Thursday, November 10, 2005
Tuesday 8 Nov 05
7.00 -9.30 Limerick School of Arms - Classical Fencing.
Upstairs from the School of Economics is Limerick School of Arms - 'the only dedicated fencing facility in Ireland and only the second dedicated classical fencing facility in Europe'.
The instructor who runs the school is Neville Gawley who became passionate about classical fencing while studing under a master in New York. One coming to Limerick Neville wanted to continue fencing and found to do so he would have to set up his own school. On the night I arrived 2 other fencers were practicing Yann (who is also and Archery instructor) and a lasy fencer.
Neville talked me though some of the history of classical fencing and showed me examples of various types of weapons; foil, epee, backsword, cudgelling, and La Canne Italiana (a type of fencing with a walking stick). And then the fencing! With my own practice foil in hand Neville went through the poses and moves - that may sond simple but it actually takes quiet a lot of concentration to get them right as the difference in getting it right or wrong can be down to a slight turn of a wrist. Neville is a great teacher thoguh - very patient and willing to go over moves gain and again until you understand and get it right. One of the most trilling parts of the evening was learning and performing the movements for 'on guard'. It really apealled to the romantic in me and also the kid who would be a mustakeer! Not only was the evening enjoyable but i think it was a pretty good workout too.
Lots of people I talked to after doing fencing have been ' wow I'd love to do that' ' I didnt know there was a fencing shool in Limerick". Its definenly one of the persuits that show you that you cant know everything going on in a city.
# posted by Neva Elliott @ 11:48 AM 
