fencing

Fencing in the Ancient World

Egyptian stick fighting
Egyptian stick fighting

The word “Carma” coming from Sanskrit refers to fencing in ancient times. The modern word “Escrime” is used to signify the art of “touching without being touched,”

Mankind has a history of fighting and conflict. People have tried to compensate for their physical weakness by inventing weapons to defend against or conquer animals and other humans. Weapons developed from wood, stone and then metal, lead man to try to perfect methods of combat; to maximize their most effective strengths and skills for both offence and defence – the art of fencing. …

West Devon Swords ‘Schools for Summer’

Image: Primary school sports Summer 2018Before the Summer term ended, we made it out to some of the primary schools in the area to run some fencing and archery sessions and in one school, attended their very own school-wide multi-sports day.

Our standard format, split-session of fencing and archery using the two sets of plastic kit, enabled a quick turnaround and two activities in the space of one for several primary year groups. …

OCRA Juniors advance

Image: Grade Two passes: Todd Rook and Brendan Miles
Grade Two passes: Todd Rook and Brendan Miles

Further congratulations to Todd Rook and Brendan Miles (pictured) who achieved British Fencing Grade Two Foil just before our Summer break.

Well-drilled after going through the grade one and two syllabus back-to-back, it was a pass with honours, just in time to put weapons down for the first round of Summer weather. …

Update on sports fencing classes – Summer 2018

OCRA Fencing and Archery Day, Easter 2018As the usual Summer break draws near, it’s worth a quick review of our session structure…

We’re in a transitional phase right now with sports fencing in the Okehampton area; our previous intake of teenagers has moved on to exams and college; I am looking to the best way to re-launch in the Autumn.

The remaining juniors’ session, Tues 5-6pm, is 8-11 yr olds working through British Fencing badges; this I am also looking to re-launch in September. …