|
|  |
| |
|
| | Post New Topic | | Bengal Fencing Association | Views: 526 | | Jul 22, 2006 9:04 pm | | Bengal Fencing Association | # |
heathcliff | | BENGAL FENCING ASSOCIATION
Want to be the 21st century’s swashbuckling Errol Flynn? Bengal Fencing Association invites new and experienced fencers of all abilities to improve their fitness and competitive skills through class instruction, open fencing, tournaments, and workshops in a pleasant environment. Mr.Hari Pada Ghosh, ex-Indian Olympic Joint Secretary was the primary force behind the setting up of this school. “Before 1993, there was no fencing association in West Bengal. We advertised in newspapers for coaches and started practice at the Netaji Indoor Stadium,” says Mr.Ghosh. Only over the eight years of the club’s existence, it has bagged bronze and silver medals several times at the nationals.
Currently 27 boys and 20 girls are being trained at the Bengal Fencing Association under the guidance of coaches Debojyoti De and Ujjal Das. The age range for fencing is approximately 11 to 25 for boys and 10 to 25 for girls. Those wanting to join the club have to clear the entrance test of physical fitness. “We are trying our best to introduce the sport of fencing in schools and colleges. If inter-college fencing competitions can be organized, this sport will have a brighter future in Bengal,” say the coaches.
Like archery and javelin, fencing has its roots in ancient combat. It is a game in which there are bursts of intense, aerobic activity with periods of relaxation -- where you're sizing up your opponent and storing up energy for the next attack. The sport which most closely resembles fencing is boxing. However, unlike boxing, contemporary fencing is absolutely safe. For protection every fencer must don on an armour like the medieval knight, except this armour is relatively light and easier to manage. The fencing costume consists of gloves, a chest guard, full sleeved metallic jacket, body wire and pedal pushers. Even eyes and ears are fully protected. Further, the tip of the sword is capped with rubber. It is a sport which is both competitive and recreational.
When asked what the attributes of a good fencer are, coach Debojyoti De replies, “Endurance, reflex action, body fitness, technique and good eyesight. A tall and slim physique is an added benefit for a fencer : a longer arm span will help him/her to strike his opponent faster and being slim will provide less target area.”
There are various types of fencing :
foil : the target area is from the collar bone to the upper abdomen, excluding the two arms, the sword is rectangular
epee : the target area is the whole body, the sword is triangular
sabre : the target area is from head to waist including the two arms, it involves both chopping and thrusting movements.
Women are allowed to participate in foil and epee, men can participate in all three.
If you think you have the aptitude for fencing and the urge to learn you may contact Bengal Fencing Association at (033)24936266. There aren’t too many fencers in Bengal as yet, there is indeed a demand for good fencers, if you can excel at the game, the sport may also serve as a rewarding career for you.
Private Reply to heathcliff | | |
| |
| |
