Fencing — a fun way to stay fit.
8:01pm | All of the posts I write are meant to fit under the intentionally broad umbrella of my “No Destination” thesis; to wit, that no matter where we’re at, we should always be aiming to be better.
It might seem odd, then, that I’m doing a piece that starts out by noting that fencing is one of those things that a lot of people imagine might be fun to try. Most never get the chance because, really, where the hell are you going to go to fence?
Me, I went to a sports camp for a few summers when I was a kid, and I was fortunate enough to take fencing. And you know that part about people imagining fencing would be fun? They’re so right.
So when I saw the press release about Long Beach Shakespeare starting up a class called Theatrical Fencing for Fitness, I thought I might be doing a few people a service by helping to spread the word.
“Offering one of the only places where theatrical sword play is integrated with a workout,” LB Shake says, “Theatrical Fencing for Fitness teaches you how to execute and create engaging fights safely while simultaneously stretching and strengthening some of your core muscles.
“Whether you have fenced before or have never held a sword in your life, this beginning class is designed to give a basic understanding of saber-and-foil fencing and how to dramatize it by allowing the participants to create, learn and perform a fight scene of their own.”
You always wanted to fence, you’re always looking for fun ways to stay fit — so you could certainly do worse than this. Classes are weekly in Bixby Park, 130 Cherry Ave., beginning Saturday, April 2. A class for young adults runs from 9:30 – 11 a.m., and a class for adults runs from 11:15 a.m. – 1 p.m. Those interested in taking the class should meet at the Bixby Bandshell.
Swords are provided, so if you can swing the $20 per session (the press release states: “Bring a friend and your fee will be $10 for that session ONLY.” which I don’t really understand. Does that mean two-for-one? But “purchase five sessions and the sixth is free,” I get), you’re gold.
One potential snag: They only conduct the class if tat least eight people show up. Obviously it’s kind of lame to ask people to come out while they might be coming out for nothing, but you can sign up in advance — and check on the number of fellow fencers who’ve done the same — by e-mailing [email protected].
Look, you can’t spend all your time in front of the computer worrying about Japanese radiation, right? Get outside, get a little sun and exercise and pretend you’re Zorro or Hamlet. It’ll do you good.