Fencing: the art, practice, or sport in which an épée, foil, or saber is used for defense and attack.
About a week ago, I joined the Okemos High School Fencing Club. I thought it would be a great idea to try it out. At the first meeting we learned basic footwork and how to lunge. After we learned the basics, we watched some of the members (who have been fencing for a long time) do a small demonstration game. I was so excited when I left, and told myself that I
HAD to go back!
Today was our second meeting. They are held in the Choir Room after school from 3-5pm. Today was the best meeting ever (even though it was only the second meeting!) For the first half an hour, we watched a pair of boys and girls fence off against each other. We watched to see what a real fencing competition was like and what the penalties are if a fencer, fellow friend or coach. Unfortunately, we can't fence with real swords due to safety issues, so for right now we are learning by playing a game of HEM.
HEM is a game played with beginning or experienced fencers. The group is split into two teems to make the game even. The game is played with pool noodles since they can't really hurt anybody. Even though it isn't dangerous, we still wear masks to keep our heads safe from hard blows. Each team is given a different pool noodle (ex. Purple vs. Orange). In addition, one member of the team is given a different color noodle then the rest of the team. This person is known as the HEM, the target that the other team is trying to hit. The game is now played by advancing and retreating on the other team. The goal is for you to hit the other teams HEM before they hit yours. To get to the HEM you have to get through the other players by hitting them on the head with your noodle. It's a great game! But enough about how its played, let's get to today!!
For the rest of the time we played the game HEM. I only stayed on one side and fenced against the same people. Our coach told me to go fence against other people and try to score HEM for our team. I did what he said. As we continued, the coach watched me intently. Finally, he stopped the game to give an announcement. He said that only one person was working the hardest and was the only one doing it right, AND it was a newbee. As we continued, he had me fence against some of the more experianced fencers. I fenced against most of them and got them out more that once. When the meeting was over, people kept telling me that I was an amazing fencer. Coach noticed this to and said that I should sign up for a 15 week course class about how to fence with actuall swords. It was SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO amazing and I was very happy to get outside and feel the cold air.
Well, that's it! It was a great day and one of the most rewarding experiances in my life!
