PHOTO
Keeping ancient traditions alive for a new generation is the aim of Salle Angelo Fencing Club.
The club meets weekly at Dunedin North Intermediate and has members that range in age from 13 to 83.
Club member and organiser Tony Williams said modern competitive fencing used electrical scoring to register contacts on the body.
But the Salle Angelo club harked back to a more classical era of duelling, using an older style of scoring.
A jury of four corner judges and a president stood by to witness each duel, noting when weapons connected.
Williams said three different weapons were used in fencing, the foil, epee and sabre.
The sabre was similar to a duelling sword, while the foil was a practice weapon for duelling.
"With the foil you are aiming for the torso, the sabre you are aiming from the hips up, including the head and the epee you are aiming for everything from the little finger to the middle of the chest," Williams said.
Youngest current member Mikah Machado said he had been training for about two years and enjoyed it.
"You get to stab people."
He also trained with Claymore Swords Club, which used electronic scoring equipment.
- To join the Salle Angelo Fencing Club contact Tony Williams on 021-439-901.
- For a more modern fencing style, Claymore Swords Club has beginners courses for both adults and children. Contact claymoreswordsclub@gmail.com