Fencing Club: Foil and Sabre
By: Ashleigh Scheuneman
Illustrated by: Carla Cieza
The George Fox University (GFU) fencing club offers students of all skill levels the opportunity to learn or enhance their fencing skills in multiple styles.
The fencing club provides community and friendly competition at 6 p.m. on Monday nights in the Hadlock Student Center.
Fencing has been a sport since the 15th century, becoming popular during the 17th and 18th centuries with the development of unique fencing styles.
Kyler Howard, the president of the GFU fencing club, said, “There are three different categories of fencing: foils, sabres and epee. We practice foil and sabre, focusing on one each semester. They are very different styles of fencing and they have different rules for what counts.”
Foil requires the fencer to touch their opponent on their chest with the tip of their blade so that the sword bends. Sabre allows the fencer to score a point when any part of their blade touches their opponent above the waist, according to Howard.
Foil fencing is practiced during the fall semester and sabre fencing is practiced during the spring semester.
Howard prefers foil fencing because it is “more technique based.”
“Foil being the way it is, you have to be a little more thoughtful with your technique about how you are going to get in to get the point,” said Howard.
Howard began fencing when he came to GFU. “I decided, ‘why not learn to fence?’ I’d never fenced before but it sounded like fun,” said Howard. “So I went to a few meetings and enjoyed it and had fun, and now I have this fun, unique hobby.”
After being taught how to hold the sword and how to score points against his opponent, it did not take Howard long before he was able to become a proficient fencer.
“After two or three meetings I started picking it up pretty fast. I just kept practicing and playing every week, doing some competitions and duels. It was pretty quick. It’s not the hardest,” said Howard.
The Fencing Club has about 15 to 20 members, with approximately 10 showing up each week for club meetings.
Illustrated by Carla Cieza
“It’s a lot of fun to have like minded people come together in a club like this,” said Howard. “We have fun (without hurting each other) and uplift each other. We give it our all, but are very respectful.”
No equipment or experience is necessary to join. All face guards and swords are provided.
“Just show up and I’ll teach you the basics of how to hold a sword, the stance, and how to actually sword fight,” said Howard. “We do everything safely. We have all the protective gear for members. All of that we provide.”
Howard said that no one has ever gone to the hospital because of the Fencing Club.
To join, email khoward19@georgefox.edu or attend a club meeting.