Fencing in Exeter growing with the Heart of Devon programme

Eight trainees completed a Sabre for Beginners course last week with Heart of Devon Swords Fencing Club. 

"You start with games to build confidence, tactics and control - your swordplay has to be swift yet safe," explained Jason Ball, who is a British Fencing registered coach. 

"Our beginners did brilliantly, it was a pleasure to see them become fencers in just five weeks! People came with lots of positive energy and I've been supported by fellow coach Dave and assistant Jamie." 

Fencing is known for its respectful etiquette and artistic agility, a high speed Olympic and Paralympic discipline, scored with computerised kit and video replays. 

Based at Exeter, Heart of Devon Swords Fencing Club caters for a wide range of abilities and ages - from teenage students training for the British Youth Championships or their first Modern Pentathlon - to veteran fencers who have played for decades and enjoy the tactical advantage of experience. 

Starting the sport was easy - beginners simply dressed for a workout and borrowed the protective uniform for the Thursday evening classes held at Alphington Village Hall. 

The club is fundraising for an innovative flat-pack 'SwordSeat' so they can also offer Paralympic seated fencing. www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/swordseats-at-the-heart-of-devon 

Heart of Devon Swords will set dates for the next beginner classes. You can find out more about the club on Instagram or Facebook. Meanwhile, players look ahead to the Devon Sabre Championships.