FIT FENCING
We are made for movement. All sports disciplines—athletics, gymnastics, strength training, games, or martial arts—rely on movement. The results achieved in various disciplines are fantastic. They amaze us and build admiration for athletes who, through hard work, determination, and talent, push the limits of human capabilities. However, this applies to a narrow group of people who dedicate their lives to a part of physical culture known as sport. This involves serious changes in lifestyle and routine, where there’s no room or time for sleeping an extra hour, eight hours of work (increasingly sedentary), taking an afternoon nap, evening snacking, and many other activities.
It would be challenging for most us to commit to a professional training plan where everything is precisely scheduled and dosed in optimal amounts. Remember, its goal is to specialize in developing muscle groups and conditioning and coordination abilities (while minimizing unnecessary ones), and to shape movement skills specific to a given discipline. Thus, talking about holistic human development becomes questionable here, as an excellent sprinter might seriously consider whether to go on a long bike ride with the family, and a shot putter might struggle to run 100 meters to catch a bus. I wonder where the ordinary person fits in, if the contemporary athlete’s model involves a significant life change, imposing a strict daily routine, and preparing in a narrow specialization? The answer to the ‘professionalism’ of sport has become gyms and fitness clubs, which were almost unknown a decade ago. Their broad offerings provide movement, often very intense and demanding, but do they meet our expectations?
We go to CrossFit to improve overall physical fitness, approach the prowess of a ‘hunter’ in terms of strength, speed, and reflexes, and most importantly, to visibly enhance our physique. Generally, such activity is better than none, yields noticeable results, and is recreational. However, let’s consider whether effort devoid of active mental engagement, focused on body shaping, is the pinnacle of human capability in the 21st century, which seeks something between recreational movement and sports with a specialized approach. I believe that in search of the optimum, it’s worth considering the exceptionally competitive discipline of Modern Classical Fencing. I will try to present fencing as a traditional activity adapted to modern times and needs.
First, let’s examine the mental benefits, though paradoxically, an example from the body might help. It is well-known from exercise physiology, that active rest is best for muscle recovery and rejuvenation. It allows us to restore muscle potential more quickly and reduces the risk of excessively tight and stiff muscles after months or years of training. Muscle relaxation becomes more effective. Similarly, the mind benefits. I don’t need to describe the life of the contemporary person to conclude that they often lack the strength or desire to meet spiritual needs (let alone how many people are even aware that such needs exist?). Fencing, however, smoothly transitions from ‘absence’ to full creative activation of the mind.
The first part of the training serves to break the barrier created during the day, that severely hinders mental activation (cognitive). Fencing presents us with the general problem of how to behave to avoid being hit while simultaneously creating a situation where we can hit the opponent. Elements such as movement and effort economy, effectiveness, precision of actions, and confrontation in combat come into play. This causes fencing training to have a restorative and refreshing effect on the mind, improving our mental condition. A few weeks are enough to notice initial effects like easier concentration, quicker decision-making, and strengthened willpower. We feel more mentally resilient and less stressed, with daily tasks consuming less mental energy. This happens because exercises in fencing training always aim at achieving the goal of mastering the sport to serve us well. By constantly learning it, we place our minds in new situations, and as everyone knows, creative (active) brainwork eliminates the effects of all-day stress and monotony. Effort alone does not develop mental value, without which physical development is minimal.
Modern fencing training can best be expressed by the word ‘versatility’. The aim of exercises (both specialized and general) is to develop a well-rounded fencer in terms of skills, abilities, and fitness. Thus, the general development part of the training is a mix of exercises for strength, speed, endurance, balance, agility, and flexibility. These components of motor fitness, maintained in balance, lead to thorough preparation of the body. Notice that fencing training prevents localized development and almost immediately reveals one’s biggest deficiencies. Even hand dominance in fencing becomes outdated, as today it’s recommended to learn to wield a sabre or épée with both hands, not to mention the rapier, where practice and combat are conducted with two weapons simultaneously.
Even if we try fencing only recreationally or lack the time for full engagement in learning, such training can only be beneficial—the training adapts to the group, not the other way around. There is no possibility for someone not being good enough and be forced to quit. So, what can we ‘gain’ from fencing training—whether recreational or competitive? Primarily what most people currently care about most: improving posture. I must emphasize that it significantly improves the gluteus maximus (the currently prominent buttock muscle), as well as gracefulness and lightness of steps. I have not yet met girls or women who complained about this advantage of fencing training. And men haven’t complained either. In conversations with various people, I usually find similar observations: increased physical endurance, better well-being, and relief from back and joint pains.
It seems that modern classical fencing is a sport without flaws. Universal in its idea of combining tradition with contemporary needs. Well, I tried hard, but so far I haven’t come across any flaws or contraindications. It would be best if you came to a training session, checked it out personally, and either confirmed my conviction or opened my eyes.
This post is also available in:
polski
