Fencing Class

In our Tryout Workout series we take you through the workout gauntlet to find which type of workout fits you best!

Fencing is the sport of swordplay. It began thousands of years ago as a way of training soldiers to fight with swords and eventually became a competitive sport.

In episode 22 of Tryout Workout, Desi heads toManhattan Fencing to learn all the ins and outs of fencing. Instructor Slava discusses how fencing is a fun way to mix competition with exercise. Fencing develops agility and flexibility similar to the strategic mindset of martial artist. Just make sure you have all the necessary equipment before you get started.

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This video features Desi Sanchez.

Duration: 3:54. Last Updated On: Nov. 8, 2017, 6:14 p.m.

Transcript

00:00 [MUSIC]
00:02 Hey, guys.
00:03 I'm Desi and I'm so excited because today I'm about to
00:06 try something I've wanted to do forever, fencing.
00:09 I'm here at Manhatten Fencing with instructor Slava who is
00:12 about to show me how it's done.
00:14 En garde.
00:15 [MUSIC]
00:28 Okay, well basic rules of fencing, okay?
00:30 What do I need to know?
00:31 >> The most important is your safety.
00:33 Part of the safety is the fencing gear so mask, jacket, knickers.
00:38 >> So safety first.
00:39 >> Safety first.
00:40 >> What else? >> Fencing's a linear sport.
00:42 You're moving only back and forth, not really sideways.
00:44 Actually we're standing on a fencing street.
00:46 >> So I can't move outside of the strip?
00:47 >> No, you cannot step out of the strip.
00:49 >> What does a beginner class consist of?
00:51 >> Every beginner starts first with a private lesson where you
00:53 can teach the basics, technique.
00:56 The en garde position, how to move in this en garde position, how to score the touch,
01:00 how to block a touch and then you're ready for the class and-
01:03 >> But not just kids, right?
01:04 Grownups can learn too?
01:05 >> Definitely.
01:06 Every ages group.
01:07 >> Okay. So
01:08 what kind of workout would I be getting by practicing fencing?
01:10 >> Flexibility, coordination, strong legs, cardio.
01:16 >> Flexibility, cardio, strong legs, and coordination?
01:19 >> Yes. >> I think that's a complete workout.
01:21 I'm ready to get started.
01:22 Should we gear up?
01:23 >> Sure. >> Great.
01:23 >> Let's do it.
01:24 [MUSIC]
01:28 >> Slava, what is all of this?
01:29 Well, there's the fencing gear or fencing pants, jacket,
01:32 chest protector, mask, glove everything you need for the lesson.
01:35 >> Whoa. Okay. >> So we're gonna start within the pants.
01:38 >> These knickers?
01:39 >> Yeah.
01:40 >> Never thought I'd be wearing knickers.
01:42 I don't really need this protection, do I?
01:44 I'm gonna be safe right?
01:45 >> I'm not sure.
01:47 >> Cause it's like a motorcycle jacket only it's for fencing.
01:49 [NOISE].
01:50 >> [NOISE] These we're going to put on the fencing hand.
01:55 >> Like Michael Jackson.
01:57 >> Yes, and the last part is going to be the mask.
02:00 >> Look at that.
02:01 Protect the old noggin.
02:03 >> In fencing we have three different weapons, which is the foil.
02:08 The sabre and the weapons we're going to use today is the epee,
02:13 which is the heaviest weapon.
02:14 The first person that pokes gets the point.
02:17 >> Can I give it a try?
02:18 >> Sure. >> Okay.
02:19 Let's see, let's see.
02:19 How do I hold this?
02:20 >> Well, there you go.
02:21 And the point always facing your open hand.
02:24 >> All right.
02:24 Let me say.
02:25 So, how do you say it?
02:26 En garde.
02:27 So I'm all decked out and ready to go.
02:29 Slava, what comes first?
02:31 >> All right. Let's start.
02:32 We're going to start first with en garde position and
02:35 how you move in en garde position.
02:37 One foot forward, bend the knees equally.
02:39 That's your en garde position.
02:40 Move forward up.
02:41 [MUSIC]
02:42 Up.
02:43 Up.
02:43 Up. Stand back and get in that position.
02:46 Up, up. Lunge will like this.
02:48 And perfect lunge.
02:51 You've been practicing at home?
02:52 >> [LAUGH]. >> Lunge, forward, lunge.
02:55 Keep distance.
02:56 Very good.
02:57 Forward, forward.
02:59 Perfect.
03:02 So far you've been attacking me, right?
03:03 >> Yeah. >> Now let's see what happens if I
03:05 attack you.
03:07 >> Oy. >> Parry forward and
03:09 repost is the touch after the block.
03:13 Parry forward and repost.
03:15 Perfect. Excellent.
03:15 Good job.
03:17 There you go.
03:20 >> Oh man.
03:21 Good match.
03:23 Good lesson.
03:24 That was amazing!
03:26 I feel so worked out.
03:28 I mean, I have big sweat rolling down my back right now.
03:32 >> People don't think that fencing is an actual sport, but it is.
03:36 >> Absolutely!
03:36 I feel it in my arms.
03:37 You know, this epee wasn't heavy when I first picked it up,
03:41 but it is like 5,000 pounds right now.
03:42 >> [CROSSTALK] In the shoulders, yes.
03:43 >> I think I definitely discovered some muscles today.
03:46 >> All right. >> Manhattanfencing.com.
03:48 Check it out, and you can hold an epee just like this.
03:51 Thank you Slava.
03:51 >> Your welcome. >> [LAUGH].
03:52 [MUSIC]