Fencing Sport
– Maestro Fencing School – and Clubs
ONE OF THE OLDEST SPORTS
Fencing is one of the oldest Sports and has always been part of the original sports of the Olympic Games. The CEO of the International Federation of Fencing (FIE), Alisher Usmanov - even though he is the second largest share holder of the Arsenal Football Club - is more passionate about fencing. Usmanov intends to increase the ranking of fencing in the Olympic family and he says, “Fencing is one of the original sports of the Olympic movement, present from the very beginning. The FIE pays great attention to increasing the appeal of the sport and to improving access to the sport.“ This is intended for all countries. It is an up-and-coming sport world-wide and the individualistic qualities developed by fencing are becoming increasingly valued by schools, where we are convinced it will take off over the next few years. Yet what are these qualities that make fencing so special? QUALITIES OF FENCING
Not speed but patience of timing are decisive. Not brute force but skillfulness and adaptability win the day. Fencing challenges a person's flexibility of strategy and thinking - and individual survival. It nurtures character and mindfulness. The aspect of timing is extremely important and is a quality important throughout life, even just when talking or listening to someone. It encourages one to focus on an objective and as one improves it ultimately creates confidence and circumspection. It has changed people's personalities towards the positive and for the better. Of course, this is not all achieved all in one go, but rather is a process of growth that requires to be worked on steadily and one step at a time without forgetting one of the most important ingredients, namely fun. It is exciting to fence. THREE FENCING DISCIPLINES AND SAFETY
There are thee different disciplines in fencing, namely Sabre, Foil and Epee. To find out which discipline is most suitable for you takes probing and we will advise you as well. Safety is paramount in all disciplines. The weapons are different yet the blades are blunt for each of the disciplines. The attire worn similarly varies and is protective as according to internationally set standards. Etiquette (holding blades downwards off the piste, etc) is taught and followed. We will initially bring along attire for you, so that for the first six months, or longer if need be, you can try it out. The protective clothing attire consists of the Jacket, Plastron ('under-jacket'), Breeches ('shorts to knee-level'), long Socks (to overlap the breeches), fencing Shoes (sport shoes will do most of the time), and a fencing Glove. There are also differences between female and male attire, also in the additional plastic covering for the sensitive parts. FINEST RECORDS AND COACHES
Aydar Zabbarov, fencing gold medalist in sabre team, was invited from Russia to improve fencing is South Africa by the Fencing Federation SA (FFSA) and has fortunately for us settled in KZN. He is consistently ranked #1 for sabre in South Africa, and coaches all three disciplines with over 42 years of fencing experience. M Zafer 'Zaf' (a flight instructor) and ranked in the top ten in South Africa when actively fencing and is a foil specialist and coach. Aydar's sabre student Mitchum Blakeman is ranked in the top three in SA. MItchum is frequently selected to represent SA at Africa Championships World Fencing Championships. Mitchum is standing in as interim Coach whilst Aydar has returned to Russia for a period of time. KZN has come a long way with many junior students being taught and bringing home Golds at national competitions. FUNDING AND VENUE
Maestro Fencing Club currently meets at the Baptist Church Hall in Lambert Road, Morningside. For new Fencers, there is no membership fee in the first month, whilst you get your first experience of Fencing. Thereafter, a membership fee of R100.00 per Fencer is payable on a monthly basis. Individual Coaching in 20 minute slots is also available with payment due per lesson. Any donations or sponsorships to help talented students to visit national and international competitions is greatly appreciated. Further information will be provided on request. If you can help us in any of these respects, or wish to try Fencing, then please contact us. CONTACT MAESTRO FENCING
Email : [email protected]
Phone : Mitchum - 073-6427430
