Fencing

About

Fencing is one of the oldest sports in existence. Evidence from the Egyptian ruins from the reign of Ramesses III indicate fencing is at least 3,200 years old. Throughout history it has been practiced as an art form and as training for combat. It has constantly evolved through ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome and the middle ages. It began to take a form similar to that which is now practiced in the 16th and 17th centuries. A rise in wearing swords as part of civilian dress and an increase in dueling led to massive demand for training. Fencing masters established schools throughout Europe. In 1896 fencing was admitted into the first modern Olympics. Shortly afterwards a divide in philosophies occurred leading to the creation of two different schools: classical and modern (or Olympic). Classical fencing very much regards fencing as sword play and wishes to stay true to the fencing of Renaissance Europe. Modern fencing treats fencing as a sport. We at NUI Galway Fencing Club practice modern fencing. We train beginners using the traditional training weapon, the foil, with an option to branch off into epee at later time. We also hope to start to cater for sabre in the coming year. We welcome fencers of any level and our club is currently a healthy mix of beginners and veterans. . We have good participation in national competitions including beginner competitions. Fencing Facts: - The tip of a foil is the second fastest object in sport (after a bullet). -Fencers tend to score very highly on hand-eye reflex tests. -Famous fencers iclude: Winston Churchill, General George Patton, WB Yeats, Rene Descartes... -Fencing is seen by many as the new yoga. It increases flexibility, improves posture and tones all major muscle groups. Celebs such as Catherine Zeta Jones are firm advocats of this. -Fencing gets your heart rate higher, faster than any other sport. -Olympic fencers have ranged from 16-40+ years old.

History

Established in 2004.

Achievements

-Numerous top ten finishes from members in national competitions. -Two members represented Ireland in 5 nations. -Zoya Syomina was ranked no.1 in womens foil. -Marianne van Dyke represented Ireland in 2010 for the Student 5 nations and the Quad match.

Intervarsities

Interversaties will be held in Trinity this year on the 25th and 26th of February