Jim is downstairs. He has his foils spread out around him and he is painstakingly getting them competition ready. Jim is a fencer. He has been fencing for 6 years, he took a break for a year and a half and he is now getting back into it. Jim loves every part of fencing. He loves the physical workout, the analysis of the bout, working with other fencers and the camaraderie of the club.
I have been fencing with Jim a few times. I have taken a couple of lessons and I have observed him on the strip (where the fight takes place). Jim fences with such grace, the grace of someone so comfortable and so full from the experience that he is a beautiful fencer.
On Sunday there was a fencing tournament at the Milwaukee Sport Fencing Academy. Jim fenced and I watched for a little while. Jim was ranked about middle of the pack. He won the bouts he expected to and lost the bouts he thought he would. The best part of the tournament for both of us was watching Brian, an 8th grader.
Jim and Brian fence at the same club. They are becoming good friends. In Brian’s first fight in the direct elimination round he faced an opponent twice his size. Brian was the better fencer; however he appeared to be a little intimidated. Quickly, the score difference stretched out to 5-1, not in Brian’s favor. Jim began to encourage him, “Finish your attack Brian.”, “Nice touch!” Brian’s parent’s noticed and came over to us; they added their voices to the encouragement. Soon the whole club was focused on this bout and encouraged both fencers. Brian squeaked out ahead to take the match.
Fencing has been described as physical chess. It takes speed, stamina and cunning. Being fast on your feet is only the beginning. A fencer must analyze defensively and act aggressively in equal measure; when this occurs, grace happens.
Milwaukee has a vibrant fencing community. Joe Biebel offers both adult and children’s classes at the Milwaukee Sport Fencing Academy. Joe’s club is located at 247 S Water Street in the Third Ward. You can check it out at www.milwaukeesportfencing.com
