Lifestyle
University Daily Kansan / Friday, March 30, 1990
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GRADUATE STUDENT ASSEMBLY
Above: Tom Skelton, Lenexa junior, left, fences with Matt Conrad, Lawrence freshman, during a KU fencing club meeting.
Date: Friday, March 30th
3:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Place: Big 8 Room Kansas Union
Left: Shawn Chestnut, instructor, left, demonstrates fencing techniques to the club members.
Keynote Speech
David Sneed, Memphis State University "The Advisor/Advisee Relationship"
Featured Presentation
Dr. Frances Horowitz Dean of the Graduate School
Graduate Issues Representative Session Reception to Follow
ALL GRADUATE STUDENTS WELCOME
for more information, call the GSC office, 864-4914
"He who lives by the sword, dies by the
sword."
Story by Christine Reinolds Photos by Brian T. Schoeni
t is called a gentleman's sport: an act of valor mixed with pride and a little bit of arrogance.
1 Fencing, one of the oldest sports in the world, was not regarded as a sport until the 16th century. Men defended their honor by challenging each other to a sword duel; they often died.
Since the 16th century, fencing has evolved into a national pastime. Most teams and individuals in the United States who compete in tournaments are members of the U.SFA Association. The USFA insures its members against accidental injury.
KU students can enjoy a safer form of swashbuckling in the KU Fencing Club. The club is a member of the USFA and is insured for $1 million, said Shawn Chestnut, club member.
Chestnut said most of the injuries he had seen included a few twisted ankles and injured knees.
"Fencing is a gentleman's sport," he said. "Violence is strongly frowned upon. I know of only a few deaths in fencing's long history."
The club has about 30 regular members. Most of the members are students who have completed fencing classes at KU.
Club members compete in area tournaments about 12 times a year.
KU offers three beginner classes each semester and one intermediate class in spring semesters. The classes usually are filled to capacity, said Chestnut, also a KU fencing instructor.
Chestnut, Overland Park senior, said some of his students came to the club for practice. A club member who uses the electric sword equipment must pay a $5 fee to help pay for the equipment. Student Senate has given the club about $2,200 for Fall 1990 to spend on equipment and other expenses.
A 'Physical Chess Game'
Fencing is a taxing sport that demands discipline, self-control and concentration. Chestnut said.
"It is sometimes referred to as a physical chess game," he said.
Trevour Kelleher, Mission Hills sophomore, said he first became interested in fencing by watching old Errol Flynn movies.
"like the sport because it doesn't" emphasize either
your mental strength, "Kelleher said. It is a
same of both."
About 25 to 30 percent of the club members are women.
"The women have an advantage over the men," Chestnut said. "They are more flexible than men. But the men are often stronger and aggressive."
Three different types of fencing weapons are used in competitions.
The second form of fencing uses the epee, which
The most common form of fencing is foil. It is the lightest of the three weapons and requires the most technique, Chestnut said. The end has a rounded, rubber tip. The fence can be awarded points only if he touches
resembles a 17th century dueling rapier. It is used as a thrusting weapon. Touches are registered through an electric machine that is connected to the sword by wires.
"It represents a realistic sword fight because the entire body is the target area," Chestnut said. "It is a game of precision and skill."
Sabre, the most aggressive type of fencing, is used as a slashing and thrusting weapon. Fencers can score points only above the waist.
Sabre originates from sword fighting that was done on horseback, Chestnut told. Soldiers would not swing at the lower part of the rider's body so that the horse would be saved for the winner.
A bout begins when the director says "En Garde." The opponents then raise their swords up to their chins and down to their sides as a salute. This tradition originates with the crusaders who would kiss the cross before going to war.
The bout continues until one opponent scores five touches. The players then take off their masks and shake hands with their non-weapon arm.
"You just say thank you, nothing else," Chestnut said.
Arrogance required
Chestnut said that most good fencers competed because they were individualists and sometimes arrogant. Many compete to experience the true sense of one-on-one competition.
"It's a challenge to see who has greater control," he said. "Once you fall in love with fencing, you want to pursue the excellence."
There are not many official masters of fencing. To become a master, or maestro, one must pass rigorous skill and knowledge tests given by the USFA. A maestro's name throughout the fencing.community. Chestnut said.
Steve Harrington, Seneca, Mo., senior, took a fencing class from Chestnut in Fall 1989.
"The actual fencing was the most fun," Harrington said. "The drills are necessary but boring."
Expensive equipment
Although the allure of sword fighting is a romantic, exciting concept, the sport itself quickly can burn a hole in your pocketbook.
It costs about $300 to $350 for an individual to buy his own equipment, including electric epee equipment. Chestnut said. The basic jacket worn in competitions and matches cost about $30, but the cheapest mask costs about $40.
The classes offered by KU supply all equipment except the foil.
Fencing encourages skill, not violence, therefore the uniform worn is designed to protect the fencer.
The masks are made to resist 110 pounds of force, Chestnut said. The foil is designed to break before the mask gives way. The uniform, consisting of a jacket, is woven with Kevlar, a material five times stronger than steel. These precautions serve to protect the fencer in all types of fencing.
So the next time Zorro slashes his "Z" in a villian's shirt, or the Three Musketeers clash their gleaming swords at the enemy, remember the art of fencing is still alive and waiting for the next knight.
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