How can you cram a history lesson, a physical and mental challenge, and camaraderie into a two-hour block on a Thursday night? The UW Historical Fencing Club uses anything from French foils to bayonets to achieve all that and more. As a Western martial art, classical fencing (as compared to modern fencing) is less about competition and victory and more about technique, discipline and physical conversation. “It’s designed to teach the students proper posture, etiquette and form to understand the science and art of fencing,” Cecil Longino, the club’s instructor, said. For classical fencing, the best defense truly is the best offense.
While a duel may not be on most students’ schedules this quarter, club president Keith Neale said it is ultimately about fun, recreation and learning lessons to project onto everyday experiences, with or without swords.
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