Out & About and Video: Fencing -- Become a suburban swashbuckler with fencing

DO IT
Sword fighting looks effortless in the movies. But if you knew what move your opponent was going to make with every swish of his or her sword, then yeah — it would be easy.

Take a step out of fiction and become a suburban swashbuckler with a lesson in true-to-form fencing.

Tracy Lapshin of Lombard teaches fencing with her husband, Vladimir, who trained 13 years under Soviet Fencing Instruction. The duo provides a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for fencers of all ages through their Fencing Sports Club.

“I didn’t think it could be physical exercise,” Lapshin says of her initial reaction to the sport, but “it’s a good workout.” Not only does it strengthen the arms and legs, it also builds coordination, stamina and agility.

“It’s absolutely fun and interesting, and (the sport) is always wanting you to improve,” she says.

WHAT YOU NEED
Lapshin says there are three types of swords used in the sport: the foil, epee and sabre. Each sword varies in its blade and guard of the weapon, but they all have a blunt point for safe sword fighting. “Fencing continues to be one of the safest sports,” Lapshin says.

The goal of fencing is to touch your opponent with the point of the sword, so in regards to safety, fencers wear gloves, a fencing jacket, mask and a plastron under the jacket to protect from penetration.

WHERE TO
Lapshin says many local park districts offer fencing classes. The Lapshins teach beginning and advanced fencing through Lombard, Woodridge, Geneva and Glendale Heights park districts, among others. By going through a park district, fencing equipment is supplied, she says.

“The wonderful thing about fencing is kids, parents ... and grandparents can do it together,” she says. “It’s not an exhausting sport.”

There are also fencing clubs one can join, including the Naperville Fencing Club, West Suburban Fencing Club also in Naperville, and the Illinois Fencers Club in Mount Prospect.

MORE INFO
WHO Fencing Sports Club
PHONE (630) 678-0035
E-MAIL tracylapshin@hotmail.com, tracyepee@hotmail.com
WEB fencingsportsclub.com

ALSO TRY
www.napervillefencingclub.com
www.totheescrime.org/ifc