Baited Blade Classical Fencing

When you think about swords, you might think of either literature or theatrical features like The Three Musketeers, The Prisoner of Zenda, Zorro...or even more flashy sci-fi implementations like Star Wars. It's important to note that the art of fencing goes beyond what we see in the movies. To quote famed Hollywood fencing master, Fred Cavens, "All movements - instead of being as small as possible as in competition fencing - must be learge but nevertheless correct." There are different types of fencing, and one such path is Classical Fencing.

While the Olympic/sport style fencers are rewarded by the hit, classical fencers are rewarded by the means. Following the rule of "What if it were sharp?," classical fencing strives towards the goal of "killing without being killed." One must practice good defense to protect themself, as well as practice good technique in order to outsmart their opponent and deliver the killing blow.

Because there is so much to think about during a match, fencing is often referred to as a physical game of chess. Because classical fencing promotes form and knowledge over physical strength, it is a lifelong experience for many people, even those thought to be past their prime. Great fencing masters have lived and fenced well up into their eighties and nineties, showing that it's never too late to start fencing.

The benefits of fencing don't end when a fencer leaves the piste. A fencer learns valuable skills that they can apply to everyday life, whether dealing with the frustrations of school or the working world.