Physical Chess
Fencing is sometimes called physical chess: while fencers move, they must also think! Recognizing an opponent's strategy and responding with the right move is essential, more important than mere quickness or strength.
Who Should Fence?
Everyone! There is no prototype for fencing: tall, short, quicker, slower. Fencing is simply a fun way to be active (very active!) and to learn new skills. Fencers learn to use their advantages and techniques to engage their opponents. Some fencers are attackers, others counterattackers. Come try fencing, and we think you'll enjoy it.
Is It Like Star Wars (or Pirates of the Caribbean)?
Some (not really). Real fencing is on a strip, not on a starcruiser or in the rigging of a ship. But it's safe! And it's real. And you're doing it. It beats video games, hands down (although they did use computer modelling of real fencers to create the Pirates of the Caribbean 3 Video game.) By the way: The best fencing movie is the Princess Bride ("my name is Inigo Montoya; you killed my father; prepare to die!").
What Will I Learn?
To fence, of course. But more importantly, Windy City fencers learn:
- Respect for Opponents: Every fencing bout begins and ends with the fencers saluting one another, the director, and the spectators. Winning and losing gracefully is expected, and Windy City fencers learn honesty in bouting without referrees.
- Good Sportsmanship. The rules of fencing demand good sportsmanship, and it is expected at Windy City at all times.
- Teamwork. Fencers stand on the strip, one-on-one. But Windy City Fencers are never alone. Windy City is truly a Club, with fencers of all ages supporting one another, cheering one another on at practice and at tournaments. Older fencers take seriously their obligation to be good role models and to help coach the younger fencers, at practice and at tournaments, sharing their knowledge of the sport.
But Nobody I Know Fences!
That's probably not true, as Windy City fencers come from all over the Chicago area. There are probably Windy City fencers at your school. But fencing's being a little different is part of its appeal. And, many more high school fencers go on to fence in college than is true of football, basketball, or soccer players.
Where Can I Find Out More?
- The USFA has a wonderful page describing fencing.
- The USFA also has a page for parents, and the USFA Parents' Committee has a handbook for fencers' parents.
- Come by a practice and watch for a while! (Contact us first, and we'll tell you which practice might be best to watch.)
Copyright (c) 2006 All rights reserved.
Windy City Fencing - Chicago, Inc.