En Guard, Pret, Allez!

En Guard, Pret, Allez!

It’s unusual, I know. Fun – obviously! Confusing? Only at first. Fencing is a technical, physically demanding and mentally tactical sport. It requires patience, passion, and a gruelling mindset. You cannot step onto the piste without a game plan: that’s just setting yourself up for failure. Impact’s Eda Onay describes her passion for the only individual sport in this segment.

There are three types of fencing: epee, foil, and sabre. To start a fight, both fencers have to stand behind their lines on either side of the piste. They wait until the referee has commanded ‘En Garde’ (get in defence position), ‘prets?’ (are you ready?) ‘Allez!’ (go). And the fight is on…

When I’m standing by the sidelines, watching fencers undergo long boutes (a fight), sweating fiercely between each point, I am in awe. Fencing tests you to the ultimate limit. How far are you willing to push your body? How long can you keep your mind focused before it sways?

At UoN, the fencing club participates in BUCS matches, where the atmosphere is unimaginable, especially when playing at home. We sit crowded behind our side of the piste whilst our teams armour up, manifesting a glorious victory.

The first point is hit and a ferocious roar echoes in the salle. We’re here to dominate and claim our place. We’re here to play our part for the team. We’re here to spur our fencers on to the best of their ability. We’re here to win. A moment’s weakness: the team are bellowing tactics; need to change the game plan; reset; we’re back in the zone.

It’s phenomenal to see what can happen to a fencer’s mindset in mere seconds. With the large support system behind them, it is hard not to feel loved.

Fencing is as much a team sport as it is individual. To be able to win and fence well, a good support system is key. That is exactly what we have here at the university. We pick each other up during difficult times. We celebrate wins, personal bests, and great achievements. Whether you are watching or competing, you are a part of the team, part of the family.

It doesn’t matter whether it’s a local or international competition, our coach records our performances and celebrates all victories and met benchmarks. This is the reason why fencers progress and fall in love with the sport.

I fell in love the first time I watched it whilst my brother was competing. The extraordinary moves a human body can undertake are phenomenal. I remember being obsessed, wanting to learn from them. That’s when you know you’re intrigued with a sport. That kind of passion and obsession.

I wish for everyone in the world to know what it is like to watch fencing. To see errors and advantages. To know when the fencer should go. To understand the rules. It is a whole new world and one I wish others knew more about.