Blogmas 13: So.. You Build Fences?

Hello!

AAaand no, no I don't.

I also really love the above photo, as old as it is (I mean, I'm brunette) because I'm still friends with these guys, they've helped me through a lot and I'm there for them through a lot as well.

If you haven't guessed yet, this post is a little bit about Fencing.



I really love fencing, and Sabre is my favourite weapon! I don't think enough people really acknowledge it as a sport, or as a thing that exists and I think it's important to try and raise some awareness of it! It's a very old sport, and you're probably extremely familiar with what it entails, it's present in movies such as Pirates of the Carribean etc. I feel like everyone enjoys watching sword fighting, it's exciting, it's thrilling. So, that's what my focus is on today. Let'ssss gooooo!

What is Fencing?

Fencing is a sport. You sword fight. There are three main swords; Foil, Epee and Sabre, which are all very different, need different equipment and follow different rules. Simple stuff.

How long have you fenced for?

I started at the age of around 14/15 So that's 6/7 years now!

Why did you start Fencing?

I started because when I was in Primary 7 (aged 12) I watched a Sportsround video on Fencing and I thought that it looked like the more incredible thing I had ever seen. Seriously. I've always really enjoyed movies that involved sword fighting and action, and when I saw the news clip I just thought that it looked like exactly the kind of thing I wanted to do, because I thought it would be something I would enjoy.

What have you gotten out of Fencing?

Aside from some really great friends, it's also given me a lot of independence, because on piste, it's really just you, with the support of your team mates. You are the one watching your opponents actions, and you are the one taking your own actions. Yes, there is a referee who will decide who the points go to, but everything you do/do not do becomes your choice. Do you lunge? Do you parry? Do you advance? Do you retreat? You are the one who decides why you are taking those actions.

It's quite fun. It's also rather good for hand-eye coordination and balance. (and yes, there is wheelchair fencing as an option as well, it's not just for the able bodied.)

Are there any competitions?

Yes, yes there are. There are many competitions going on. A lot of my friends have competed in Sheffield, London and Paris, but I have only competed in the Scotland; Aberdeen, Bathgate and local, club competitions.

How can I get involved?

Look around, maybe go to your local sports centre/gym or community centre and have a look to see if there are any local clubs going on. Failing that, have a look on the internet or ask at the sports clubs at local universities (almost guaranteed they will have a club) to see if there are any you can join.

Do you still fence?

At the moment, no. I do really want to though, it's just a lot to do with my club timings, my anxieties of having everyone look at me and knowing I have to ask people to fence and it's just a lot that seems really easy to do, but that I really struggle with. Also, there is a cost to joining the club to help with running costs and the equipment.

So ... there you are, I guess it's a basic guide to what fencing is and I hope you've enjoyed reading it.

If you have any questions at all about it, about the swords, about anything, please leave a comment and I'll help you out :)

Thanks for reading!

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Remember, I have a giveaway running until 15 December.

Here's the link to the post if you are interested >> ( here ) <<
Two prizes up for grabs; from Lush, Metal Panda and Bomb Cosmetics