Enter Classical fencing is the study of the western martial art of self-defense utilizing the weapons and techniques as perfected during the golden age (or classical age) of fencing. While a student of classical fencing may study a broader range of weapons, the three most common weapons studied are the foil, the epee and the sabre. Much as with Eastern martial arts, there are two sides to the study of this fighting style: one which is competative and one which is interested in the study of the style as a viable martial art. For instance, the Japanese martial art of two handed sword play is reffered to as Kenjitsu. The competative form is known as Kendo (the -jitsu and -do suffixes often denote the art and the sport forms respectively). Classical Fencing is the Martial art form of western fencing. Olympic fencing is the sport form. Olympic fencing is mostly concerned with the hit. Form and style are secondary. Classical fencing is much closer to fencing's origins as a martial art rather than a sport or game. The hit, or touch, is secondary, while self-defense (the rule of right of way in Foil and Sabre), the formation of a fencing phrase, and the development of a unique style are the primary focus. Classical fencing stresses balance and control. A classical fencer strives "to hit without being hit", and recognizes that the best way to do this is to utilize disciplined and refined technique. In short, classical fencing is the art of defending oneself with a sword. However, the skills learned thereby, can be used to defend oneself with any object which is longer than it is wide. At one time, there was no difference to how one fenced martially and for sport. Social changes in attitude, the use of electrical scoring apparati, attempts to cater to the sports media among other reasons caused sport fencing to become gradually distant from its martial roots. The same can be said of most competative Eastern Arts (It was this absence of realism which drove Bruce Lee to create his form, "Jeet Kun Do", which actually utilized theory from western fencing to bring martial realism back to the competative eastern arts). Recently however, the organizational authority for world sport fencing, the FIE, has indicated a desire to return sport fencing to its classical, martial roots. Soon-to-be-enforced regulations regarding equipment are meant to prevent many of the actions which have crept into sport fencing and which have no rational martial value. As such, sport fencers are seeking classical training which many instructors and coaches have long neglected to provide. The Classical Fencing Society is one of many schools dedicated to preserving the martial traditions of fencing and offering a venue for fencers of all backgrounds to obtain this much sought after classical form and technique. The Classical Fencing Society is open to anyone in the St. Louis University or Marquette University communities who is interested in learning the art of fencing. This includes students, alumni, faculty, staff and their families. We also accept members from the St. Louis and Milwaukee areas, however, such individuals must show a sincere interest (attend four practices) before they shall be considered for beginner training. We have had students from Central and Southern Illinois, Madison Wisconsin and other Universities around SLU and MU to name a few. Only SLU or MU University students can hold a position as officer in their respective branch. To sign up for classes and the society, send us an email at mail@cfssda.org, or contact one of our instructors. For St. Louis, contact David Achilleus at (314) 544-7718 and for Milwaukee, contact Alexis LaJoie, at (414)202-3503. Interested people are always welcome to come to our practices. If you are not affiliated with the SLU or MU community it is required that you show sincere interest by attending at least four practice sessions before you will be considered for training as a beginner. Once it is time to get their own equipment students often wonder what they need to obtain. A basic starter set from one of the suppliers listed under the resources section should serve you well. As for a uniform, the Classical Fencing Society has a dress code of a white fencing jacket and black work out pants. A good source of work out pants are "Baggy Pants" usually used for Boxing work outs and made by Dove Wear. They fit like sweat pants but have heavy elastic at the waist, pockets, and no elastic at the cuffs. They are also made of a sufficiently heavy material to provide some protection and durability. Best of all, they are usually much cheaper than fancy sweat or work out pants. Alternatively, fencers may purchase fencing knickers but are not required to. As for the actual weapons themselves, Mr. Achilleus has put together a helpful list of parts to ask for when ordering equipment. Do Classical Fencers Compete? Competition is not the primary focus of studying Classical Fencing. Rather than attempting to pile up awards to him or herself, the classical fencer is trained to respect others more. One seeks to understand oneself in relationship to others through the study and practice of this martial art. Practical self-defense principles are also learned, but always within the western philosophic frameset of Chivalry, which promotes the many political, personal and spiritual virtues which are so often neglected today. Several classical fencing schools, including the CFS do offer venues to learn from other classical fencers in a competative setting. The Classical Fencing Society currently holds two Grand Invitational Tournaments per year (Spring and Fall) which attract fencers from all over the US and the world. Additionally, once a student has proven aptitude in and devotion to classical form and technique, they are encouraged to engage in other competative forums to learn more as well as to serve as representatives of the classical styles within the sport fencing community.
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