Get Involved in Fencing

Test your wits and your speed by taking up fencing

Last Updated: July 4, 2012 2:54pm

It's one of the few sports to have featured at every modern Olympic Games...

Fencing will take pride of place at the ExCeL at London 2012, but while it's a sport that makes compelling viewing it's also an exciting sport to take part in.

Challenging both the mind and the body, you'll test your technique and brainpower if you take part in fencing - either as an individual or as part of a team.

And yet according to Sport England figures for 2010-11, only 13,700 participate in the sport at least once a week - a decline on the figures for 2008.

Team GB fencer Alex Crutchett suspects that's because the sport has traditionally been associated with elite society, but with 450 clubs in Britain he says that isn't the case any more.

He told Get Involved: "I guess it's got a reputation of being something that public schools are traditionally offered, but I think you'll find that nowadays most towns and cities have a fencing club.

"People say to me all the time they'd love to take it up, but they don't live near a fencing club.

"You'd be surprised. Just get on the internet and have a look."

Thanks to foam and plastic swords, it's possible to take up the sport at any age and it needn't cost you a fortune either with most clubs offering equipment for use.

So hit the video at the top of the page for advice on the rules and the different types of weapon - as well as the views of former Olympic javelin thrower Steve Backley.

You can also visit the British Fencing Association to find out how you can contact your local club and discover other places where you may be able to participate.