A LOCAL fencing club is gearing up for a busy summer season in Crediton.
Heart of Devon Swords, which specialises in sabre fencing, will be offering beginner classes, an accessibility project, a tournament workshop and one-to-one lessons.
“Fencing is an energetic sport featured at the Olympics and Paralympics which trains your skills, tactical agility and physical fitness,” said club president Jason Ball, who is a British Fencing-registered coach.
“Fencers wear protective gear and follow respectful etiquette – each bout begins and ends with a polite salute.
“Sabre is one of three weapon disciplines in modern fencing.
“Foil and épée are perhaps better known, but sabre is the most dynamic and the target comprises the torso, arms and head.
“Uniquely the whole blade is conductive, and even the most subtle touch on your partner’s metallic target will light up the electronic score box.”
Heart of Devon Swords meets at Lords Meadow Leisure Centre in Crediton. And at Halberton near Tiverton.
The club welcomes all ages and a new fast-track beginners course is starting soon.
“I'm proud of our players – one fencer has reached the UK top 25 in the under-20s, and we have a fencer heading to the British Youth Championships,” Mr Ball continued.
“We also want to offer seated fencing for less mobile players.
“We'll start a fundraiser for specialist kit, such as the SwordSeat, a new flat-pack innovation.
“So please get in touch if you'd like to learn seated swordplay, or if you could help as a sponsor.”
Heart of Devon Swords trains on Saturdays. Its younger players dominated the 2024 junior county sabre championships.
Find out more about fencing in Devon by visiting: devonfencing.co.uk.