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'THE JOY OF FENCING': A sports where cunning trumps brute force may soon be coming to Walton County (PHOTOS and VIDEO)
Master-At-Arms, Robert Drake, wants to spread the “poison” of traditional swashbuckling sword play to Walton County area neighborhoods.
“You just have to use deceit and treachery; it’s very much a mental sport,” said the 34-year-fencing veteran.
While traditional fencing forms rely on skill and facilitate “life lessons,” Drake isn’t above mixing in a little high-tech.
To see a photo gallery, click here.
“The electric swords make it a game of manipulation,” he said.
For students interested in competing beyond the club level, Drake is now teaching electric swordsmanship, where a digital sensor monitors jabs and thrusts that make contact with an opponent.
“Our number-one fencer last season, Karen Green, finished 3rd in Tallahassee and Mobile with electric” he said, of her first experience using the foil vest and wired swords.
Electric or old-fashioned, it is the reliance on “mind” and “heart,” not brute force, which make fencing competitions gender and age friendly.
Ryan Murphy, a 10-year-old, saw a fencing event, wanted to try it and now he is hooked.
“He loves it!” said dad Rob Murphy. “He loves that he can stab someone and get away with it.”
For history student, Brian Urbanczyk, who picked his first sword up when he was 11 years old, the sport combines two of his interests.
“At first I though it would be neat, fencing and sword fighting, and I was more and more interested; now it is a hobby I like and enjoy.”
After finishing up a battle at the United Methodist Church’s Family Center in Niceville, Shane Bennett said, “It’s exciting, an argument with swords.”
Kyle Clements seconded Bennett’s sentiments.
“It’s an exhilarating rush to be able to fight with swords,” Clements said. “I definitely enjoy coming here every week.”
Drake hopes to spread the “joy of fencing” he first admired in Musketeer and Errol Flynn movies, and began learning in 1976 “just in case he needed it for a (theater) role.”
The Society is expanding its reach to Panama City, and is searching for Walton County locations for classes and tournaments. If you are interested in hosting an event or for more information, call 850-678-9190 or go to The North Bay Society of the Sword website http://northbayfencing.weebly.com/
