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Fencing is hard to learn,
because considerable application and practice are necessary for the development of the
sense of touch and the feel of the blade (sentiment du fer). Therefore, fencing
bouts with fencers of different levels are necessary. Fencing with the best fencers as
well as the less advanced ones enables a fencer to learn to keep the right distance, to
adjust the cadence and speed, and to develop a variation of tactics.
Though fencing is hard to learn, once it is mastered, the fencer can fence
well and derive much enjoyment and many benefits from the sport for far longer than one
can practise most other sports. And gender and age make no difference. Women can fence
against men, because the secret of success in fencing is the ability to think and act
immediately as required by the situation at any given time and at the speed required,
combined with spirit and good physical condition rather than greater physical size and
strength. Children can fence against adults, and an older fencer, even one well on in
years, can hold his/her own successfully against much younger and faster opponents by dint
of experience, technique, strategy, and tactics.
Jericho Fencing Club founded in 1976 by Maître Bac with the support of West Point
Grey Community Centre is one of the oldest fencing clubs in British Columbia. Membership
ranges from children as young as the age of 8 to seniors in their 70's. The membership
includes practised fencers who have been members for over 15 years, intermediate and
advanced fencers who have been members for under 10 years, newcomers who have completed
one of Maître Bac's beginners' courses, and experienced fencers who have come from other
clubs. The members also come from all walks of life, from students to professionals to
homemakers to retirees. Despite all the differences and the multiethnicity particular to
the population in Vancouver, all members feel a sense of camaraderie. Every fencer takes
an interest in helping one another by working out together, bouting, discussing tactics
and sharing pointers on technique. This is all done under the supervision and guidance of
Maître Bac. With his training and fencing heritage, and his long years of teaching and
competitive experience, Maître Bac is highly competent in initiating novices, training
good recreational fencers and elevating competitive fencers to championship class.
There is also a
strong sense of belongingness. It is not uncommon for members to bring their family
members to the Club to learn to fence. And members who have been away would upon their
return to Vancouver, come back to the Club to resume fencing or simply to visit.
The Club is open in the evening on Monday and
Wednesday and in the afternoon on Saturday, every week of the year. Even when a popular
holiday such as Christmas day or new Year's Day falls on either one of the three days, the
Club is still open and Maitre Bac in attendance so that avid fencers do not need to miss
their fencing. Besides these regular fencing sessions, the Club also holds an annual
meeting, a children and an adult tournaments annually, and quarterly social gatherings.
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