Classical Fencing:

Classical fencing teaches the use of the foil, epee, and sabre as a European combat art.  Both modern amateur sport fencing and classical fencing stem from the same tradition of the use of the sword as a weapon and as an accomplishment for educated people.  However, there are significant differences in focus between the two approaches to fencing as highlighted in our comparison between modern amateur sport fencing and classical fencing.  Modern fencing continues to evolve as a highly athletic international sport, with competition at the state, sectional, national, and international level, including the Olympic Games and World Championships.  With age group competition ranging from 10 and under to veteran senior fencers, there are many opportunities for individuals who wish to engage in the sport as competitive athletes. 

Classical fencing has developed as a movement in the last decade as a conscious effort to return to the roots of fencing as training for the use of the sword and to offer an alternative to the focus on winning that comes with elite sport.  Classical fencers use traditional French and Italian foils, sabres, and epees and work to develop excellence in their technique as defined by fencing masters over the last 150 years.  The emphasis is on self-knowledge, personal skills, and working with other fencers to develop mastery of the sport rather than on competitive victories.

Both approaches to the sport of fencing have much to offer.  Fencing gets better as a sport and as a lifetime physical activity as more people participate in it, learn the skills involved, and become educated spectators and supporters.          

Objectives of our Classical Fencing Program:

In Salle Green, Classical Fencing focuses on development of technical skill, physical fitness, and decision making skills for fencers whose primary interest is not state or national level competitive sport.  We will help you develop and enhance:

• fencing skills, both in terms of body movement and in the ability to precisely use one or more of the three weapons
• physical fitness, strength, flexibility, and increased kinesthetic awareness
• personal self discipline, including the ability to make rapid decisions, to follow a detailed training program, and to work with others
• self confidence
• interest in lifetime physical activity and sport as part of a healthy lifestyle     

Classical Fencing Ranks:

Salle Green offers a system of progressive Classical Fencing Ranks to recognize the development of excellence in the technical skills of fencing with the Foil, Epee, and Sabre.  This progression is based on a set series of exercises and drills, and develops your confidence in your ability to perform the footwork and blade movements required.  It introduces you to assaults (friendly matches between you and another fencer in which the focus is on skill development and enjoyment of the conversation of the blades between you) in a controlled way that helps you master the skills involved.  And our system also requires that you develop your knowledge about the sport, including the ability to direct the assaults of others.

Lessons:

Individual fencing lessons are available by appointment.  Group lessons are taught in our Salle in the metropolitan Richmond area.  For additional information, contact Walter Green at (804) 241-0972.

Useful Links:

Kim Moser maintains Classical Fencing and Historical Swordsmanship Resources, a site with links to a wide variety of classical and historical swordsmanship organizations and publications.