Columbia, SC (WLTX) -- Fencing is one of the world's oldest forms of martial arts. The practice dates back to 18th Century France and England as way of settling disputes. It has now transformed into an Olympic sport in which particpants of all ages partake.
The Richland County Recreation Commission has been offering fencing classes at the Polo Road Recreation Complex. Rick Thompson, who instructs the classes, has been apart of the fencing world for over two decades.
It's a very athletic sport, a very aerobic sport." Thompson said.
The classes offered welcome children in their teens but also those as young as eight years old.
"At that level, we're not trying to make them Olympic champions. We're trying to teach them the basics of the sport," Thompson explained.
Like any sport, fencing can provide terrific aerobic exercise. However, what makes fencing unique is the fact one must attack while also being conscious of establishing a defense.
"You've got to come up with a bunch of different strategies", said Hope Johnson, a 16 year-old fencer. "You can start one way but your opponent can start countering and defending. You have to think of a different way to get around them."
Rick Thompson acknowledges his classes teach students how to be better fencers, but also how to think quickly on their feet.
"Some people have described fencing as 'a game chess played at 90 miles-per-hour."