Fencing is a high-performance Olympic sport. It was one of the few sports to be included in every modern Olympics games since they began in 1896. It is a sport almost anyone can participate in — speed, strength or size alone will not determine your success. You need to be mentally active in order to outwit your opponent. That being said, the higher levels of competition will require athletic conditioning – power and agility.
Outside of competition, fencing is an activity with benefits for both the body and the mind. Fencing will improve your balance and coordination. Fencing will improve your ability to think under pressure. Fencing will improve your reaction speed. Perhaps the best benefit is all of the friendly people you will meet through fencing. Your toughest opponent may easily become one of your best friends.
If you have seen movies such as Zorro or The Princess Bride, even the more recent James Bond or Pirate movies, you have seen the dramatic side of swordplay. There are elements of fencing in those duels you see on stage and screen, but there is one very important difference. What you see on stage and screen is choreographed and rehearsed. Fencing is a competitive sport — the action is not rehearsed. You must depend on your skill and your wits to defeat your opponent. Fencing is very much a mental game, yet played out on a physical level. As such, anyone can become a great fencer through practice and by being aware of your opponent’s actions.