In the movies, fencing is all about defeating the opponent, but for the fencing club it means so much more. Fencing is not only a sport but a community for the people involved.
As people begin to arrive, new members are welcomed in and walked through what the organization does during practice. Veteran members talk amongst themselves while some continue to warm up and others take the time to catch up with friends. They help each other put on their gear, making sure the wires of their vests are connected, while others set up the equipment for a match.
“I think fencing is a great way to stay active. I’ve made lots of friends here. This is pretty much my social life,” president and coach Harold Rosario Navarro said.
While some members hang out together while others are getting ready, some start to fence. During a match, another member helps officiate by keeping score and calling the winner. Returning people prepare new members for battle, teaching them the nuances of each blade and how to use them.
Each practice starts with a series of warm-ups, with a veteran member instructing new members and correcting their form. After warming up together as a whole club gets ready to fence.
The organization has equipment for all types of blades, and it is available for use by anyone in the club. The league follows Olympic fencing rules, which consist of three blades: the foil, the épée and the sabre.
While the club is a space to make friends and chat, it also competes in four tournaments throughout the year: two in the fall and two in the spring. Everyone is welcome to compete, as long as they can make a team.
“It’s pretty much a friendly club; we are pretty social,” Navarro said. “We tell people to try and compete whenever they can, but that’s just optional.”
The whole organization works together to learn and teach each other. While there is competition between the members when fencing, they uplift each other and welcome everyone in. The fencing club is all about the people and the connections they make along the way.
“It teaches good sportsmanship, which translates into life. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose,” Thomas Helmke said. “Most of the time you end up losing, but it teaches you to keep a stiff upper lip. When you do win, win with grace.”
