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“Solidarity” the theme of World Fencing Day

FIE World Fencing Day 2017The International Fencing Federation (FIE) announced the theme for the 2017 World Fencing Day will be ‘Solidarity’, to be recognized on Saturday, September 9.

This International day of fencing emphasizes ‘Fencing Together, Universal Fencing’. The FIE is promoting worldwide participation in its theme, encouraging fencing country federations, confederations, athletes, schools, clubs, and others to join in the festivities and activities. …

HEMA: Safe conduct of classes

Catling and Pritchard practising sword and bucler at May Melee 2014Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) is the serious study and live application of combat techniques from the early Medieval period, through the Renaissance, to the late Nineteenth century.

HEMA is not a fantasy activity like LARP (Live Action Role-playing), it is not historical re-enactment, nor is it choreographed stage fighting. It should be treated the same as other martial arts such as boxing, karate, ju-jitsu and the like. This means a constant and strict regard for the risk of injury, with appropriate steps (instruction, donning protective gear) to mitigate and minimise such risk. …

WDS at Super Sporting Sunday – 16th July

West Devon Swords at the South West Youth Games 2017West Devon Swords will be at Okhampton Sports and Fitness Festival’s Super Sporting Funday on July 16th at Simmons Park. We’ll be there with plastic fencing for the juniors and the chance to try some historical swordplay with longsword and rapier.

“Great chances to take part in archery, fitness sessions , swims, tennis, putting, fencing, runs or walks, badminton, table tennis, putting, trampolining and even a climbing wall- all at Parklands or with us at OCRA .

There’s also lots for children and adults of all ages to do also, so people can come along on their own and with family and friends. Refreshments are available.”

 

 

WDS at South West Youth Games 2017 – update

West Devon Swords at the South West Youth Games 2017West Devon Swords attended the South West Youth Games, Sunday, 9th July at Simmons Park, Okehampton.

Introduced as part of the Millennium Games in 1999, where every county created a Youth Games of their own, in the South West it has been going for 18 years. The South West Youth Games is now the largest community sports event for children and young people in Devon and Cornwall, offering over 20 sporting competitions on one day.

WDS at South West Youth Games 2017WDS was there with the plastic Go Fence! kit for children and adults to try.

Around 2,500 competitors, supporters and public attended the event at which we got unexpectedly sun-burnt.

Amidst the ultra-competitive Youth Games athletes who came to taster sessions between competitions, our youngest fencer was 5, the oldest 65.

WDS at Okehampton Castle

West Devon Swords attended the Bluebell Sunday at Okehampton Castle on Sunday May 15th, 2017.

Dodging the downpours, we held a few taster sessions with the safe, plastic mini-fence kit during the day.

Safe under cover for the rest of the event, West Devon Swords gave a series of presentations loosely themed as ‘900 years of swords in six minutes or less.’ Children and adults were able to try on some medieval armour and get the feel of real steel weapons.

English Heritage, which runs the castle, gave a talk on Okehampton’s past – as well as collecting memories of the castle and Bluebell Sunday for the 100th anniversary of the castle’s donation as a public monument.

Find Okehampton Castle via the English Heritage website.

Image: Freddy in chainmail, © Robin Catling
Image: West Devon Swords at Okehampton Castle, © Vicki Pritchard