Olympics Special: Take A Stab At Fencing - kcentv.com - KCEN HD - Waco, Temple, and Killeen

It's one of the oldest sports played in the Olympic games. Fencing takes both athletic ability, and discipline.

You might be surprised to know there are "fencers" here in Central Texas. We sent our own KCEN HD News reporter Rebecca Schleicher to give the sport a whirl.

In the Olympics, they make it look easy! Some footwork, the swipe of a blade and it's over. Sword fighting dates back thousands of years. And Rebecca takes a stab at the modern version: fencing.

Bekah Vande Velde is the owner and head instructor at Heart of Texas (HOT) Fencing in Waco. Right now, she has about a dozen students. Wednesday Rebecca become one of them.  

Bekah helps get her in gear to see what its all about.

"It looks like a straight jacket," Rebecca laughs as she puts on the uniform.

They use "pistol grip" foils to train, and an electronic meter to keep score.

Then they salute.

"This is your moment to present yourself as a fencer, show respect and get your game face on," Bekah said.

She teaches basic footwork: to attack and retreat. And, of course, how to use the blade.

Swatting your opponent away is called a "parry." Bekah says once you parry, you need to score by tapping your blade into your opponent's chest. If you can't reach, lunge forward to get closer.

Fencing is a martial art. It is said to mold character by teaching discipline, respect and sportsmanship.

"I wouldn't be who I am today if I hadn't been fencing," Bekah said.
 
But at any level, she says there's one priority above all else:

"No matter what you're doing, you want to make sure it keeps it fun, that you're enjoying yourself."

Keeping the sport alive, even here in our own backyard.

For more information about HOT Fencing, visit their Facebook page

Reporter: Rebecca Schleicher/Photographer: Rocky Bridges