. Today the parry, the riposte, and the attack are often verbal, but fencers know what the words really mean. There's also a lot of romantic as well as actual history to the sport. People may have dreamed about being a swashbuckling pirate or musketeer, or leading a cavalry charge with saber held high.
It's easy to find local lessons by going online. Lancaster has several lesson sites within easy driving distance. All studios will let prospective clients view classes, which can be helpful when deciding which style appeals most or choosing the type of sword to use.
About the Author:
For quick installation of quality fencing Lancaster PA homeowners can contact our professional fencers today. Get a quote directly via this page http://www.befencedllc.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment